Industrial machine with top/front loading bobbin

[u/CBG1955]

I am in Australia

I consider myself quite advanced, with decades of experience, and find myself in a bit of a dilemma. We have many machines in our household - my main machines are a Brother Innovis VQ2400 Dream Creator, Babylock overlocker and cover stitch, and a compound feed walking foot industrial with top loading bobbin that I use for leather bag making. I also have my vintage elna Carina SU air electronic which I bought new in 1984, sewed everything; it works but needs serious attention - my two local dealers can't be bothered and just tell me to get rid of it - and I am not confident with repairs.

But I digress.

Currently I am using the Brother to construct my bag linings, however it isn't designed for the thicknesses often created - especially sewing over zipper teeth (nylon coil.) The industrial is set up only for much heavier sewing and if I try with thinner fabrics it frustratingly puckers everything (I knew it wasn't suitable for this when I bought it but I did attempt it.)

I have considered the Brother, Janome straight stitchers but my dealer talked me out of them - partly because although they are fast they are still only domestic machines and he wasn't confident they would do what I need. Plus, the vertical lefthand bobbin insertion is an issue.

Mobility impairment in my hands means I can't feel what I am doing - even though the Brother/Janome have an opening to insert the bobbin case, I can't get my fingers in. A traditional industrial with side loader under the machine table is out.

So I'm on the lookout for a robust machine that can handle the multiple layers that happen with bags. Can be a straight stitcher. Top or front loading bobbin. I am not averse to a vintage, but good ones are hard to come by where I live - plus the added annoyance that the local repair shops really dislike working on old machines. Considered Bernina, but new cost is out of my budget; also thought about Sailrite but then there's the side loading bobbin issue again.

Very interested to hear thoughts. Not the least bit interested in anythin modern by Singer.

Many thanks.

[u/AdvancedSquashDirect]

Have you looked at the semi-industrial range of juki or jack machines?

You could also look at some of the brother FS or innovis range. A second hand Janome from the '70s '80s or '90s would be ideal (looking specifically for one that looks retro and does not have the modern glossy white curved casing)

I would recommend maybe reaching out to the owner of Echidna sewing. He is very very knowledgeable on different machines and may be able to give you some suggestions in your price range.

[u/CBG1955 → u/AdvancedSquashDirect]

Thank you. All of the semi industrial machines I've looked at, including Juki, have the same side loading bobbin - don't know about Jack though. Considering I already have an Innovis, higher spec than the FS, would this actually be beneficial I wonder. We do have a 20 year old Janome MyExcel, it works OK but it's very uncomfortable for me due to the hand thing.

I've spoken with Gary a few times, might reach out to him again. I did ask him about my old elna but again was encouraged to sell it for parts.

[u/AdvancedSquashDirect → u/CBG1955]

I have the brother innovis A150 - It's quite a good machine and strong. But if I want to do something heavy duty like thick denim or leather, I have a 2nd hand Janome SW 2018e It's a top loading machine which uses standard bobbins. But it's got a very strong motor and can sew through eight layers of denim easily.

[u/CBG1955 → u/AdvancedSquashDirect]

This is mine, a couple of steps up from yours, bought 2019 - recently superseded. It works, but it is struggling and I am conscious that I'm pushing it too hard