advice on getting into pack making/sewing

[Couloirman]

I broke my leg skiing pretty recently and am laid up for a while longer-- perfect time to take on new hobbies!

I have always wanted to make my own custom bikepacking bags but have no idea how to sew. I want to buy a new sewing machine and start learning. I am of the "buy once and buy right" mentality so I just want to get a sewing machine that will work well for all types of bikepack bag making, and that I will never outgrow. What's a good sewing machine for this purpose? Any advice for a newbie getting into pack making? I realize there is a significant learning curve, I will suck real bad for a while, and won't make any good packs for a long time. I am fine with that, I just want to get started practicing while I have all the time in the world and just see where this hobby goes.

Here were a couple machines I had my eye on, but I am open to any/all suggestions on what to get.

Singer 4432: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWXZQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VWXZQ0&linkCode=as2&tag=grandmalikestosew-20&linkId=ZA5UY66AEODRJKDN

Janome HD3000: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00916Y4YM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00916Y4YM&linkCode=as2&tag=grandmalikestosew-20&linkId=XLURUKXEJ3CRL6UY



Thanks


EDIT: Whoops, I now see there is a DIY forum. I never looked that far down the page before hahaha. Feel free to disregard this thread while I peruse the other forum.

[12wheels]

Either of the two will be ok but have you considered a vintage machine?  The older machines from the 1960's and earlier used all metal gears, are easy to maintain, and have enough power to handle the fabrics and thread you will use making bikepacking gear.  Modern machines are made with plastic parts which will wear out especially if you work with heavier outdoor fabrics and webbing. You don't need all the stitch patterns they come with and can get by with a straight stitch machine or one with zigzag capabilities which will allow you to bartack.   The old straight stitch Singers like the model 15's, 201, and 66 are easy to find, restore, and parts are available if needed. The Singer 401, 403, 501, and 503's are all metal machines with zigzag which show up often on Craigslist.  There are lots of other quality machines from european manufacturers too....  Necchi, Pfaff, Viking Husqvarna, Elna, Bernina, etc.  You can search the net and find info on the various models that you spot.  Read the reviews before buying.

Backpackinglight.com and hammockforums.net have quite a few posts on machines and gear making.  This guys videos and threads are quite useful and worth checking out.  http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19006

I spent most of the last 3 months on crutches and it sucked.  I hope your leg heals quickly.

[Couloirman]

Thanks man! Sorry for posting in the wrong forum haha, silly newbie!

I found 2 really good deals for vintage singers. I can get a fully refurbished, rebuilt, great shape, and 100% rewired Singer Rocketeer 503, and a 201-2 both for pretty cheap. Any reason to choose one over the other? Do I need more than just straight stitch from a 201-2 to be a good gear maker? Seems like the 503 is the more versatile of the 2, but the looks of the 201-2 machine can't really be beat I would get both but I live with my girlfriend and she would not be pleased with 2 big new pieces of equipment I don't even know how to use yet entering my office hahaha.


THanks for the vibes on the leg. I got a spiral tib/fib with a posterior malleolus fracture of the ankle as well. Most people can be full weight bearing days-weeks after a tibial nail surgery but I have to be non-weight bearing for 3 full months due to the ankle fracture. No AZTR, CTR, HTR, HLC for me this year, but I will be all healed up in time to start residency in June so at least there is that...

[12wheels]

Two classics.  Get the Rocketeer if it comes with the cams.  Both are great machines but the Rocketeer is a zigzag machine which will allow you to bartack.  The motor on the 503 is stronger as well and will handles multiple layers of heavier fabric and webbing better.  

[Couloirman]

Thanks! I think i will end up with either the Rocketeer, or I might get the 201-2 and also pick up a walking foot Sailrite LSZ (also good local pickup price). Although I probably don't need the vintage machine if I go with the Sailrite, I feel like the 201-2 will have an easier learning curve to it just because there are less things going on with the machine overall and I can see myself not wanting the walking foot on all the time.

[Adam Alphabet]

I got a LSZ-1 after I beat on my first hand me down machine. It's good, a few annoyances but good enough for a hobbyist like myself.

My main annoyance comes when doing fake bar tacks. The forward/reverse and stitch length are all on the same slider, not notched so it's very difficult to line up the holes for the forward and reverse zigzag stitch length to minimize perforations. I'm sure there's a hack out there to notch the slider so it has even steps but I'm not that overly concerned. I've marked the body of my machine with sharpie where to move the slider for certain types of stitch. With some trial and error this works fine.

Also it's a pretty burly machine, really good for cordura's, x-pacs, webbing, hook/loop most typical bikepacking materials one would use. Doing ultra light stuff like pertex's and 0.33oz cuben takes some messing with the presser foot tension and obviously the thread tension. It works, but it's like using a fat bike to go mountain biking...overkill (or maybe that's just my opinion ) I'd like a real simple light duty straight stitch machine for super light stuff like bivys, garments, tarps, etc. The LSZ-1 works just fine though. I'm happy with mine.   

[12wheels]

The  Sailrite is a very good machine and a great choice for bags and packs.  The Singers will handle lighter fabrics like silnylon, lightweight nylon, cuben, etc with less fuss so pick one up if you want to makes tarps, quilts, or clothing.  201's are classic machines and really well made but quit old.  Ask the seller if it has been rewired before purchasing.  If it hasn't you can do it yourself but it's time consuming.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-re-wire-potted-motor-part-1-wire.html

[Couloirman]

Sweet thanks for that link it was really helpful! I'm only considering machines that have already been fully rewired but I recently got into tube amp building for guitars so am pretty handy with a soldering iron myself. The 201 seller backed out so looks like a Rocketeer is in my near future...

[harryonaspot]

Hi.  I have a Sailrite machine if you are still looking. Try me at hdmsmz@gmail.com
Harry

[Farawayvisions]

I have a vintage Singer sewing machine that I got free on a recycling website. I only do a little bit of sewing these days, so no point in spending huge amounts of money unless you're planning on going commercial. I managed to make the frame bag with it. Some instructions too.
http://www.farawayvisions.com/diy-frame-bag-curved-top-tube/
Good luck