New (old) machine and questions

[akraven]

Well after some searching around I found a leather machine. Here in Alaska finding a leather machine is difficult and I had searched all over on Craigslist and other places in the lower 48. Finally called a sewing machine repair place close by and lo and behold they had a machine somebody had wanted and never came for. A Singer 11-20 made in December of 1924. In excellent condition and checked out by their industrial machine guy. It is an extra deep throat cylinder machine that he said was made that way to sew powder bags for the battle ships???

Anyway I was hoping for a few reccomendations for

1. Thread size for holsters and sheaths? 346?

2. Needle types and sizes? 7X3 is the needle system

3. Best sources for Thread and needles

4. Speed reducers. has anybody made there own from pulleys or just bought a premade one. Anyone know of any online pic's of one?

5. Parts source for future?

I have tried it out a little and it punches through 3 layers of 8-9oz leather without a problem.

Thank you for any info anybody can offer. I really appreciate it.akraven

PS Thats an 18" ruler sitting in front of it to give you a size perspective!!

Edited September 27, 2008 by akraven