Reddit reviews REX 607Z Portable Walking-Foot/Zigzag with LED Light
We found 2 Reddit comments about REX 607Z Portable Walking-Foot/Zigzag with LED Light. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Designed for boat owners, serious hobbyists, and small businessesEconomical portable walking-foot sewing machineStrong mechanical old time quality sewing machine with Built in 110/115V, 1/10HP 900 RPM motor.sews both a straight stitch for canvaswork and a zigzag stitch for sails.REVERSE &Length of stitch adjustment - 1mm to 5mm ZigZag Stitch or 5 to 10 stitches per inch in Straight-Stitch.
You might as well throw in the REX 607Z on your list, it's basically the same machine both the Sailrite LSZ and Reliable Barracuda are based upon. You can find them new on Ebay for $350, and that includes shipping. No, I do not have any experience with it or any of the other machines on your list, it's just something I ran across in my research.
The issue with any one of these portable walking foot machines is going to be the motor and drivetrain, there's just no way any machine mounted drive motor rated at 1/10 HP is going to offer the same amount of sheer grunt that a proper table mounted industrial walking foot machine with a 1.5 HP motor can provide. This is a trade off in order to make the machine portable, and you'll have to consider this fully.
Just to confuse you a bit, here's my real life example. I bought off Craigslist a Singer 111W152 for $100, this is a straight stitch only walking foot industrial machine mounted on a table. I replaced the ancient clutch motor with a REX servo motor, added a new drive belt and thread tensioner, and bought some feet and needles, so that was about another $200. Even with driving 3 hours to get it, I still ended up a walking foot machine that will sew through a stack of a dozen layers of VX21. Yes, it doesn't do zig-zag stitches, and it's a bit weird in operation but it works fine for what I want it for. Don't overlook the used market.
Speaking from experience I'd look into a used industrial walking foot machine. It will handle everything you want to sew and then some and you can usually get them for $500-800. It will last your entire life if you keep it oiled and clean.
You can try a lesser machine but you'll be disappointed in any home machine if you want to sew lots of thick stuff. I do highly recommend a vintage European machine, or vintage singer as a suplimentary machine and for general use on other fabrics tho. You can usually find them for less than $100.
Source: I sew a lot of really heavy raw denim...with thick leather patches. I've made 32oz jeans on my walking foot machine, I've done 2 leather motorcycle seats with it...it will sew thru anything. It's my main machine for my denim
Edit: you can even find new walking foot machines for less than $1000.
If you want to stay even cheaper take a look at the rex zigzag walking foot machine
...it's like $350. I've taken a look in person and this machine is a mini industrial, all metal workhorse. These are designed for sailmakers and boat upholsterers so it is a portable industrial they can take to the boat and use. It only has a smaller motor, but you could upgrade that later for $100 if you want. You may have to tune it out if the box tho, the price you pay for low price. Once tuned(if needed) it should do very nicely. If I didn't already have a walking foot machine I'd probably take a chance on this one...especially with Amazon primes return policy.