PattiN Report post Posted April 25, 2012 I am new to leather work, and will mostly be sewing shoes, and maybe some handbags. At this point, I don't expect to get into heavy harness sewing, but ya never know where this may lead... I am looking at two machines, the first is an Adler 167-GK373, and they are asking $650. The second is a Consew 206 RB-2, and they are asking $1000. I have done my best to search for these machines on these forums (and elsewhere) and learn as much as I can before making a purchase. Any thoughts on either of these two machines would be appreciated! I thank you all for the considerable time that you all put into helping us newbies! Patti Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted April 25, 2012 When you say you want to sew shoes, which parts of the shoes are you going to sew? If uppers, a post bed machine with a roller or walking foot is a good choice. If you need to sew on soles, that requires a completely different kind of machine. If you need to repair shoes and boots, a long arm patcher is a must have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted April 25, 2012 Thanks for the reply, Wiz. I will be sewing the uppers, before they are shaped into shoes, so I believe that a flat bed machine will work. My shoe making teacher uses a flat bed machine exclusively. I will be stitching the soles to the uppers by hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted April 25, 2012 Here is a picture I hope! Shoe sample Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awharness Report post Posted April 25, 2012 I think it's all personal preference and set up. I have an Adler 467 flat bed and have had a Adler 204 flat bed as well. Every machines going t have nuances? Try them both see what you like! The motor and table do make a difference as well but can easily be changed. Wiz is right on with the different model recommendations, you can never have just one machine! -Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted April 25, 2012 Hi Patti, The Adler is a good machine, if in good condition the price is ok, you will have to swap out a few parts to make it sew leather well. I don't know if you can get a roller foot for it, but it would be nice for sewing up to edges. The roller foot is not really an option for the 206 either. They are good machines, what we call medium duty. A lot of shoe and bootmakers I know use the old Singer 31-15 or 31-20. Equipped with a roller presser. It handles from 69 thread and down easily and will sew everything but side seams on boots (although I know folks that do it). A Singer 110w can also be used, but I would have a 31 also (fixed gears for feed in the 110w). Another choice could be the Singer 236 post machine, or a Pfaff 491. If you are more comfortable with new machines (I recommend you get a new machine if you are new to industrial machines), The Cobra 5550BB is very similar to the Singer 31. Techsew and Cowboy probably make something similar or even identical, I just don't know their numbers. Best thing to do is to call Steve, Bob, or Ronnie and have a talk, their phone numbers are on the banner ads at the top of the page. These machines are around the $1200 mark delivered. It never hurts to have a lifeline (brick and mortar dealer) with your first machine. Art I am new to leather work, and will mostly be sewing shoes, and maybe some handbags. At this point, I don't expect to get into heavy harness sewing, but ya never know where this may lead... I am looking at two machines, the first is an Adler 167-GK373, and they are asking $650. The second is a Consew 206 RB-2, and they are asking $1000. I have done my best to search for these machines on these forums (and elsewhere) and learn as much as I can before making a purchase. Any thoughts on either of these two machines would be appreciated! I thank you all for the considerable time that you all put into helping us newbies! Patti Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PattiN Report post Posted April 26, 2012 I take it all back! I think I have found a Singer 111W155. Newly serviced, with new timing belt and new servo motor installed. Going to look at it on Friday!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Chee Report post Posted April 26, 2012 I take it all back! I think I have found a Singer 111W155. Newly serviced, with new timing belt and new servo motor installed. Going to look at it on Friday!! Just an aside, those don't have reverse. Not sure if that's important to you. Andrew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
