Chairman, I think you are in the Dallas area. Do you, have you, ever used a folding machine for making your welt cording applications? If so, how well do they work? *It's actually an accessory to your standard upholstery sewing machine.

I spoke with Dali, at Dema Industrial Sewing (in Lancaster/Dallas area) http://www.sewingindustrialmachines.com/
I sent him an email with my use/needs info. As best I understood him, he said there is such a machine and there are different ones for the different cording applications, including double welting, and that they run about $100, or there about.

Do you have any experience/feedback you could offer, regarding these machines? I could benefit with one, for speeding-up my long lengths of cord making/sewing, especially for thicker fabrics, rather than using my present (slow) hand-fold/hand-feed method.

I tried making a jig and it fed both the fabric and cord okay, but there was no good control of the fabric feed. The fabric would not remain lined up properly. So, I'm looking for something more appropriate, something that works.

Sonny

Sonny wrote:
Chairman, I think you are in the Dallas area. Do you, have
you, ever
used a folding machine for making your welt cording
applications? If
so, how well do they work? *It's actually an accessory to
your
standard upholstery sewing machine.

I spoke with Dali, at Dema Industrial Sewing (in
Lancaster/Dallas
area) http://www.sewingindustrialmachines.com/
I sent him an email with my use/needs info. As best I
understood
him, he said there is such a machine and there are
different ones for
the different cording applications, including double
welting, and
that they run about $100, or there about.

Do you have any experience/feedback you could offer,
regarding these
machines? I could benefit with one, for speeding-up my
long lengths
of cord making/sewing, especially for thicker fabrics,
rather than
using my present (slow) hand-fold/hand-feed method.

I tried making a jig and it fed both the fabric and cord
okay, but
there was no good control of the fabric feed. The fabric
would not
remain lined up properly. So, I'm looking for something
more
appropriate, something that works.

Sonny

I haven't used one per say, but do they have pic of it on
their
site? I looked a little bit but didn't see one. I looked on
e-bay, too, but didn't see anything but binding folders.
I use a guy here in Dallas at
http://www.sunnyindustrialsewingmachines.com/
I've used a couple of folders for ties, but end up going
back to my old way by hand. It seems that some fabrics work
better than others in the folders and they just seem to get
in my way.
As you said, some fabrics won't remain lined up properly.
When fabrics are cut on the bias, they all react differently
when sewing them
I asked my ex partner about them and he said he's used one
but he didn't like it because it didn't sew it tight enough
for him.
On the other hand, his brother swears by his, But I don't
see how it could fold it tight enough to keep it consistent
When it comes to double welt, I'll only use 4/32" welt cord
or even spring twine to keep the bulk down on heavier
fabrics, some fabrics you just can't make double welt with
and just have to use gimp, decorative tape or nailheads. Are
you using the twin welt or 2 single cords? I like to use 2
singles personally because that way with heavier fabrics I
can use the 4/32 on one side and the spring twine on the
side that has the extra bit of fabric.
It's harder on my hands, but I like the results better
HTH

I 'd like to hear your results if you try one
I've got one of these, but honestly I haven't used it yet
http://www.rowleycompany.com/product...ape-Folder.asp

On Saturday, December 21, 2013 12:46:14 AM UTC-6, ChairMan wrote:
I haven't used one per say, but do they have pic of it on their site?

No, they don't have a pic. Dali said he'd get a pic and email it, with discussion, for the application I described to him, since there are different folders.

It seems that some fabrics work better than others....won't remain lined up properly.... ex partner - used one but he didn't like it because it didn't sew it tight enough for him.

Even folding by hand, my latest thick fabric didn't tuck tight enough. The jig I made didn't quite tuck it tight enough, either, but was an improvement to my hand-making process.... My jig didn't keep the fabric aligned, it would skew to one side. Seems a thin roller would have helped tuck the fabric into the fold, better than my finger, which was too far from the sewing machine needle. A thin disc roller could be placed closer to the needle, preventing the cord from relaxing/become loose, again, just before it gets sewn. With the Christmas rush of projects, I didn't have time to try to fabricate another design, incorporating a roller.

Same as you, I use 4/32 and spring twine for hand folded double cording. Yeah, tightness and consistency is my concern when using any folder accessory.

I don't have any type of accessory for any trim making. All my fabricating is by hand, since I do upholstery as a hobby. If I were in business, I'd probably have other accessories.

This holiday season, I took on more projects, than normal, and was huffing and puffing to get them done before Christmas. I suppose you have customers who want things done for their holidays. I would have preferred to be hunting or hanging out with the guys, rather than doing this upholstery. My last 2 chairs, delivered yesterday, was covered with really thick fabric, with 120' of single cording.... I've never had a project with so much cording.

I 'd like to hear your results if you try one

Will do. The furniture manufacurers have to have something that works perfectly, since they make miles of cording, so there has to be some accessory that works properly, unless they use dedicated cording machines.

I've got one of these, but honestly I haven't used it yet http://www.rowleycompany.com/product...ape-Folder.asp

I watched a video of its use (I Googled, further, for the video). With your other comments, I'm gleaning ideas of how to improve my (last minute) cording jig. Now that I'm finished with the holiday rush, I have the time to rework my jig making. Maybe, rather than a thin roller, the video gave me the idea of a flexible skinny finger extension, to hold the cord firmly into the fold, even closer to the needle, than a thin disc roller would have done.

I had expected to hear from Dali, yesterday. He seemed eager to help. I'll keep you updated.

Sonny

Sonny wrote:
On Saturday, December 21, 2013 12:46:14 AM UTC-6, ChairMan
wrote:
I haven't used one per say, but do they have pic of it on
their site?

No, they don't have a pic. Dali said he'd get a pic and
email it,
with discussion, for the application I described to him,
since there
are different folders.


I'd be intersrsted in seeing it when he sends it


It seems that some fabrics work better than
others....won't remain
lined up properly.... ex partner - used one but he didn't
like it
because it didn't sew it tight enough for him.

Even folding by hand, my latest thick fabric didn't tuck
tight
enough. The jig I made didn't quite tuck it tight enough,
either,
but was an improvement to my hand-making process....

Like I said,some fabrics are just a too thick to make DW
with.
i use to try, but now I just say NO

My jig didn't
keep the fabric aligned, it would skew to one side. Seems
a thin
roller would have helped tuck the fabric into the fold,
better than
my finger, which was too far from the sewing machine
needle. A thin
disc roller could be placed closer to the needle,
preventing the cord
from relaxing/become loose, again, just before it gets
sewn. With
the Christmas rush of projects, I didn't have time to try
to
fabricate another design, incorporating a roller.


Ahhh, the Xmas rush, the reason I hate this time of year.
I'm getting smarter in my old age, I've been just saying no
more and planning better the last few years.(Doesn't always
work, but)
This year I had a custom chair, sofa an oval ottoman and
reupholster a couple of chairs I built for the same client
20 years ago, promised for T-Day.
Nothing promised for Xmas, but I'm building a custom
sectional(136"x 102") that has to go on a truck to Florida
in January

http://s1241.photobucket.com/user/ch...?sort=3&page=1

Same as you, I use 4/32 and spring twine for hand folded
double
cording. Yeah, tightness and consistency is my concern
when using
any folder accessory.

Are you using a walking foot machine or a presser foot?


I don't have any type of accessory for any trim making.
All my
fabricating is by hand, since I do upholstery as a hobby.
If I were
in business, I'd probably have other accessories.

After 36 yrs in biz, I very few sewing machine accessories
other than differnt feet



This holiday season, I took on more projects, than normal,
and was
huffing and puffing to get them done before Christmas. I
suppose you
have customers who want things done for their holidays. I
would have
preferred to be hunting or hanging out with the guys,
rather than
doing this upholstery. My last 2 chairs, delivered
yesterday, was
covered with really thick fabric, with 120' of single
cording....
I've never had a project with so much cording.

120'? thats just 30 yds and single? I've sewed 1-200 yds and
more of double welt when wall upholstery was more popular.
Talk about a pain in the ass and thinking you'll never see
the end of it



I 'd like to hear your results if you try one

Will do. The furniture manufacurers have to have
something that
works perfectly, since they make miles of cording, so
there has to be
some accessory that works properly, unless they use
dedicated cording
machines.

Yeah, they have alot of dedicated machines for zippers,
boxings, they also have the room for them.
You should see how fast some of the gals sew, too.......DAMN


I've got one of these, but honestly I haven't used it
yet
http://www.rowleycompany.com/product...ape-Folder.asp

I watched a video of its use (I Googled, further, for the
video).
With your other comments, I'm gleaning ideas of how to
improve my
(last minute) cording jig. Now that I'm finished with the
holiday
rush, I have the time to rework my jig making. Maybe,
rather than a
thin roller, the video gave me the idea of a flexible
skinny finger
extension, to hold the cord firmly into the fold, even
closer to the
needle, than a thin disc roller would have done.


Make 2 if they work well and I'll buy one from ya
My old hands can't take anymore
Good luck

On Monday, December 23, 2013 12:06:55 AM UTC-6, ChairMan wrote:
I'm building a custom sectional(136"x 102") that has to go on a truck to Florida in January http://s1241.photobucket.com/user/ch...?sort=3&page=1

All your pieces are very nice, excellent work. The alignment on the ottoman must have taken some time and patience to match, so well, that way.

Are you using a walking foot machine or a presser foot?

I learned upholstery at the local tech school and just before finishing the program (2007), I bought 4 machines, w/ table & motors, at the state surplus auction, each requiring just a little repair: A Pfaff, a Juki, and a Singer single and a double needle machine. I use the Singer single needle walking foot and have a few different presser feet. I gave the Pfaff to the repairman in exchange for repairing the others. I have never used the double needle machine and am considering selling it. I gave the Juki to my sister.

Later, I bought a Rex (Artisan) and use it as a backup, if/when the Singer is malfunctioning (rarely). I can, generally, repair my machines.

I had bought a Singer 3o" longarm, but it was a monster, 4'X 8' table, head weighed 250 lbs., I never used it, so I sold it. The opportunity to buy it, cheap, was there, so I got it. Like with woodworking, buy a tool if you need it, not just to have it, in case you need it. Anticipating needing it was my thinking, at the time.

It didn't take me long to realize I wanted to do upholstery as a hobby, only, so I didn't need a whole compliment of tools and such. I do mostly/only furniture, with an occassional auto, lawn mower, 4 wheeler seat repair.... additional projects, as that, and mostly for friends & relatives.

I've sewed 1-200 yds and more of double welt when wall upholstery was more popular. Talk about a pain in the ass and thinking you'll never see the end of it

I'd hate to do that much double welting. That kind of work is beyond my hobby work. I do lots of upholstery for 3 decorators and I've never had anything approaching that much work. I think, when in-business upholsterers have too much work, the decorators give me particular jobs, because I can usually start on them immediately, since I don't have the backlog other upholsterers have. It helps that the decorators like my work, too, though I think I work much slower than the other guys (or seamstresses, i.e., slipcovers, etc.).

Make 2 if they work well and I'll buy one from ya My old hands can't take anymore Good luck

My hands aren't old, but they aren't as nimble or dexterous as they once were. I'll get to the jig making/remaking after New Years, unless Dali shows me something better.

Additionally:
The tech school, here, discontinued the upholstery program. The teacher called and let me know the school was to discard everything except the sewing machines and some hand tools. We went over there and collected almost everything being thrown out: Cutting tables, work tables, bolts of fabric, lots of other hand tools (framing squares, Klinch-It tool, etc.), cushion stuffers, all upholstery supplies (burlap, crinoline, dust cover, tacks, staples, coil & K arc springs, channel tins, button tops/bottoms, button cutters and dies, etc., etc,.... everything). I called other students to come get some, but they weren't interested. I collected several truck loads of stuff. I've yet to use lots of this stuff and a good bit is stashed in the garage attic of the woodshop.

Several months ago, the upholstery teacher and I noticed one of the school's embroidery machines (5 yrs old) was at the state surplus auction: a 36 spool $20K machine. We went to the auction. It sold for $3k. We're watching for the other (15 or so) sewing machines to show up, there.

Those first 4 machines I bought at the state auction, I paid $250 for all of them. A few months ago, I bought 6 Consew machines, w/table, motors, lamps, bobbin winder, for roughly $16 apiece. I kept 2, sold the other 4. I haven't had a chance to troubleshoot, in detail, the 2 I kept, but they seem to be in reasonable working order. They might need some timing adjusting, or the like.

Sonny