best heavy duty sewing machines?

[Lady Anna]

Ok.. I am trying to get my ducks in a row for my husband for c-mas ideas. I have finally wore out my current machine and am looking for something that does really well with Heavy duty fabrics. Any suggestions/advice would be most helpful. Thanks!

[Kate XXXXXX]

If you don't want lots of fancy buttonholes, but want to do eyelets, try the Bernina 1008.

[LadyStitch]

There is a signger inustrial that all it does is forward/backward, and I think a zig tag.  It is made to go through upolstry fabrics.  I've used one like it but never the actual model.  It was running about 300-400 plus like 50 for shipping maybe.  I have it on my christmas list too.

[Cilean]

I have also heard that the heavy duty model from Singer is a good one, an added plus is that it will be on sale during this time!!
Awesome eh?

Cilean

[Kate XXXXXX]

If you mean this one:


I have heard that it's a bit of a sheep in wolf's clothing and you are better spending the little extra for the Bernina...  If you really want to do tailor's workshop amounts, dig deeper and go for this one:



You can find used ones at good prices on ebay.

If you want a 'heavy domestic'  (the sort of thing I use), then look at Bernina, Phaff, Husqvarna, and the newer Janome: look at the dedicated quilting machines.  Faster, larger throat plate and harp area, fewer stitches, stronger motor.  Expect to pay!  A decent stronger machine costs more.

[Lady Anna]

Thank you too all who have replied. I am going to look into all the models suggested. As usual you all are so very helpful. 

[CecilsTanequin]

I have used Pfaffs at the three professional theatre companies I've worked at and I swear by them.