latigoandlace Report post Posted January 19, 2014 I'm looking for recommendations on user friendly sewing machines. I just sold my Singer111G156, it would sew through 1/2" cowhides like butter but I was told by a pro that it could only handle 138 thread. I swear the tension needed to be changed if the bobbin was more than half full, it jammed up regularly (usually after a bobbin change) and ruined a lot of my projects. It ran like it was on steroids, even after paying for a speed reducer to be installed. It left a sour taste in my mouth for leather sewing machines, I'm hoping there are reliable/easy to use machines out there because I don't have the patience for hand stitching anymore and I'm tired of constantly struggling with the tension adjustment! Do any machines adjust automatically? Wouldn't that be nice!?! I want something that can handle thicker thread with adjustable stitch length. I usually don't sew anything thicker than 3/8" but it'd be nice to find something that could do 1/2" again. I'm not looking to spend a small fortune but I could save up for the right machine. Located in Oregon, thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted January 19, 2014 cowboy3200 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 19, 2014 ditto ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
latigoandlace Report post Posted January 19, 2014 Any idea how much they cost? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted January 19, 2014 Web site said $1,595 + shipping. Toledo industrial sewing machine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
latigoandlace Report post Posted January 19, 2014 Thank you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Geneva Report post Posted January 19, 2014 (edited) See if you can find a used Juki UL -563 they will sew most of what you want of not all. The bobbin is 3 times the size of the 111 it is a walking foot too. Check with upholstery shops that might close or have an extra one sitting around. I think 6 or 700 would be a good price. Sounds as though the 111 was wore out. Good luck. Edited January 19, 2014 by Geneva Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted January 20, 2014 You were over the practical thickness for a 111. 3/8" is a good maximum thickness for those. 1/2" no matter the thread was really pushing it. Make sure whatever machine you choose that you know it's limitations. Have fun! Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
latigoandlace Report post Posted January 20, 2014 It actually sewed the best with the thicker materials, I was struggling with 1/4" to 3/8" :-/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted January 20, 2014 I'm looking for recommendations on user friendly sewing machines. I just sold my Singer111G156, it would sew through 1/2" cowhides like butter but I was told by a pro that it could only handle 138 thread. I swear the tension needed to be changed if the bobbin was more than half full, it jammed up regularly (usually after a bobbin change) and ruined a lot of my projects. It ran like it was on steroids, even after paying for a speed reducer to be installed. It left a sour taste in my mouth for leather sewing machines, I'm hoping there are reliable/easy to use machines out there because I don't have the patience for hand stitching anymore and I'm tired of constantly struggling with the tension adjustment! Do any machines adjust automatically? Wouldn't that be nice!?! I want something that can handle thicker thread with adjustable stitch length. I usually don't sew anything thicker than 3/8" but it'd be nice to find something that could do 1/2" again. I'm not looking to spend a small fortune but I could save up for the right machine. Located in Oregon, thanks! What will you be sewing? Anything smaller than 3/8" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
latigoandlace Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Yes, I mostly sew 1/4"-3/8" and occasionally 1/2". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Yes, I mostly sew 1/4"-3/8" and occasionally 1/2". Your work appears to be best sewn on a heavy duty leather stitcher, like the 441 clones, rather than on a light duty walking foot machine. The machine I mentioned before would probably fit the bill perfectly. They are really well suited to work ranging from about 12 ounces and up, where you can use heavy thread, like #207 and 277. Why? I have multiple industrial sewing machines in my shop. I use a long body flat bed walking foot machine for thin leather pouches, and for sewing patches onto vests and new zippers and fringes onto Biker chaps and jackets. I usually keep #92 thread in it. Occasionally, I have to sew over a thick leather seam of about 3/8 inch. The long body machine makes an unhappy noise every time I do this. Still, it does sew through these seams. My CB4500 can walk through a 3/8" seam like butter, with absolutely no hesitation or mechanical interference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Yes, I mostly sew 1/4"-3/8" and occasionally 1/2". 441 clone should cover all your needs. - Cobra class 4 - Cowboy cb4500 - Techsew 5100 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertmeco Report post Posted January 22, 2014 I bought a Cobra 4 about 2 years ago never used a sewing mach of any kind before that after a couple hrs i was sewing with it I cant tell you how much i like this machine hope this helps Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neelsaddlery Report post Posted January 22, 2014 Hello: Looks like a Cowboy 3200 or any of the 441 clones would work well for what you are doing. Do you require a flatbed sewing machine, like your 111W? If so then you can look to the flatbed version of the 441, which is the 243, or the flatbed version of the Adler 205, which is the Adler 204 Lots of people sell low cost clones of these machines as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
