I'm Intimidated by this Sewing Machine

We have some sewing projects coming up this year, so we upgraded our sewing game in a big way. This was way too much machine for Bill to handle, so he built a custom adjustment knob to dial things back from 11.
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ
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[@punishedprops]

Great news fellow makers! The extraordinary humans over at Sailrite saw this video and they gave me the rundown on the Maker N motor. We had a great chat about the machine and I'm excited to use it on some upcoming project, so stay tuned.

[@punishedprops]

You can see tons of great sewing videos from Sailrite here on KZbin: www.youtube.com/@SailriteDIY

[@Sir_Makes_a_Lot]

Picked one of these up a year or two ago and had the same speed issue as well at first. Ended up adding the WorkerB power pack and the monster balance wheel a month later. Between the two it can now creep along stitch by stitch while still handling several layers of veg tan leather. Truly an amazing machine!

[@Haakkon]

Got one of these about 3 years ago. Definitely a "buy it for life" item. Feels so solid.

[@punishedprops]

Oh yes, this thing is getting passed down through the generations.

[@KenjiDeSade]

Welp. Officially watched bill polish his knob. On a serious note all of my sewing machine pedals are getting new upgrades now. Thanks for adding to the project list as usual!

[@seekertosecrets]

Funny.

[@punishedprops]

HAA!

[@kemporabbit2116]

I'm a leatherworker and I use a Sailrite leatherwork model for my light work. it is a very similar machine your using but it has a small table with a servo motor that has extreme speed control. For heavy stuff (7/8ths inch of leather) I use a hand driven Tippmann Boss machine. The sailrite will do you well for a long time and their support team are amazing if you run into issues.

[@barnman73]

Excited for you. I have used one for years. If you need a hand, let me know. Leather, stacks of cloth...flexible plexiglass for sails. They have so many technical videos to help. Enjoy.

[@punishedprops]

Right on! =D

[@tench745]

I have this machine, with the monster balance wheel. It slows the machine down and ups the torque. I can creep along easily enough and sew through whatever fits under the presser foot.

[@punishedprops]

Oooooh I like the sound of this monster wheel.

[@Craftlngo]

My sister inherited the Pfaff sowing machine of our mom. the machine is probably sixty years old, weighs a ton but still runs fine.

[@punishedprops]

My mom has an old Singer that I learned on. Same story, build like a tank.

[@CrystalAngel04]

The timing of this impeccable. Just upgraded my 12yo Singer for a semi industrial Juki for similar reasons and holy crap the power difference. Brilliant idea to keep the oomph in check.

[@punishedprops]

Fantastic! You're gonna love that new machine.

[@gairkarohncatarn4527]

Looking forward to all the cosplays that this will be used on, keep up the great work guys!

[@flywingless]

I love Sailrite's KZbin channel, they're super-informative. I really want to buy one of their machines someday cause my poor little Babylock wasn't meant to handle thick fabrics, and I want to be able to sew leather or upholstery fabric without potentially breaking my sewing machine.

[@senselessinductor7921]

I'm Super Jealy!!!!! These are the kinds of machines I love to want, but cannot in a million years convince myself to buy for a shop that does so little sewing type work. (metals, composites, and woods almost entirely) I've got a few Singer 66's, and so I'll probably just hotrod the Frick out of one of them... Though that does omit the possibility of more complicated stitch types... Which should be a problem if considered in the design.

[@Standbackforscience]

I need this machine in my life.

[@punishedprops]

It's worth it's weight in iron. =D

[@y0uRF4t3]

If you put your whole foot, including most of the heel on the pedal you have a lot finer control than if you just press it with your toes or the ball of your foot. I learned sewing on industrial machines by Juki and Pfaff, with those you have to be really gentle with the pedal, the seamstresses there suggested that.

[@punishedprops]

Awesome tip, thanks for sharing!

[@theunemployedpropguy3188]

I’ve had mine for about two years now I upgraded to the monster balance wheel, and and worker B motor. It makes all the difference in the world with speed control. I posted a few videos about it on my KZbin page but I need to do a new one now that I’ve been working with it for a while I do wish I bought the LSZ not the LS but it’s all good.

[@MDigitalProductions]

Always a hood day to see Bill upload a new video. I would love to see more sewing videos 😁

[@punishedprops]

We definitely have some in the pipe.

[@ambsquared]

I didn’t think it was that fast. My Singer Heavy Duty will go up to 1100 stitches per minute. I don’t have a good sewing table, so when I gun it, the whole table shakes. When I worked in industrial embroidery, those machines could be intimidating. We ran them between 600-700 stitches per minute. If you reached in to grab a loose thread, as people sometimes did to keep it from being sewed into the design, and you got a finger under the presser foot, that needle was going through your finger. I only saw the aftermath a couple days after one dude’s accident, but he brought in a copy of the x-ray with that needle piercing through the bone at the fingertip. Gotta have some healthy respect for a needle that can pierce through the hem on jeans easily.

[@punishedprops]

My grandfather sewed his finger in a machine once and I've been pretty gun-shy ever since.

[@lilithcal]

Some twenty+ years ago I was making a Xena costume with real leather. I had my grandmother’s old cast iron sewing machine and it managed to punch through three layers of leather with some effort. It wasn’t until much later I learned that there was a special needle I should have been using for leather.

[@Ragnarok043]

suggestion, use one of those plug in dimmers to be able to fine tune the speed on the fly

[@punishedprops]

Ooh I like that!

[@blizatrex]

A pretty sweet machine. I could see this modification being useful for a Fordom rotary tool also.

[@punishedprops]

I actually did something very similar to my Foredom a couple years ago!

[@birwin]

Congrats on the sailrite. They’re amazing but take a little getting used to. Ive found I always have to hold the loose thread taught when starting a stitch until I get a couple backstitches in place or I’ll get bunching under the workpiece. Other than that these are dirt simple and last years.

[@punishedprops]

That's a good tip, thanks for sharing!

[@coalrob]

I HIGHLY recommend the worker-b attachment! It gives you super fine control of the speed to the point it’s individual stitches at a time all the way up to ludicrous speed.

[@punishedprops]

I'll have to take a peek at that thing.

[@Varadiio]

I was going to suggest a sturdier device to put the potentiometer into, like a broken old guitar volume pedal, but I see that the system's total power depends on that potentiometer, and that workerB attachment keeps foot control to full power at any speed, and the max speed is modulated instead by knob on the machine. Variable speed with max power could still be done with pedals, but the basic method as shown in the vid is not ideal. Still, it seemed fine for the purpose at hand, assuming "lugging it" with low power isn't damaging to the machine. At minimum I would recommend melting a threaded insert or nut into the plastic housing, and a tab of sheet metal at the bottom of travel. Threaded plastic won't resist even a fraction of the force of a human leg, and keep in mind that if the thread fails, the machine will unexpectedly jump in speed. More forgiving than a lathe, but still dangerous if not respected.

[@cas_designs]

My first thought would have been to either change the taper (linear, log, or reverse log) or value of the potentiometer, but the mechanical solution is much easier. Especially given the slide/fader pot doesn’t usually have as many options as a rotary pot.

[@jeffjohnson6763]

Always a maker, lol- I love that 3/4 of the video is a side quest to make a custom knob for the machine. Don’t ever stop being you.

[@punishedprops]

Ha! You got it! =)

[@SkyFlakes9504]

that was a really cool lathe segment, I wish I had the tools and knew how to use them like you do

[@punishedprops]

This is the "mini" lathe and it's a great machine to get started on.

[@3nertia]

It kills me that sewing machines this heavy use one handle on top instead of two side handles >_

[@NGinuity]

The cool thing about Sailrite is they have a really responsive internet presence and are very active with their customer base online for feedback like that. It's not uncommon for me to get a reply to an email from Eric Grant.

[@punishedprops]

I agree, two side handles would be preferred. I don't know who's out there one-handing their Sailrite kit.

[@Morberis]

You're just going to have people falling over forward then! Put them in a wheeled cart like luggage. /J

[@NGinuity]

@@Morberis I know it's just sarcasm but it's a valid complaint though. That case is a lot heavier than guitar amplifiers I've picked up in roadie boxes three times that size. I can see someone tweaking and throwing their back out from trying to walk with a gait was and at least 50 pounds hanging off of one hand to their side. It's very awkward to load in my truck even.

[@3nertia]

@@Morberis It's almost like no one actually tests their designs anymore :/

[@matthewkapala9243]

That's a simple but clever usability mod, nice work. I'm looking forward to seeing what sewing projects y'all have planned!

[@edm00se]

Nice upgrade!

[@punishedprops]

Thanks!

[@barnabyshearer6744]

The should be a speed control dial so you can still use the fully control of the footpedal at much much slower maxium speed.

[@punishedprops]

I guess they have a different motor for this machine that will do that.

[@woodturner1954]

Bought mine 20 years ago when I was making sails for small sailboats and Hobie Cats. Have used it extensive to repair camping equipment, chairs etc. Curtains and cushions for a RV. Still running strong.

[@punishedprops]

That's fantastic to hear!

[@lqqkout8214]

Great mod! I love my sailrite machine and it's been a workhorse! I'm excited to do this myself and will keep my eyes open to see if Adam has a knob on his machine next time it's on camera!

[@Bespelled22]

I have a foot feed peddle on my rotary tool. In order to make it easier to control the speed I placed a piece of fairly dense foam inside of it. It not only made it easier to make small adjustments, it also made it easy to maintain a consistent speed

[@punishedprops]

That's a really great idea!

[@capnskustomworks]

What a beautiful machine, I totally want one!!! I love the knob, it suits the style very nicely!

[@punishedprops]

Thank you!

[@TheRealAlpha2]

You vs. The sowing machine she told you not to worry about. That thing's a beast.

[@JDLeeArt]

Sailrite is a great company. Their machines are rock solid and they don't mind answering the phone or an email.

[@punishedprops]

They must have seen my video because they already emailed me!

[@NGinuity]

I've been using that machine for about 8 years now and have made several small upgrades along the way, the last being the Worker B motor. This one is much more versatile and is my favorite. The speed control you came up with is equivalent to the Worker B dial out of the box. It's also a DC motor and much quieter.

[@punishedprops]

Oh neat! I'll have to check out that motor.

[@NGinuity]

@@punishedpropsIt's 50 bucks off right now if you're at all interested... lol

[@prestongoff]

Welcome to the club Bill! I see others mentioning the worker-b motor and I totally agree it’s worth it for the speed control. I’d also love to see you use your design and 3D printing skills in making a stitch length panel that locks the lever into specific length settings instead of the bolt they use to restrict the lever.

[@punishedprops]

These are all great ideas!

[@danthemakerman]

Nice!!

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

The speed control thing was so cool! I taped a lego to the bottom so it wouldnt go down all the way😅

[@punishedprops]

Such a simple solution, I love it!

[@Broadshore]

That is RAD!!! PPA you got a Sailrite!

[@punishedprops]

We sure did!

[@justincosplay]

cant wait to see what you make with this!!! i'm hoping for a puffy shirt made from burlap !

[@punishedprops]

HA! I wouldn't hold your breath.

[@dustinbeck3573]

Okay, this is a really cool idea for an speed limiter I want for my sewing machine; it’s just a shame that it came at the cost of posting self-incriminating evidence of warranty voiding 😅

[@johncrea9395]

If the base of the footswitch is plastic like the footplate, would suggest putting a thing piece of metal where the end of the screw meets the plastic to prevent any possible long term wear. Personally would probable steal a feeler gauge leaf for this use. Hard, smooth, inexpensive. Attach however you want, CA glue

[@punishedprops]

I like that idea!

[@shawnkiernan]

Please more sewing videos even a tutorial or 2 on body or under suits

[@garthhowe297]

Did I just watch a video about a sewing machine? And I enjoyed it! Lol

[@punishedprops]

Thank you!

[@eross21]

don’t be scared. this machine is amazing. I have the sister model to this machine.but does not have the zig zag function. it will sew through anything! and it very cool that you can sew even without power. pretty awesome i hope you enjoy. let me know if you have any questions. happy to help.

[@punishedprops]

I'm looking forward to all the new stuff I can make with this machine.

[@Icedogg03]

Yeah love my LS!

[@withoutatrigger]

You could fix the whole and make the adjustment screw sturdier by making a 3d-printed part with a captured steel nut that the screw would tread into instead of the plastic of the pedal. While you're at it you add vertical grooves to the bottom part of the knob and a springy tab on the new part in such a way that the tab clicks in the grooves when you turn the knob. This would prevent the knob from loosening due to vibration and make a satisfying sound when you adjust the maximum speed.

[@punishedprops]

That's a really great idea!

[@myricaria]

Goosebumps!!! :-)

[@markfergerson2145]

That monster runs so fast because it’s intended for making very long stitches in sails. Keeping up with it is just a matter of practice. I’d suggest you reinforce the threaded hole with a brass or steel insert, backed up with some extra plastic. Over time those threads may be stripped out. I’m a little concerned with running the motor at such a low speed for long periods under load. That can do awkward things to the bearings, fail to keep lubricants where they should be, and overstress the motor. Also, if there’s an internal fan to flush heat away from the motors, it may not be moving enough air quickly enough. Other than that I think you’ll be very happy with your new superpower of being able to work with much heavier fabrics and leather.

[@punishedprops]

Thanks for all the great information!

[@bottlecaps2741]

Good thing about having such a large knob... is that you could adjust it with your shoe.

[@punishedprops]

I hadn't thought of that!

[@trickinum1006]

I know the making of the thing was the point, but if someone was less hardware inclined, I wonder if something like an AC Motor Variable Speed Controller (that you just plug the machine into) would perform the same function. If so at least you wouldn't have to worry about doing something that would noticeably bring your warranty into question.

[@punishedprops]

I wonder if that would work.

[@Steph_Manzuris]

Love the @TockCustom sticker on the old Janome.

[@punishedprops]

Right on! =D

[@peterwassink]

You overengineered a really very nice knob that doesn't really do the job of giving you greater speed control.

[@net343]

Will you guys ever make the magshot railgun revolver?

[@punishedprops]

I don't think so.

[@VariablePenguin]

It's crazy to me that such a sturdy looking sewing machine would have such a dinky lightweight pedal. It looks just like the one i have on my Jenome machine.

[@punishedprops]

I feel like sewing machine companies have been using the same pedal for decades.

[@Nicoya]

@@punishedprops It is, quite literally, the same pedal and motor that's appeared in sewing machines as far back as the 1950s. Or at least slightly upgraded versions of it. That chunky 3-pin connector has appeared on so many sewing machine models that it's almost impossible to count them up.

[@Icedogg03]

Dude I've got the red LS version. Do yourself a favor and look into the workerb upgrade. So much control.

[@punishedprops]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@barnman73]

PS...great you are doing this but they sell the servo motor mounted double down slow. Just fyi

[@punishedprops]

Yeah I saw that, but I wanted to solve this problem for free with what I had on hand.

[@GoingApeCostume]

That is possibly the sexiest sewing machine ever.

[@punishedprops]

Isn't it??

[@gibberishname]

do bigo old sewing machines like that have GEARS? or BELTS, like a bandsaw? it seems like somehting with that crazy power should be able to have a "high torque, low power" mode for different materials

[@punishedprops]

For low speed and high torque, you can run the machine by hand.

[@kendingsor]

If this machine sees medium to heavy use, make sure you are lubing it between every use or even mid session for a long session. If lacking lubrication it can wear in a way that basically ruins the machine. A good friend of mine has worn out 2 using them to run his business. Great machines but they need that lube!

[@punishedprops]

Always lube. Got it!

[@Justrex01]

Never thought I'd be intimidated by a sewing machine, but I think that monster would do it. Just make sure you keep your lips off of it at all times!

[@punishedprops]

I make no promises!

[@ThisOldChris]

I would prefer an electronic mod where you can keep the full pedal travel for greater control.

[@isaacgraphics1416]

This was my first thought too. You could just put another variable resistor in series with the stock one

[@RonThompson]

i had a Saillrite but was disappointed by how the Feed Dog top and bottom marred the material especially leather. I saw on your demo it marred yours also. I sold mine and got a old industrial Singer 31-15 Treadle machine for half the price and alot better imo

[@Nicoya]

Smooth feet are available for walking foot sewing machines, including the sailrites, and in combination with correctly adjusting the presser foot pressure they shouldn't leave any marks on leather or similarly impressionable materials.

[@RonThompson]

@@Nicoya I looked into feet and feed dogs for Sailrite they are expensive $49 a set. And only available from them. When you can get singer 31-15 needle plate feed dogs and tons of feet ALOT cheaper of eBay. Jmo

[@Nicoya]

@@RonThompson No disagreement there, there's definitely more affordable machines out there.

[@joeschmoe76]

Why not put a real potentiometer closer to the machine so you can adjust the speed as you get more comfortable?

[@punishedprops]

That's a great idea, but I don't have those components on hand.

[@georgehayes486]

Think you can limit speed with software

[@michaelcain2174]

I may be wrong and I probably am as I know nothing of sewing machine but could you not have just put a much stiffer spring in the foot pedal creating way more resistance?

[@punishedprops]

That's also a really great idea!

[@jimadiah]

You'd figure that for a high end machine and such a simple modification, that would be standard

[@crinolinegremlin]

I can't sew with shoes on because I don't feel like I have enough control over the foot pedal and oh boy do I miss the speed of industrial machines. Just remember, keep your fingers on the fabric and you won't sew through your hand

[@punishedprops]

That's a good tip!

[@George1791-]

Measure once cut twice.

[@aprilblackregentart6647]

I have a regular Brother machine and I’m learning. But when I accidentally tap the pedal too hard it scares me lol

[@punishedprops]

I'm with you!

[@larryu3727]

The knob looks great, but, does brass shaving count as glitter? 😂

[@punishedprops]

Yes, probably.

[@linkdelodela]

I'm so sad i can't find a reseller in europe

[@punishedprops]

Bummer. =(

[@TheBigburcie]

That's just a meaty machine. I'm looking for a new sewing machine to replace the $10 used Singer Simple that jams every 2 minutes, but this might be overkill. I do a little leather work so it would be nice if the new one would handle that, but I'm assuming this is a bit out of my current budget.

[@punishedprops]

It's a bit of a jump up in price, especially new, but I bet you can find some good leather/industrial sewing machines used for a fair price.

[@billbucktube]

Sailrite!? Hmmm…

[@rivards1]

Wouldn't it have been better to just put in a much heftier spring so you could still get to full power but you'd really have to stomp down? As is, one day you'll find your power too restricted, then you'll have to stop sewing crawl under the desk, and fiddle with the knob.

[@punishedprops]

That's a really great idea!

[@deathdealer3192]

every sewing machine has a speed switch for the pedal. but ok

[@seekertosecrets]

10:49 That's full speed? That's a little underwhelming.

[@punishedprops]

HA! Right?? It was a lot more intimidating when my fingers were closer to the needle.

[@mikekollross8810]

Every sewing machine is a compramise. No one machine will do everything (well) If it sews light weight fabric then it wont sew heavy fabric (well) and vise versa If its portable, it doesnt handle large projects (well) I have a sewing business that focuses on heavy bags and repairs. I have 4 machines and could probably use a couple more

[@punishedprops]

That's awesome! I'm sure I'll end up with several more machines in my shop too.

[@theexchipmunk]

"...this thing goes!" *Laughths in 60`s industrial sewing machine that has a modern high power servo-motor attatched to it But on a more serious note, the Sailrite can definitely be intimidating if not used to it. But all things considered it´s still very approachable and comparatively harmelss if you treat it right. At least it won`t suck in your workpiece at loudicrous speed, fast enough to shoot it out the other side if you mess around. If you are unlucky also pull your fingers in with it and stitch them to your workpiece through the bone like the monstrousety I have build. xD

[@punishedprops]

Sewing my fingers is definitely a concern.

[@SlytherinReviews]

don't be intimidated by something new