mark66

A well tuned and maintained inexpensive Chinese patcher is my best friend. I own and use an Adler 67gk373, a Tippmann Boss, the chinese patcher from Bantam Saddle and Tack, a Stewart awl, and Mckay jerk needles as well as two-needle saddle stitch stuff. I recently found that I can use universal home machine needles as well as 15x2s. You dont have to use hard to find needles. No experimenting required. Last job was done with 69 poly and schmetz 110/18 needles puchased at walmart. Also DP 5s and PFX134LR.

The Chinese Patcher is , in my opinion, far and away the best machine available for the price. It is VERY rough when it arrives and needs some deburring, polishing and tinkering. I have modified mine to operate either by hand or with electric drill and have 20 minutes and $2 in a great small flatbed for it. From the smallest thread to 138. Yes, 138 . Do it all the time. Get to know it, love it. Same money as taking your girl to the county fair for a long day.

I intend to make my "old man" job in leather, vinyl and canvas repair. Sewing patches on vests. attending outdoor shows and fairs of all kinds. In addition to my Techsew 106 and singer 29k that will stay at home, I'll pack all my hands sewing tools in a chest, load up Boss, Bantam patcher, and 75 year old stitch horse and just try to help people with their broken stuff. If I make $50 a day, I'd be happy. No electricity required for anything.

I just bought a Chinese patcher from Matt at Bantam Saddle and Tack and I love it. Needs to be thoroughly cleaned and oiled when you get it. I threw away the dink tripod legs and made my own from 3\8 pipe. Also used Plastic dip on the foot and that works like a dream, no marks on the material at all. Have used 69, 90 and 138 thread so far. Removed the less than useless bobbin winder and modified it to fit my cordless drill. Love it. Added a lock washer under the handwheel nut. Also changed to better, longer SAE nuts and bolts where I could. Anybody that shits on these machines either got a bad one, doesn't know what they are doing, or is some kind of Singer loving purist. I also own and use Singer 29k, Tippmann Boss and Techsew EA106 bought this machine for its portability and price.

I would like to have access to this section as well. Thank you, Mark.