Sewing machines for upholstery fabric

[boyse7en]

My partner has plenty of experience of using a sewing machine with clothing and curtain fabrics, but now wants to have a go at recovering some chairs.

So we think that a more heavy-duty, stronger machine that can sew thicker fabrics is required.

I've seen some labelled "heavy duty" but don't know whether that means they are better built for longevity (like a "pro" drill vs a "DIY" drill), or whether it means they can handle more material thickness (like a standard drill vs an SDS drill).

Anyone care to educate me, or even recommend machines/specs to look for (we'll be getting a secondhand one)

[FlyVintage]

You’ll need an industrial machine; something with the machine mounted onto a table with the motor underneath.

Mrs FlyVintage uses a Bernina 950 industrial. Used prices are sensible and parts are easily available. Others I’m sure are great too, but this is what she has used for the past 40+ years for both professional and personal.