Built to Handle Anything: The New NC18L Has Landed

NC Carpet Binding & Equipment has officially rolled out its first new machine of the year — the NC18L 18″ Long Arm Walking Foot Sewing Machine — and it’s already making waves in the custom upholstery world. Built for power, precision, and long-haul reliability, this machine is engineered to handle everything from thick leather and carpet to multi-ply vinyl and foam-backed fabrics.

And it’s not just hype. The NC18L was recently put through the wringer by Chris McClintock of Bux Customs in Pottstown, PA. Chris ran the machine hard in his high-end auto upholstery shop—and liked it so much, he bought it.

“Mal asked us to really test and push the machine,” said Chris. “So we’ve been using the NC18L on just about everything from trunk mats, carpet, and all upholstery sewing too. It’s a 1508 class and has the heavy-duty components. It’s very smooth, great having the foot control knob, and the 18” throat is a big add for us never having a long arm.”

Fast forward two and half months and Chris says his team loves it and recommends it to anyone looking for a long arm. “It’s great for a smaller shop as it takes a good amount of space less than the NC 25″ and 30″ long arm. Price wise, it’s more affordable. All considered, a great fit for us.”

Power Meets Precision

The NC18L combines the heart of a 1508-class machine with the added benefit of an extended 18-inch arm, giving upholsterers the room they need to work on larger, more complex projects—think car door panels, aircraft seats, marine cushions, and more. Whether you’re sewing tight corners or long runs, the added space under the arm makes maneuvering bulky materials easier and more efficient.

Its compound walking foot mechanism ensures the top and bottom layers of material feed evenly, preventing the kind of shifting, skipping, or misalignment that can ruin a seam. This is especially important when working with slick materials like vinyl or layered foam-backed fabrics.

Real-Time Adjustments Made Easy

A standout feature is the top-mounted foot control knob, which lets you adjust the presser foot height on the fly. That means you can transition from thick to thin materials—like piping to bolster seams—without missing a beat. The NC18L also offers a 16mm foot lift and 9mm stitch length, giving you both clearance and control across even the most demanding applications.

Built to Perform, Built to Last

The NC18L isn’t just a pretty piece of hardware. It’s loaded with features that make your life easier and your shop more efficient:

Double-capacity vertical axis hook for longer seams without bobbin changes
Rectangular feed motion for smoother, more stable stitching
Compound walking foot to help move fabric through the machine evenly
Safety clutch to protect against thread jams or needle breaks
Quiet, high-torque servo motor for full power—even at low speeds
USA-made hardwood tabletop and fully assembled workstation, ready to use out of the box
2-year limited warranty for peace of mind

This machine is purpose-built for high-output upholstery shops that demand consistent results and can’t afford downtime.

“There’s no sugarcoating with Chris,” said NC CEO Mal Maher. “If something falls short, he’ll call it out immediately. But if something performs, he’ll stand behind it.”

That’s exactly why Mal tapped Chris to test both the NC18L and the upcoming NC14L split-bar twin needle machine.

“I know Chris will put these machines through the wringer,” said Mal. “If they can pass his expectations, they can meet anyone’s.”

Ready for Your Shop

The NC18L arrives fully assembled and tested, complete with a custom servo workstation and a premium hardwood top. Whether you specialize in automotive interiors, aircraft upholstery, marine fabrication, or custom furniture, this machine is designed to elevate your output and help you tackle bigger, more complex jobs.

If you’ve been waiting for a true long-arm compound feed machine with power, versatility, and shop-tested toughness, the NC18L is your new go-to.

To learn more about NC Carpet Binding & Equipment and check out their high-quality sewing machines, including the all-new NC18L, visit N-CCarpet.com and follow them on Instagram. Also don’t forget to tune in to their Podcast “NC Shop Talk.”