RoosterShooter Report post Posted February 4, 2014 I picked up a Singer 211G151 today, and have a lot of questions concerning equipment, threads, needles, etc ... Up to the time I purchased my Tippmann Boss last Spring I had ZERO experience with sewing machines and/or their operation. I will continue to use my Boss on holsters and on projects that are heavy weight leather. The problem I am having is wrapping my mind around the whole "Singer Needle" and thread size concept. I have been thinking in the T-277 Thread and 7x3 200 needle concept for the past year, and now find myself not coming up with much information on cross referencing these needles and thread sizes in the automatic sewing machine realm. I spoke to a local sewing machine repair company owner today, and mentioned to him that I use 277 thread and a 200 needle in my leather applications today. He had no idea what I was talking about, and said that he has only dealt with household sewing machines and thread since being in business. 1) What is the thickest leather I should attempt to sew with the Singer? 2) Where can I find an operation manual for this machine? 3) If ordering from the Threadexchange.com what is the heaviest thread and type of thread that I should use in this machine? I plan on using it for sewing garment leather, handbags, pouches, and even canvas knapsacks and bags. Thanks for the patience, and understanding. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted February 4, 2014 Your 211 will sew two ply of soft garment leather, 3/16" is a comfortable thickness. You can cross over seams with a little help from your hands. It will work nicely on canvas, denim, and lots of other woven fabric. It won't like hard leather. The Singer needle system for that machine is 135x7. For leather you'll want 135x6. The sizes you'll need most 16, 18, and 20's. That's small to larger. You can use smaller and larger, but your machine will be most happy in those sizes. A common thread is either bonded nylon or polyester. I prefer polyester. For garment production, we use a thread that has a polyester core with a cotton wrap. Thread sizes can range from Tex 40 to Tex 105. A common thread with an 18 or 20 needle is Tex 69. Tensioning thread for a consistant stitch gets tougher beyond Tex 105. You should be able to download all the manuals online. There are plenty of links on the site here. The 211G151 was and is still a factory workhorse. Sew within it's limits and you'll be happy. A servo motor will give you all the control you need. Have fun. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoosterShooter Report post Posted February 4, 2014 (edited) How can I tell the difference between a standard and a servo motor type? If not equiped ... where can I find a decent one for an affordable price? Edited February 4, 2014 by RoosterShooter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gottaknow Report post Posted February 4, 2014 A clutch motor has a long lever connected to the motor just behind the pulley. They are designed to go fast! A servo motor is made for speed control and will allow you to sew a stitch at a time. We have several users on the site here that can recommend a good one and several dealers that you can get good advice from as well. Regards, Eric Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
