Looking for advice on a new (or used) sewing machine

[Peter Ellis]

I am in the market for a sewing machine. I need something that can handle lightweight material - upholstery leather - up through 12 oz.

Is there a single machine that can work well across that range ?

Any suggestions, advice, recommendations from some of the folks who have experience with machine sewing ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Peter

[barra]

Peter. It also depends on what range of items you are wanting to make. Some items require a cylinder arm machine or at least life will be easier with one and some items are better suited to a flat bed. Personally I'd be on the hunt for 2 machines and set each up for the different weights. Less tinkering around.

Barra

[Cobra Steve]

Peter. It also depends on what range of items you are wanting to make. Some items require a cylinder arm machine or at least life will be easier with one and some items are better suited to a flat bed. Personally I'd be on the hunt for 2 machines and set each up for the different weights. Less tinkering around.

Barra

Peter, there are a few companies that have what you need, including myself. Call the dealers and get as much info as you can so you can make the right decision. Thanks, Steve

[Peter Ellis]

Peter. It also depends on what range of items you are wanting to make. Some items require a cylinder arm machine or at least life will be easier with one and some items are better suited to a flat bed. Personally I'd be on the hunt for 2 machines and set each up for the different weights. Less tinkering around.

Barra

On the cylinder v. flatbed issue, I'm pretty sure that I need both options, which, I think, means go with a cylinder arm machine and a table attachment.

While I can certainly understand the value of setting up once and leaving it, right now I'm in a position where I can go for one machine, not two. So I'll need a machine that can do double duty. I'll just need to organize my work flow to do batches of a given thickness, then adjust for the next batch of something different.

Thanks for the advice.

[Peter Ellis]

Peter, there are a few companies that have what you need, including myself. Call the dealers and get as much info as you can so you can make the right decision. Thanks, Steve

Hi Steve. I was hoping to get some advice about the kinds of questions to ask, because right now (a) I don't know enough to ask intelligent or appropriate questions and ( I don't know enough to know whether I'm getting straight information or sales wash.

[barra]

What type of product do you intend using a machine for?

Barra

[Art]

Hi Peter,

You should call Steve and just talk with him for 15 or 20 minutes. Tell him you don't know squat and what your concerns are. After you get through, you will be able to read many of the prior posts in Leather Sewing Machines and at least have a fair understanding of what is being said. Steve is a fair and honest guy who has been in the business a boatload of years. Bob Kovar is another good source, and little Bob is a pretty good mechanic in his own right. Ed or Connie at Campbell won't steer you wrong either, especially on older iron.

But Steve is the first place to go to get a little education, and Steve can talk way faster than he can type.

Art

Hi Steve. I was hoping to get some advice about the kinds of questions to ask, because right now (a) I don't know enough to ask intelligent or appropriate questions and ( I don't know enough to know whether I'm getting straight information or sales wash.

[Peter Ellis]

What type of product do you intend using a machine for?

Barra

I've got quite a list of things I do or want to do. From various historic patterns of bags, pouches, bottles and jacks to modern journal covers, messenger bags, purses to archery quivers both contemporary and historic.

Runs through lightweight and flexible for the pouches and bags to pretty heavy and stiff for the bottles and jacks, and then the various weights used in doing journal covers (and other variations on that theme), messenger bags and so on.

Not sure if that helps or not

Hi Peter,

You should call Steve and just talk with him for 15 or 20 minutes. Tell him you don't know squat and what your concerns are. After you get through, you will be able to read many of the prior posts in Leather Sewing Machines and at least have a fair understanding of what is being said. Steve is a fair and honest guy who has been in the business a boatload of years. Bob Kovar is another good source, and little Bob is a pretty good mechanic in his own right. Ed or Connie at Campbell won't steer you wrong either, especially on older iron.

But Steve is the first place to go to get a little education, and Steve can talk way faster than he can type.

Art

Thanks for the suggestion Art. Now to find a time when Steve's working and I can make a phone call. The joys of trying to fit this stuff in around a day job