Recommendations For Cylinder Bed Walking Foot Machines

[Vikefan]

I am thinking of buying a Cylinder Bed walking foot sewing machine (motorized); which brands are the best?

Thanks,

Vikefan

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I am thinking of buying a Cylinder Bed walking foot sewing machine (motorized); which brands are the best?

Thanks,

Vikefan

I'll make some Popcorn...

[Tramps Leatherworking]

OK, I will go first... I don't think there is really a correct answer here, any of the major brands should serve you well. My latest machine is a Consew, and to this date *knocking on wood* I have had zero issues with it, and I would buy it again...

That being said, my next machine will probably be a Cobra class-4.

Next!

[JLSleather]

Have to answer that question with a question. What is it you want to sew?

What do you mean by "best"? Machine performance regardless of price? Best combination of function and price?

Edited February 26, 2015 by JLSleather

[TwinOaks]

Short answer- it depends on what you want to sew.

Long-ish answer -

If you're going to be sewing extra heavy duty leather...oh, say right at an inch thick...I'd say a campbell-randall.

If you'll be sewing a wider range of fairly heavy duty things - holsters, belts, saddles, you might want to look at one of the big cylinder arm machines from Adler, Cobra, Cowboy, or Techsew (Adler 205, Cobra class 3 or 4, Cowboy 3200, 3500, 4500, Techsew 5100). While the stated range of these machines is one thing, most user reports on here say that anything less than 6oz is below the useable range for these machines. So, consider them a med. to heavy duty machine.

If you'll be sewing light to medium weight things- bags, chaps, some belts, etc., then you'll want to look at some of the medum weight stitchers - Adler, Consew, Pfaff, Juki...they all have a machine in that range.

Check out the sewing machine dealers in the ads at the top of the page. Cobra and Cowboy have a long running reputation among our members, and Nick-o-sew is fairly new to the site....not the business. However, I've personally spoken with Nick about a type of machine for the work I want to do, and the conversation gives me a lot of confidence that he knows what he's doing with the machines. (Sorry Steve, he offers a type that Cobra doesn't currently carry)

Once you haver narrowed down the type of machine you want, call and talk to the dealers or their staff to see how much machine you can get for the money, and go with the dealer that can offer you the best deal. Also consider their location, as shipping will likely effect the price.

[whynotfarm]

I took delivery on a Cowboy 4500 this weekend. I was able to get it set up and running with only two phone calls to Bob. Amazing. This thing is a beast. I have been putting everything I can think of through it, including several thicknesses of leather with heavy knitted fabric (think rug - I'm making a bag), and it just chews right through it - no problem at all. It is just a pleasure to sew with this machine. I can't keep my hands off it! I'll post some of my creations soon.

I know there is a raging debate on this topic, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with a Cowboy from Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines. No affiliation, just a very happy customer.

[Singermania]

HI, there are three main brands of machines that are high quality.. Juki, Seiko and Adler in the heavy leather workers range. Main models are the Juki 441, Seiko CB-8b and the Adler 205 series.....however they are very expensive and so most people opt for the Adler and Juki clones made in China, these machines and there are many brands including names made up in the USA and Australia are all quite good, the metals are not as good as the best Japanese but still pretty good. We are now Keestar and Cowboy distributors in Australia and so come across the odd trade in and machine from retired saddlers and so can judge them from a point of view of years of service. We recently bought a Master (same stable as Cowboy and Hightex) that was 5 years old and had been used every day to make belts, so its fair to say its worked hard all its life.... I'm very pleased to report that it is in excellent condition, the only things need replacing were the castors under the pedestal table and the rubber ring on the bobbin winder. In Australia there have been some poor dealers, mostly gone to the wall now, and we are trying very hard to make the Cowboy name down under the shining light it is here in the States. To that end, anyone in Oz that is in need of assistance for their Cowboy 4500 or Cowboy 3200 or the Master equivalent pls give us a call on 0419 393750 and we will do our best to put things right. Best Regards Steve Bonnett, Steve's Leather Machines and Cowboy Leather Machines ... Australia

[msdeluca]

I am thinking of buying a Cylinder Bed walking foot sewing machine (motorized); which brands are the best?

Thanks,

Vikefan

Read This Thread by WizCrafts...

Then come back and ask any specific questions that weren't answered in the thread.

I'll bet it answers most of your questions... it did mine.

No one machine can do it all, so your first task is to decide what you'll be sewing with it and the budget you are willing to allocate.

I ended up purchasing a Cowboy 3200 from Ryan at Neel's Saddlery... great service, great guy. It will sew anything from Sunbrella to 1/2" thickness in leather.

Most folks end up buying their machines from Ryan, Bob at Toledo, Steve at Cobra, and Ron at Techsew. They all advertise here on the forum and provide excellent product and customer service.

Mike

Edited April 9, 2015 by msdeluca

[Vikefan]

Thank you for everyone's inputs on a Cylinder bed sewing machine.

One major dilemma I have is; I live in Alaska.. Shipping/service would be about non-existent.

I am looking to sew double thickness belts, holsters, leather purses, etc.

I currently own a tippman boss, but have never used it... It's mounted, but just haven't used it.

Thank you all,

Vikefan

[Techsew Ron]

Thank you for everyone's inputs on a Cylinder bed sewing machine.

One major dilemma I have is; I live in Alaska.. Shipping/service would be about non-existent.

I am looking to sew double thickness belts, holsters, leather purses, etc.

I currently own a tippman boss, but have never used it... It's mounted, but just haven't used it.

Thank you all,

Vikefan

Shipping to Alaska isn't too difficult - I know we've shipped many fully assembled machines up there. Most dealers will offer free technical support by phone/email.

For leather purses and leather products up to 3/8" thick, a light/medium cylinder walking foot machine will be sufficient. If you're exceeding 3/8" you may want to consider a heavy duty walking foot machine such as a 441 clone.

Ron