Should you buy a Sailrite Sewing Machine? Ep.42

[@racheloveck]

Embuggerance: noun. A word I've never heard before, but suddenly can't imagine how I've ever lived without!

[@JeremyHolovacs]

It looks like Sailrite took your criticisms to heart. The new deluxe version of the LSZ-1 looks like it has the single plug for the light at least.

[@sallesekulic]

Yes they did.

[@sailingrubyrose]

Good news.

[@OutdoorsmenLee]

Finally found a good review on this machine. Thank you! Little things make a big difference. It's too bad that light isn't a battery recharble LED light. I had a singer 4452 and broke it on the second day sewing through webbing. Now I want a Sailrite but the price is high. You should also add that the price could drop an extra $200. All you're paying for is a strong machine with no accessories. EDIT: Looks like they fixed the light issue. Now there is a plug in the back of the machine. NICE! Now it's even more tempting to get one. Isn't it crazy that one little adjusment can turn a persons decision around? Decisions, decisions.

[@andrewballantine]

Nick, don't apologise, you are right on about the light. I have never seen a sewing machine that did not have a built in light. Heavens, my grandmother Singer, which we still use, has a built in light. Excellent review. Thanks.

[@razzorbladz]

the singer I have on my boat has no light but it was made in 1896 LOL

[@servantofgod5642]

My SK2B never had a light, i could name you dozens of industrial machines without lights.

[@Первыйретракторный]

@@servantofgod5642 probably the majority of industrial sewing machines don't have built in lights.

[@jimfromri]

Nick, you are the only person I know that can casually use the phrase “sentient being” (in reference to the sewing machine) and not have it sound pretentious. Most of the folks I’ve met from the UK have a richer vocabulary compared to Americans but even so your vocabulary is impressive. Well done. Oh, and thank you for the useful sewing machine review.

[@billb2176]

Have owned an LZ1 (Sailrite) for a couple of years with a few boats in the family (and even designed sports seats for a Ford Focus a while back!!!) You totally nailed the review :-)))) Hopeful that Sailrite heeds your comment about version 1.1 because the suggestions are well made, with essentially small changes and disproportionate benefit. Great video, as always. BB

[@paulza9068]

You are so cute with your sowing. On a more serious note your hand work is great and you impressed the wife and I am sure all your fans so much. Great work mate. Wish I was that handy sowing. As always love you two, and your videos, two real people, lots of love from both.

[@alchik1]

Wow, I actually watched a guy do a review of a sewing machine! ;-) Considering the subject matter, you did a great job Nick! Fair winds!

[@alchik1]

After this, I'm beginning to think so! Ha ha!

[@alchik1]

Ha ha ha! Seems so after this! All kidding aside, it was very informative and a must for any cruiser!

[@grittykitty50]

Thanks for an honest comprehensive review. I stumbled onto the Sailrite machine through a KZbin rabbit hole and have been considering one ever since. Thank you for noting that for sewing clothing, a conventional machine is better. If I purchased a Sailrite, it would be for canvas, denim, and other heavy fabrics used in an industrial setting. Love your accent and your wit.

[@Szinbad]

Solid review. I understand exactly what you are saying and as one who loves design I totally agree. I do rather wonder if one of the older, tougher singer type machines might not have the grunt that is required for canvas work, but I do love the walking foot here. Nice kit. Have to say that Sailrites 'how to' videos are very generous - as opposed to the people who wanted 500 quid for a pdf. Thank you

[@jamieminton172]

I loved this episode. My mother taught me how to cook, clean, knit, crotchet, and among other things... How to sew! My step-father taught me upholstery and mechanics. For the "Manly MEN" out there.... Making shit with your own two hands is the ultimate in "CAN DO SPIRIT"! My mother and I have traded machines several times over the years and I am now in position of my step-fathers' … Marlin Spike knows no gender!

[@andre1987eph]

I have a sewing machine. i told my buddy he needs one, and he thought i was challenging his manhood. 🤔

[@40mick]

Dude- You're a natural. Nice job!!!!

[@svnelliejowestsail3222]

Our sail rite was one of the first things we bought for our sailboat SV Nellie Jo. We love it and it travels with us everywhere on the boat. We have used it for installing luff tape on our two head sails and the sacrificial cloth. We made sail covers and others things. Again we loves ours and they are built tough! Thanks for the videos!

[@diverbob8]

Nice job Nick! As guy who has spent plenty of time with a sewing machine, and watching you as you went along, I came pretty much to the same conclusions as you have here. Very nice review and hopefully Sailrite will take the information in the productive light that it was intended and clean up their issues. Happy New Years and for your resolution in the new year, go easy on your lady as she is a real prize. (FYI: I'm older than you and I've been married twice)

[@dawnbowie352]

Been considering a purchase of this unit, and very much appreciate the honesty and candor of your review. Every concern you made sounds quite logical. Hope the design team at Sailrite considers making these updates you suggested, as they affect consumer purchase decisions. May the winds and seas favor your journeys.

[@sailingrubyrose]

Thankyou Dawn, glad you found it useful 😊

[@kathleengreenen3879]

I have the same issue about the portable light with the Sailrite. Love the machine I have done lots of cushions, sail covers, and a dodger, etc with it. Works wonderfully.

[@floridasaltlife]

I have had the LSZ1 since 2006, I bought the basic kit and it was a couple hundred dollars cheaper back them and I was also restiching zippers. Paid for my machine the first time I used it !! Still using it today and I believe the new ones are better these days, many upgrades... Good and fair review.

[@WillN2Go1]

As another all thumbs guy who bought a sewing machine I absolutely agree with everything Nick says. I love tools. For years I tried coming up with some excuse to buy a sewing machine. Finally: camping gear! I'll make the perfect rain fly, etc... I got a Janome (do not buy Janome on Amazon, it was out of whack when I got it, but I didn't know enough to know this. The life time warranty? "Where did you buy it?" "From the 'Janome' store on Amazon." "We've never sold on Amazon -byeeeee.... " The machine I'd purchased on Amazon $320 cost $200 to fix. A lot of the bigger ticket items on Amazon are surplus junk being unloaded by the company or all the unscrupulous sellers with multiple names they tolerate. I did make the rainfly, camped all over the UK and Ireland with it, loved it - loved making it. The stitching however would scare bears away. No bears over there, but I heard some foxes and I'm pretty sure they were snickering. Now with the machine fixed, 'this isn't so difficult'. As a thank you for being invited to go sailing I whipped up a set of webbing leg straps for my host's Mustang vest. You can indeed sew webbing on a regular sewing machine (You're actually inserting the threads between the threads on the webbing) works great. But there is a reason for the SailRite. I think a complicated Bimini would be a lot of fun to make. I'd break it down into triangles (even the big rectilinear panels- you just wouldn't cut them out). Make the first one out of rip stop nylon (cheap, lightweight, you could still use it) And then based on it make the deluxe Sunbrella one. You get competent fast, but pretty... that takes a bit longer. There are so many step by step videos on KZbin. If guests are looking at the stitches on you Bimini there's something wrong with your boat. Pillows? Pillows are so easy, they're often the starter project, even the zippers. And Sailrite has a terrific website and brilliant videos. Someday I'll make up a reason to buy the machine. Maybe when they get the light fixed.

[@taillamp1963]

Your evaluation of the Sailrite LSZ-1 machine and accessories is spot on. I used that same machine to redo all the vinyl upholstery in my boat and found that it could sew right though anything I put to it. I agree that the light seemed like an after thought and that having to find another plug for the light is annoying. And yes that thing is heavy! I would certainly recommend the LSZ-1 to anyone that's looking for a portable sewing machine that can handle any canvas project.

[@andre1987eph]

Wow, you (or your partner) has some good skills to make that bimini enclosure by hand! I want to be like you. 👍

[@bill4nier]

Hi Nick, Fair, thoughtful review. Unless companies get any criticism, they rarely make any changes. Hopefully, Sailrite will hear you and implement the changes. After watching last week's video a second time, I realized the machine you where using was from Sailrite. If I can't find a decent secondhand one for sale, will most likely buy a new one from them. Thanks for sharing, the enclosure looks really sharp! Have a Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😍👍👍👍👍👍

[@wirednoodle6082]

Just told a friend I was off hunting otters in pigsties. The look they gave me! LOL Thanks for another great vid!

[@knitterliness]

I appreciate your frank review of the LSZ-1. I have one, I bought it for bagmaking (not a sailor, me!) and have found it to be invaluable. I didn't want to ruin my expensive electronic machine purchased for quilting, by forcing it to sew things too thick for it. I completely agree with your criticism of the accessory light and thread holder. I bought a cast-iron thread holder for $6 on Amazon and use that instead. I would hope that Sailrite take to heart the real need for built-in lighting. Besides the complaint about needing another plug receptacle, the add-on light just seems to get in the way of maneuvering around the machine. LEDs are cheap and bright now, and it should be something Sailrite can do relatively cheaply.

[@David-hm9ic]

Before I bought a Sailrite machine I had the opportunity to try out a friend's identical machine. My first project was to repair a roller furling headsail and re-stitch the sun cover on it. The machine handled it with ease, even at the head, tack and clew patches. It zipped through the leather reinforcements like they weren't there. I purchased one with terrible timing, 3 months before Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of the marina where my boat was kept and my boat was lost. That was in 2005 and both the borrowed and purchased machines were LSZ-1 models. Yours has some features that were optional back then like the heavy flywheel which was an option in 2005. The magnetic guide was not available at that time. I agree the light could be done better. I sold mine to a friend that lives on his boat.

[@ThePartyLifeBrooklyn]

I have an LZ-1, the same Sailrite machine reviewed here. Its really easy to wire the led light into the same terminal block that the motor connects to. It takes about 10 minutes to do and doesn't cost anything - it eliminates the need to a second power plug plug or extension cord. I cut the cord to my led light so its about 18 inches long - you need to strip the wires back a little. Unplug the power cable to the machine and unscrew the terminal block. There are four terminals, from top to bottom: ground, adjusted hot from the foot pedal, neutral, and hot from the mains. The motor is connected to the top three terminals. Just attach the hot and neutral wire from the led lamp to the neutral and hot from mains terminal on the block (3rd and 4th terminals). Reattach the block and you're good.

[@phygital1]

We caught onto you two very early on, and every time we watch your videos we have a lot of fun laughing. You two are authentic!

[@ChristineKrannich]

Watching this in March 2022, mainly because I am considering the Sailrite Fabricator Deluxe. I’ve not done anything nautical but my daughter has a travel trailer that is screaming for some quality upgrades. I also make a varity of travel bags and backpacks. One of my friends is thinking of buying a fixer upper boat that needs all new seat and back cushions, curtains, etc. The amount he was quoted was over $5kUS to do all of it. After researching materials costs, we realized he could buy the machine for me, pay for materials, and still not spend as much. As much as I like my Janome 3160QDC, it is not up to the layers of canvas, leather, or denim I regularly encounter. It’s still a great sewing machine, though, and does a super job on lighter weight fabrics. Sailrite definitely paid attention to the feedback you and other users provided; there is now an outlet on the Ultrafeed machines to plug the light into. The thread holders have also been upgraded. One thing I find interesting about the Fabricator is that it can handle very lightweight fabrics as well as all the layers of heavy materials by changing settings and using different thread. Your video reinforced the notion that no one sewing machine is going to do 100% of the tasks for 100% of the people looking for a machine. Thanks for being blunt and for showing the example with vinyl. I do use vinyl a lot so that was also helpful!

[@arthurpryor773]

she was laughing for the same reasons we all laugh at you..you are just a natural funny person who we enjoy watching and listening to....now minus your very descriptive language....from texas...

[@klouism1]

Your wife has such a happy laugh, you are a lucky man. With that said I am sure you already know that. Thanks for the video. You do nice work with the making of cushions etc.

[@svpearlsailacapegeorgesail4758]

Thanks Nick for the review, I've had a the same Sailrite machine for a few years now, I've done multiple large projects. I agree with you that this machine will sew through almost anything. Also, I agree with you about the light needing a plug on the machine. But, one of my biggest issues is that reverse/forward lever is very clunky, and the seam length setting is on the same lever. This caused inconsistency for me. The other issue is working with large projects is the "throat" area of the machine can limit how you put together a large project. The last issue is it would be nice to have a thread cutter attached to the machine like most sewing machines. But with this all said I would still recommend this machine. And I think Sailrite is a great company supporting their customers with great how to videos.

[@edbalko3082]

Very good point on light I was very lucky I got a later version..my light plugs right into the motor…and I also You made a good point about the thread holder it should be a lot stronger…because this is a really AMAZING PIECE OF MACHINERY …and we so LOVE OURS…JUST GOT OURS THIS SATURDAY…

[@terrymeikle195]

I just bought the same machine to convert my headsail for roller furling and I knew from previous experience neither of my Janomes could handle it. It worked wonderful. Right tool for the job. In your video you were applying binding. With your Sailrite you should have got a binding tool. If you learn how to use it (it’s not hard) your binding will go on perfectly and the finished job looks professional. The whole process is fast and almost fool proof. I agree about the light! Also I wish they had put an integrated thread cutter on the side. Even my old treadle has one. It is a pain to have to keep scissors handy. That’s my rant lol. Otherwise this is a great machine.

[@tvonzweck]

I just bought an old all metal geared 1958 Singer with straight and zigzag for $250, no tax, shipping included. It is going to have to be extremely frustrating to get me to make the jump to a $1500 Sailrite machine (with tax and shipping). Loved the review in a style and manner that only you two can do. Here's to a pig in your eye.

[@AliasJimWirth]

The Sailrite is a workhorse, seems to me. Designed to be used in the way you are using it. It is not for fancy things. It is for the work you are doing. "The right hammer for the right job", as it is said. Fine video; good job.

[@PaulGDowling]

Great video. Mine arrived a few weeks ago. It is the 5th industrial sewing machine I have owned and I absolutely love it. I completely agree with the comment about the plug for the light. I had to go out and buy another power board. With regards to having a light built into it, none of my industrial machines had built in lights, they have the typical draftsman's lamp clamped to the tables. Just had a look at the ultrafeed and seeing how the cover comes off for oiling, not too sure how they would integrate it but it would be awesome if they could. Thoroughly enjoyed the video.

[@timgribble6916]

Absolutely love your videos. Instruction plus entertainment. It’s hard to do both of those things in tandem but you pull it off.

[@chrisverone4199]

That was a good review. I liked that you were up front about the discount. The review was objective and the pro ans cons were informative.

[@javacup912]

My Sailrite LZ-1 has the integrated plug for the light which I got. I actually got the second option after the basic model (I wanted the hard case), and then picked and choose the accessories, though some I thought did not need. I went through almost a year to justify the cost, but knowing I would be doing a lot of canvas work on my boat, and looking at the estimates I got, plus being able to make things I wanted, I took the plunge and bought one. This is because I plan on being on my boat full time in the next couple of years. Great video.

[@karencook4588]

I totally agree about faulty design of the light not being integrated into the machine. My light has already quick working. One other design issue I have is the process of installing the machine into the box. The box as a whole is great but it is quite a challenge to match up the screws and brackets of the box to the machine because of the weight of the machine and now some of the screw holes in the box are starting to strip and weaken . But it is a great powerhouse and worth having on board. Great job with your review! Karen on SV Gabriella.

[@sennabullet]

Awesome and super helpful video. Thank you for making and sharing it. Appreciated the candor...and the humor. Glad that you didn't edit out the the smile inducing exchange following the 'feather in the bow' comment. Looking forward to seeing your tutorials.

[@Ltrebels]

Sailrite must have seen your video, because my new LSZ has a built in light which plugs into the top. Thanks for the video.

[@davef1852]

Nick, my wife and i both agree with your assessment of the sailrite machine quality. We have the red version and really wish we'd bought the one with the zig-zag dtitch capability. And good job to Terysa for her editing/bleeping skills.

[@hersailor]

My wife argues I should "learn to sew yourself." Thanks for giving sewing a masculine flavor. Sewing is serious business on boats. Of course either gender can manage but the machine set up is a bear. Covers are a necessity to wood, varnish and plastics in the tropics. Love your show, working on a boat ourselves and torn between the large and the small vessel for now. Not green to blue water, just analyzation- paralyzation forever in the mention of sailing. Love your personalities and how real you come across. Both of you.

[@sixpotshot]

Right, I have got a Fabricator (straight light stitching which is fine for my needs). Same light issue and agree with your issue - easy to do so much better. But I use a head torch - rechargeable. Maybe it would not work for you but it works even better than their light for me.

[@joaocarlosdalmeida]

I also own the same Sailrite as you and totally agree with your critique, especially the comment about light. You compare it to a old fashion locomotive, I think it sews like a tank...it is a solid, heavy machine but I love it.

[@robertscranton8293]

I have the exact same machine and I agree with ALL of your comments...cheap accessories for sure..plus if you going to sew with that ultra UV tread....you need to modify your thread holder so it can roll off sideways so the fine thread doesn't get all wound up and then jam eventually as it goes through the thread path on the machine. If you use this thread...you'll find out what I mean.

[@UkeOrPuke]

I had no interest in sewing, and have a powerboat...now I want to sew canvas and buy a sailboat. Great job. Very (surprisingly) entertaining . It's cold as hell here in FL and I'm bored too ;)

[@hampurista]

Amen to all your pros and cons 😊

[@svdoinitright7519]

Couldn't agree more with you Nick. We got our Sailrite machine the day of your meet and greet at the Annapolis Boat Show. We were working on our project boat, which needed everything. My wife started with a sail cover, then a sock for the genoa and covers for all of the winches. She has since made the V-berth, settee, and dining table cushions, and has the foam and material ready for the cockpit cushions. The machine has already paid for itself, but as a seamstress, she thinks there is a need for her old machine for lighter clothing work.

[@jammymum]

I’ve wanted one of these for years. It’s a dram Machine. Thanks for doing this, didn’t realise could get these in the Uk. The power of it just looks immense

[@paterson00]

Teresa holding you up while laughing at you is good pay back for her New York review. Both funny.

[@UweBehrendt]

I agree with your review in addition the lack of setup info and the ease of bobbin winding , Yes its a beast but it worked for my sails, all six layers

[@JohnBobRoger]

I have a green coloured "Old Thompson" walking foot machine (Straight Stich only) . Bought it for a song in great shape. The Old Thompson is what Sailrite used to launch their machines. I researched lots and the consensus was that straight stitch is all you'll need. You can repair a sail straight stitch (double it up) because likely you'll want a Pro Sail-maker to fix the sail when you get ashore. I making a stack pack now.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

It’s the best sewing machine I ever had no horns a whistle s Makes easy to learn an sew from the get go . I have made several leather items with it using # 2 an 3 thickness leather it had no problem .yes highly recommend it and have sailed in the past . Awesome👍🏻⛴

[@johnlcallaway]

Thanks for the review. My wife has two janome sewing machines in her sewing room and suggested we buy the janome for the boat. After some research, I came to the same conclusions you did that the janome is great for boat sewing. I appreciated your comments about the premium package, very helpful and I think I'll avoid it.

[@darrylbeattie737]

I have to admit Nick, when my computers bell goes off and I see you're posting another video, I can't wait to hear what you have to say next. Just keep being you.....Its working. P.S. It's dam cold in Ontario Canada as well!!!!

[@sherriegal1707]

Sorry Nick, im with Terysa and thought you were talking about a stye in the eye. Great review! Enjoying re-watching your videos on this cold, cold day on the Cheaspeake.

[@seven6pro]

I have a Janome too and love it. I do everything on it. It’s the feet and needles that are key. Buy yourself a Walking Foot, either generic or Janome brand. It moves your fabric top and bottom just like your Sailrite machine. That may let you do more with your Janome. Then get the proper needles for the job. Makes a wold of difference. I enjoy your videos!

[@gergemall]

Wonderful video. I’m pleased to find your channel.Thank you

[@organicrich]

Great review, it will be required on My Equipment list, once I get a sailboat.

[@andychow5509]

I love how you admit you were warning your Janome that it was going to be thrown overboard if it didn't do it's job. That's such a universal human thing to do.

[@Szinbad]

We all know that Basil Fawlty threatening his Austin with a sound thrashing with the birch must have had it quivering in its camshafts.

[@Diva9000x]

I am researching the Sailrite and similar machines to make slipcovers & upholstery. I really appreciate your review especially about the light. What's up with no built-in light? Keep your Janome for the lightweight stuff. You and Camera Lady are funny. You know why she keeps laughing at you. You're funny! Safe travels.

[@ji6050]

Thanks. I will eventually buy one.

[@Tinker001]

Does the red version hide the blood spatter better when you run your hand through?

[@robinhilliard]

Thanks Nick, have been on the cusp of buying one for a year or so and that really helped :-).

[@Dvseire]

Good honest review Nick, that spool holder you could probably make a much stronger replacement one out of a flat piece of aluminium in about ten minutes and you could also make a plug through connection for the light, where the power lead connects to the sewing machine. It was hard to tell from the video if the power connection on the machine is a proprietary one or a standard connector, maybe Sailrite might make one for you using a plug and wire in a short lead with a socket for the light, they could then sell it as another accessory, perhaps the "Here's the thing light connector!" in your honor! :-)

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Get hand tube bender to make one

[@heiltvilt]

I bougth it after I saw the video for 2 years ago. And I have nearly the same conclusion. I’m satisfyed with the light 😊 the weght is 25kg/55lb so good guessing 👍

[@jeffreysearle2996]

I think sewing ruby rose is the best show on the create channel by far.

[@kevininasia]

Embuggerance.... my vocabulary is growing by the day. Love your channel. :)

[@bayanicustodio3998]

Always fun watching both of you. Happy new year and thanks for the laughs.

[@robertskinner1799]

I recall you received an Owl and some wax not to long ago. Should we be waiting to see if an Otter and sty show up? Good video. I am sure Sailrite will be happy that you provided a balanced review. If they add the light they should give you nod for it as well.

[@michaelbradley8508]

Nice video. We own several sewing machines, one of the being the Sailrite you reviewed. I agree with your review/comments. One comment you may want to consider for future videos - you repeat your self incessantly. We get it the first time. After repeating the same point many times it becomes distracting to say the least. This is not meant to be a criticism - I have a tendency to do the same thing. One point you didn't mention is that you can operate the Sailrite without electricity by using the hand crank. This is a must if you are away from a 220 electrical source. Thanks for your review....

[@maddypotter2393]

Well MB...consider this comment...people that would take the time to actually dis someone who is brilliant is probably low on the feeding chain and insecure. I got it the first time reading your reply...you need a life.

[@seanryder7431]

Thanks for being so refreshingly honest. Looks like a great product

[@evanofelipe]

Thanks Nick, Nicely reviewed and this comes across as a 'fair and honest appraisal' of the two machines from a 'Sail User' perspective, particularly the Sailrite LZ1. I also think you have 'hit the nail on the head' with regard to Sailrite 'quality disparity'. Chances are Sailrite source their accessories (possibly even the machine itself) from various Chinese manufacturers and market them under their own label. I think its likely your 'Embuggerance' term derives from the well known and very English term of 'Buggeration', namely degree of 'frustration factor'.

[@onthebeaches]

Nick...Thanks for an HONEST review and trying to be PC while still expressing your challenges with some of the accessories. Looks like one hell of a machine. I'll be buying one when I get my vessel! Happy Holidays. Where are the two of you off to next? PEACE OUT!

[@SailingInconceivable]

Great review. Our experience has been nearly identical. Sailrite makes a fantastic, go through anything machine. I disagree about the need for a built in light, though. Lynn and I have differing light position preferences. Also, the thread stand that comes with new packages is an improvement on what you show - it has a metal lead arm, and a more robust base.

[@rassabossa4554]

I have owned several sewing machines over the years. I used a Consew with a table, knee lift, etc for marine upholstery way back when. They're great because they have a very deep throat so you can get a lot of material through there. You didn't say whether your old machine has a walking foot or not. That's a big selling point for Sailrite. Without a walking foot, long seams like on a sail cover will come out uneven with one side longer than the other because they two pieces move through the machine at slightly different rates. The walking foot squishes the material together from the top and bottom at the same time and moves the pieces forward together. I own a new Sailrite too and the plastic thread holder broke immediately on mine too. I about spewed my beer when you held up that broken piece. I plan on making a more robust one by bending some flat bar aluminum and drilling holes in it to attach it to the case...and maybe a bolt facing upwards for the thread spool. I too hate the light and will probably buy a magnetic battery powered light as I buy batteries in bulk anyway for all the stick-up lights I have. Also, the binding attachment is brilliant.

[@drwindsurf]

Great review Nick. I’m happy they gave you a discount - sounds like a great machine for a boat. Have a happy New Year.

[@williamdevries7428]

"Carry On" gang lol. Thanks for the honest review and nuisance issues, im waiting for my singer to bite the dust and seriously looking at the sailrite as replacement. enjoy the warm days were putting up with -30C for the next few days so it just makes the water that much harder.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Nick, I love watching your videos. Thank you for your humor and animated language. I’d love to read a book about your around the world sailing adventure. Many of the talks in the videos could be used as parts of the narrative. It would surely be a best seller and inspire other couples to do similar adventurous navigation. Best of luck to you both....

[@louisecooper7262]

Thanks for the detailed review, I am convinced (I have been thinking about one for a while but was persevering with a standard Singer and getting through lots of so-called heavy duty needles). Have just placed an order for an LSZ1.

[@sweetwaterLOGIC]

To address your issue with the light, the machine is an industrial one. The configuration you have it in, without a full size table it is compromised. When in an industrial configuration, there's a table lamp. Also they are running larger servo or clutch motors. You can configure yours also by setting in a sail rite table with their workhorse brushless motor.

[@rogermace4516]

Very good honest criticism.......... Happy New Year to you both

[@TanjaStjohn]

Absolutely wonderful! Great review and the entertainment factor !!!!!

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Great honest review Nick. And very funny too. Thanks guys and best from HKG 🇭🇰

[@ericseidel4940]

What an honnest review, thanks, verry useful for someone hesitating.

[@sailingpoupas31]

It's ... bip ... ing great video ! You give your opinion, it's objective and you haven't sold your soul ! Congrats And enjoy your New Year's party⛵️🎉 🥂🍾🎸🎉⛵️

[@Tina06019]

I’ve been sewing for decades....and sometimes I still have a project turn out like complete rubbish once in a while ....like the sewing fairies just need to knock me down a peg or two! Thanks for a good video, and I hope you never have to use the Sailrite as an anchor, LOL.

[@DreadDoctor]

Nick, You are incredibly entertaining to watch review things..

[@Papillon_2010]

Great review. I have this machine (probably due to your review) and several industrials. None came with a light. That being said, other than the Sailrite, the others allow for light to be wired to the motor. I think that home sewing machines have lights.

[@CoastLife]

Thanks for the honest review. We're planning to make an enclosure this spring.

[@easytraveller1269]

Now my favorite sailing tube, love you guys

[@Bellwether]

I enjoy your tangents - they're always entertaining

[@t.bunker2511]

I grew up around the sewing trade, and we made clothing and tents commercially. You definitely need the uumph of a Sailrite to punch through leather and multiple-layers of canvas or sailcloth. The other vital feature in the 'walking foot' to keep the leather or canvas feeding through the machine. A traditional fixed-position foot will drag, bunch and jamb just as you're making good stitches... To be self-sufficient, you really need both the sailmaker's machine like the Sailrite, and a more sophisticated but lighter-duty multi-function machine for clothing repairs, curtains and light work. But where to store them? My quibble with the Sailrite from a commercial viewpoint is it should have the option to continuously feed the knotter from below off a secondary-spool, rather than standard-type bobbins that require frequent stops and thread-windings.

[@NGinuity]

Full disclosure: I own both the LSZ-1 and Fabricator so I'm a big fan of their machines. That being said, I have seen some serious shortcomings in some of what I call "non critical" accessories. I had the same exact complaint about the light. They ship the same magnetic light with both machines and they're bodgy at best (the one on my LSZ is actually on the fritz). I *kind of* see the application for the portable LSZ but don't understand that at all for the Fabricator because there's a predrilled hole drilled into the Fabricator table that accepts a flexible sewing machine light, which I found on Amazon for like 15 bucks; it's an incredibly common part. Fortunately, I found an aftermarket solution for an above needle light on the LSZ-1 which I've shared with a lot of friends within the community. I would be happy to do the same for you if you're interested. It's a U shaped light that has 6 small LED's on one side, and is magnetic on the other side. It mounts to the metal base above the work area, out of the way, and you don't even see it unless you turn it on. It comes with fork connectors that you tap into the AC side of the machine power connector, so it doesn't take up an extra plug and is the PERFECT amount of light without glaring too much on the base of the machine. I have the 110v model but I'm quite sure I recall actually having trouble finding that model because there were so many in the 220 variety. In regard to the magnetic flex light and it eating up another plug, I'm actually considering tapping the power connector where the fork connectors come from and putting a secondary quick connector there to get that bulk out of the way, but honestly haven't even used it in a while now that I have the U shaped light installed.

[@michaelross2093]

I'm not sure how much of a discount Sailrite gave you but they certainly got their money's worth. Your recommendations on the add-ons were well made. If I was in management there I would refund the rest of your purchase price because I imagine you provided more insight than several product development meetings combined. Even with your criticism I'm still more likely to buy one.

[@miccy6702]

Excellent review thank you, thinking of buying one of these, even more likely now :)

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Love your honest review of this machine. Too bad it’s made out of cheap plastic. If only it was made like an all metal like the Singer 201, which doesn’t break and lasts forever. Thank you for the complete honesty. I’m a new subscriber. Great job! Correction: watching you a second time I caught that you said it is made of metal, and the magnetic seam guide I’d a great accessory.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

It is metal doc I assure you

[@larslange5482]

Well mate,with that sewing machine you can help other sailors on your travels, they can pay you with kindest or a beer or two. Safe travels. BTW, I totally agree with you on the option on the machine.

[@nitsan]

You could also get a Singer heavy duty. Cheaper and lighter, but still powerful. I have the 4411 and it easily gets through 5mm thick layers, but that is the maximum that will fit under the foot, and I think the sailrite will fit twice as much.