Location definitely makes a difference on pricing. But so does Quality, Demand, and Shops near by... I see why you're asking him about location. Might have the quality but your location kills what you can charge sometimes. Im in that boat right now.

@Vincent De Gronckel
Other then experience, it also depends on your machine you're using and how its setup(pressure on walking foot and how you're holding material/feeding). With that said I see no top stitching and assume its going back to OEM Design. I'd only use 3/8"-1/2" for middle inserts. 1/4" for side bolsters. Since its fabric I'd spray just enough glue on sew foam only to adhere fabric (like a quick line) just enough to
to hold for perimeter sew not permanent (1/16") fabric to sew foam. After that make sure you have sharp shears to cut excess sew foam off at 45 degree angle(fabric on top & sew foam underneath). Angle shears under fabric for 45 degrees. That should help to see what you're doing with out excess sew foam.
Let the machine do its thing, dont hold too much tension and dont feed too much. practice makes semi perfect. Good Luck

Do you have the extended hose for Jiffy that comes with kit?? Almost positive mine is the 4000.
Its late and I'm in the house but I'd paying for shipping if you have it!! Lost mine moving shops. If Jim Zabbatta hasn't grabbed it. Thanks in advance. If you have something in mind you need I'd do a straight trade, just let me know

Honestly I was about to say Juki 1508NH also...For multiple layers with sew foam/Heavy leather. I own the Juki 1508N. Great machine never had issues, get by just fine with it, but job here or there wish I had the 1508NH.
1508N max 135/138 thread but I have ran 207. It’s just slow and stead with chance of fray or jam depending on other factors. (Layers/Material/Speed/Sewing Machine setup)

My shop does more marine applications then anything. I’ve always used mean green for a general vinyl cleaner. Goo Gone for little adhesive removing plus clean afterwards. Every now and again I’ll use WD40 for harder to remove stains. Old trick from another upholsterer.
I was just interested in others experiences or advice for cleaners.

Like Patrick Ball said, 50% deposit and disclaimer on contract signed before ordering any materials or scheduling. I learned the hard way starting out and got screwed out of 8k. It was subcontract work for another shop I thought would never get over on me. Well that was an 8k mistake. Next day I had a lawyer write up contract.

Not sure if we’ll get any feedback. I’ve also thought about CNC laser cutting since I do a lot of boats and some of the mass produced ones I make patterns for, as to use for future jobs to cut down on time—since I’m a one man shop I’d like to streamline some things while working on other jobs. I’d rather stay a one man shop then bring in new employees that don’t live up to my expectations and slow me down.

After couple months of use could you give another review as to how well it holds up. The 500 is the one that both blades move right?

Haven’t done it but seen a lot of others work. I have build a lot of custom marine seats tho. From what I’ve seen use a wooden base on top of seat frame. Then cut out where the customer/passenger will sit and staple I’m webbing cross weaved together. I’d probably use a thinner layer of foam with higher density to cover the initial board with the webbing, just so it doesn’t cut/tear when webbing flexes. Then use layers of foam on top the suits the job and customer for comfort. Don’t have any pics but I’m sure someone else will chime in with pics and more experience. Just a start/idea good luck and hope it all works out.

One man shop too. Slowed down slightly but the boat folks have always kept me going strong. Eastern Shore Maryland Area.

@Robert Webb I would love to try the consew saw. Just heard it was a Chinese knock off. I’m assuming more for looks with inferior materials used. But that’s just what I heard, personally I’d like to know.

Look into local wholesale businesses that supply sign shops. I have a warehouse right down the road that has almost anything I need. They have a large 14’x14’ panel saw, industrial shears for metal and plenty of CNC machines for things I want to save time on for the extra expensive. They’ve been life savers for several jobs.

Not sure if you’ve bought a new foam saw by now, it’s been awhile since I logged in. I made an in depth review of the first blue saw that sailrite sells. It’s alright but they spent more money making it look like a quality saw instead of spending the money to make quality parts. I had to modify it to work again after several months.

Shame no one has responded about this. Something we need in this industry and I’m going to look into. I just appreciate this forum and thank you and your brother for taking the time to create it.

I do think we need more specific categories for posts when creating them with maybe a drop down. Would help navigating since the Forum is growing.

Possibly:

Removal & Install Advice
Material Matching
Convertible Tops
Tool and Equipment Reviews/Recommendations
Panel Construction (Doors/Center Console/ Etc)
Inspiration/Show off work
Business Finance Talk/Advice
For Sale/In Search Of
Etc...

Search function works great but the more tradesmen that join, the harder it is to navigate posts. Again Thanks, love the Forum

Selling material inventory only? Or do you have trade tools and equipment for sale also?? I assume being in business 74yrs you have some old school, better quality tools and equipment. Thanks

@William Duffy I saw that post from about a year ago. There was a lot of good info but was looking for more on the Consew, Sailrite, Accu Cutter saws since Bosch was discontinued. I was looking for a quality saw for a decent price but see that might be impossible. I did buy the Sailrite saw for myself and just wrote a review on it.

I honestly would like to know also, I’m about to write a review on the Sailrite foam saw for slighty under $200. Whose else is going to take the initiative to test some of the new foam saw’s on the market. If the consew isn’t quality like the Bosch someone needs to jump on it and reverse engineer the Bosch and materials used to make it.

Remember also when doing certain stitches in motorcycle, atv, dirt bike, etc seats they are more vulnerable to foam saturation unless wrapped with a barrier. I’m still on the fence about wrapping foam with plastic to prevent saturation. I do a lot of boat work and see it from the factory all the time but I also see when a customer doesn’t maintain their boat and it builds algae and mold under the plastic on the foam causing a mess and rapid deterioration.

@Andy Laird I’ve experienced the same thing with Sunguard Orange on a motorcycle seat. Made a seat for a good friend and within one weekend cruise the orange bleed off making it look white. Contacted supplier and they decided to do nothing about it.

Here recently I’ve been having issues with the Sunguard coming unraveled ruffly every foot and the thread going thru each other instead of looping and making a nice knot. I’m assuming it might be because of the temperature changes in my shop over night because it’s not temp control as of right now. I’m thinking the coating on the polyester thread doesn’t like the constant change in temperature thus making it unravel. Or it’s just the thread in general. If anyone has any input I greatly appreciate it.
Also most of the shops around my area do marine work and we use 138 the majority of the time for canvas and upholstery. Occasionally use 92 also.

I do a lot of marine Upholstery and to save time on seams that won’t see a lot of stress, for example a backrest compared to a seat I shorten my stitch length to 4mm. Anything that will see a lot of stress I back.

I agree repair work can definitely make you some money. I love automotive work and doing motorcycle seats etc but on Maryland's Eastern shore boat are very profitable. I'd say 75% of my work comes from boats. I also do canvas enclosures and covers which are even more profitable then boat upholstery, majority of the time. Just my 2 cents

It doesnt actually have a lemon green hue its just black and blue. I think the flash gave it that color. I order a lot of materials from The Miami Corporation. These 2 patterns are out of the Morbern Marine Collection. Hope I was of help

Two recent jobs I just finished up for the holidays. First time working with ultra leather for boat seats, turned out better than expected. Looks amazing and feels smooth as butter. The real test is time.

What's the shelf life on this stuff after opening? Just curious cause I hate buying things for a small job that never last too long for other jobs.

@Darren Rawlings I normally reuse also if they're in good shape but if that's not an option Albright's Supply also sells them. Link below
https://www.albrightssupply.com/category-s/2108.htm