BulletProof Report post Posted August 27, 2012 As I had stated in my one other post, I am a complete newbie to the leather world. I want to make bags, ala Saddleback, Copper Rover etc. I cam across this machine for sale, the owner says it is a Model 29R51. As I don't know anything about these, is this a good machine for my needs? (I rather like the treadle). And what might a machine like this be worth? You insight is appreciated!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catskin Report post Posted August 27, 2012 Are you sure it is not a 29K51? They are a good machine if not wornout, I have one (29K51 ). As for price that depends a lot on where you live. Don't buy until you have tried it on the kind of leather you intend to sew. If you buy it the first thing you do is move that flywheel to the shaft on the front so you can turn it slowly by hand without bending your arm in 3 places when it only has 2 hinges. I am not familiar with the type of bag you wish to sew so will not give an opinion as to suitability. As I had stated in my one other post, I am a complete newbie to the leather world. I want to make bags, ala Saddleback, Copper Rover etc. I cam across this machine for sale, the owner says it is a Model 29R51. As I don't know anything about these, is this a good machine for my needs? (I rather like the treadle). And what might a machine like this be worth? You insight is appreciated!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAYAK45 Report post Posted August 27, 2012 (edited) Welcome to the forum! That picture looks a lot like one I saw on Craigslist in Quincy Illinois! Maybe yes, maybe no. I didn't want to buy it, if yes. Wait awhile and follow the sewing machine threads here before you jump in with both feet. Spend some time here, another machine will come along. Again Welcome to the best site on earth for leatherwork. Kevin BTW where are you in these big USA? Edited August 27, 2012 by KAYAK45 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leatherkind Report post Posted August 28, 2012 Thicker leather is a lot different thing vs. thin leather or fabric - it is a lot harder to control. Especially in tight spaces and around the corners, and where you have to go from say 3 layers to 5 or from 1 to 3. On the bags you are talking about you will have go through at least 3 layers (sometimes 5 plus fabric). Please take a look at these pics: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=34847&view=findpost&p=218791 To control the work item well you need high lift, unison feed, and thicker thread. High lift (more then 1/2") is for many layers. Unison feed is that your thick assembly is not sliding all over and machine produces uniform stitch. Thick thread allows higher tension, otherwise your seam will loosen up. Also thick thread frequently looks better on thick leather. In addition with thick thread (277+) you have to have a large bobbin so that bottom thread does not quit on you in the middle of the long seam. If your goal is to make things out of heavy leather please read posts about 441 clones before you make a decision. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
