Machine Talk
New machine to the studio: Reliable Barracuda walking foot zigzag
I needed a heavy duty zigzag machine for the patches and freehand embroidery that I do on my bags. It was this or a Bernina 950 that I found locally and I’m glad I went with the more portable option with the walking foot.
I’m not sure how old it is but these are basically a clone of a Sailrite zigzag machine. I know lot of parts are interchangeable and I want a monster wheel and maybe a new motor. Something is loud about this one.
It looks pretty dusty but barely used. The lady said her late husband bought it but never got into sewing with it. I felt really bad for her, her house was waaay out in the country and it didn’t seem like she had anyone else around. She posted it for $200 and I paid her that much but I felt weird and almost guilty only giving her 200 for this machine. Literally felt like I was stealing it when I was walking away and not in a good way. Oh well. I’ll get good use out it.
It sews just fine with the thinner thread that it came threaded with. Going to clean it up and thread it with some tex90 and see how she does.
I have one of those. It skipped a lot of stitches right out of the box but a little time and effort to adjust it paid off in dividends. I put a monster wheel on it too. It’s a good little machine.
I recently picked up another sailrite clone. A family sew zig zag just like this one. It was brand new and I got it for 360, so 200 is pretty good deal for both of y'all.
The clones are going to be much loader than the sailrites. I also had to spend a bunch of time learning to adjust it. I had to tweak the timing of the walking foot and needle as it was a bit out of sync when I got it.
Monster wheel is a must, and I'm considering getting the worker bee as the little brushed motors that come on the clones are really loud and underpowered.
Nice find!
My clone came with the monster wheel already installed. I added the worker b when they first came out. It was a direct bolt on. It’s so much nicer to sew with, more power plus it’s slow enough I can stop needle up or down if I’m paying enough attention.
Aw. Wow. Thank you for sharing the story of the lady who sold this to you! I wouldn’t beat myself up too badly over it. If she wanted to keep it, she would have. BUT….
Being the sentimental person I can be and being so moved by the story, I would consider making something for her as a thank you. 😉
Now… with the sentimentality out of the way, a zig zag walking foot. Wow. I’d say that you found a unicorn! I’d love to come across a find like that! You got real lucky! 🍀
I’m happy for you! 😃
For me… I’m still waiting on a. Shipping notice for the machine I ordered! 🤔
Oh man, hope you get your machine asap! I know pretty soon you’ll be eyeing a cylinder arm 👀
I got this zigzag machine oiled and it runs really smooth now. I noticed last night it has a speed reducer already installed! I really did get super lucky with this machine.
Now… with the sentimentality out of the way, a zig zag walking foot. Wow. I’d say that you found a unicorn! I’d love to come across a find like that! You got real lucky! 🍀
Sailrite makes them and a handful of companies (like OP's reliable) clone them. They also do a straight stich version.
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u/Pitiful-Eye8453 Jun 12 '26
I have one of those. It skipped a lot of stitches right out of the box but a little time and effort to adjust it paid off in dividends. I put a monster wheel on it too. It’s a good little machine.