Any industrial machines like the Juki 1541 or 1141 that are capable of both straight stitch and zig zag? It would be nice to get away with only having one machine. I will be building ultralight bickpacking gear but also some leather work and eventually (one day) do some of my own parachute rigging so an industrial machine is the way to go (most people on the skydiving forums recommend something like the Singer 20u, 31-15, or Pfaff 238/338/438). Most I have seen recommended on here only do either lock stitch or zigzag-- any that do straight/zig-zag/forward/reverse and do it well on everything from ultralight cuben fiber, to thick leather? Or do most people with awesome Juki lock-stitch machines just own 2 machines?

signed

This stuff works wonders.

http://www.amazon.com/ISC-Racerstape-com-Paint-surface-guard/dp/B000TPC7HU

Sweet thanks for that link it was really helpful! I'm only considering machines that have already been fully rewired but I recently got into tube amp building for guitars so am pretty handy with a soldering iron myself. The 201 seller backed out so looks like a Rocketeer is in my near future...

Thanks! I think i will end up with either the Rocketeer, or I might get the 201-2 and also pick up a walking foot Sailrite LSZ (also good local pickup price). Although I probably don't need the vintage machine if I go with the Sailrite, I feel like the 201-2 will have an easier learning curve to it just because there are less things going on with the machine overall and I can see myself not wanting the walking foot on all the time.

Thanks man! Sorry for posting in the wrong forum haha, silly newbie!

I found 2 really good deals for vintage singers. I can get a fully refurbished, rebuilt, great shape, and 100% rewired Singer Rocketeer 503, and a 201-2 both for pretty cheap. Any reason to choose one over the other? Do I need more than just straight stitch from a 201-2 to be a good gear maker? Seems like the 503 is the more versatile of the 2, but the looks of the 201-2 machine can't really be beat I would get both but I live with my girlfriend and she would not be pleased with 2 big new pieces of equipment I don't even know how to use yet entering my office hahaha.


THanks for the vibes on the leg. I got a spiral tib/fib with a posterior malleolus fracture of the ankle as well. Most people can be full weight bearing days-weeks after a tibial nail surgery but I have to be non-weight bearing for 3 full months due to the ankle fracture. No AZTR, CTR, HTR, HLC for me this year, but I will be all healed up in time to start residency in June so at least there is that...

I broke my leg skiing pretty recently and am laid up for a while longer-- perfect time to take on new hobbies!

I have always wanted to make my own custom bikepacking bags but have no idea how to sew. I want to buy a new sewing machine and start learning. I am of the "buy once and buy right" mentality so I just want to get a sewing machine that will work well for all types of bikepack bag making, and that I will never outgrow. What's a good sewing machine for this purpose? Any advice for a newbie getting into pack making? I realize there is a significant learning curve, I will suck real bad for a while, and won't make any good packs for a long time. I am fine with that, I just want to get started practicing while I have all the time in the world and just see where this hobby goes.

Here were a couple machines I had my eye on, but I am open to any/all suggestions on what to get.

Singer 4432: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWXZQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VWXZQ0&linkCode=as2&tag=grandmalikestosew-20&linkId=ZA5UY66AEODRJKDN

Janome HD3000: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00916Y4YM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00916Y4YM&linkCode=as2&tag=grandmalikestosew-20&linkId=XLURUKXEJ3CRL6UY



Thanks


EDIT: Whoops, I now see there is a DIY forum. I never looked that far down the page before hahaha. Feel free to disregard this thread while I peruse the other forum.

Klite has a pretty slick setup coming out soon that is integrated with the Sinewave Reactor.

http://www.klite.com.au/#!New-Proto-now-testing/c1xn2/5504b4c70cf2458597c43b2e

How's the reroute looking? Did it end up adding or subtracting mileage/vert? With how little snow you guys got this year I bet it will be rideable super early and maybe the lack of moisture will even keep the mosquito population lower than some years (a guy can dream at least)...

There was a good article in bikepackersmagazine: http://bikepackersmagazine.com/bikepacking-repair-kit/?utm_content=bufferd4ba5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Any idea of % singletrack vs dirt road? Looks like a ton of fun.

Points taken. Hard to pull out for the race this late so I was exploring all options, but I guess there's always next year. Good luck to everyone out there, the start is quickly approaching...

Am I stupid to be considering an ITT in early June? Way too hot? I get off crutches the beginning of May and figure if I am super lucky and PT goes really well I could at least make my way through the 300 and go farther if the leg feels well.

Anyone here done a thru ride in June? Would you do it again?

Damn it. Im one week post op a spiral tib fib I suffered skiing. Looks like AZTR isn't in the cards for me this year. sigh.

Good luck to everyone heading out there this year!

Hey OP-- Googe Earth Pro is free now!

http://www.slashgear.com/google-earth-pro-drops-399-subscription-now-available-for-free-31366926/

Whats the earliest in the season one could reasonably do this route? I'm trying to plan my spring of bikepacking before I start residency in June and hoping to ITT this in early April if there is a reasonable chance of the route being snow free

!!!!! That's rad. Thanks for sharing. It's probably not healthy to be this excited so many months out.

Dude-- it's only 186 days away! Time to start training........

When it was still clean. Here is my AZTR 750 ITT rig for this coming year:

Bike= Turner Flux (120mm rear, 140mm front travel), XX1 with 28 tooth front ring
Bags= Combo of Porcelain Rocket, Bedrock, and Revelate-- shortly after this pic was taken I ran into some clearance issues with the front tire rubbing the handlebar bag so I will be switching to the smaller diameter Bedrock handlebar setup. I LOVE the honaker hydro bag under the downtube. Great place to sneak in an extra liter of water and keeps the weight down low where it belongs.

I think you just need the $50 Ocotillo membership to get all the mountain bike maps and databook if that's all you're after.

That looks awesome! Wish I had the freetime around then. When do you think this route melts out?