tackgirl956

Thanks guys really appreciate the reply back. Bob appreciate the chart and will definitely check it out. Wiz if you have never heard of a #17 needle (with all your experience) that probably explains why there isn't much info out there on the net. In checking the needle package that came with the machine, it reads Schmetz , Germany, system DPX17, not sure what the word "system" stands for or mean? If it were you, would you go with the correct size thread for the #16 or the #18 needle? From what I have read about the different industrial size needles, the #17 is more for heavier fabrics, canvas etc and lt wt leathers ...the #16 more for the heavier leather. My first project is going to be to sew up a (leopard print) horse saddle pad with 1/2" foam in the center, I'm thinking the #17 needle should work fine for that...just got to figure out the correct size thread, has to be durable and strong since it will have to stand the weight of the saddle and rider for hours on the trails. Thanks again for helping a newbie out!

Great info on the different needles, thanks for sharing. What about the right SIZE and type thread for the #17 & #16 needles? My new Consew came with the DpX 17 needles, searched the net but no real info out there on what size thread to use with it?

Advice please, would this machine be overkill for sewing leather handbags, wallets and hopefully horse halters later on? Adler 168-RE72 Post Bed Walking Foot I was thinking seriously about purchasing a Consew, Chandler or Tacsew, but after reading the recommended use of the Adler compared to the other machines not sure they would be that good for heavy leather projects? Most of the machines above with the exception of the Adler, have a stich speed of 2500 or more, seems to fast for any real leather sewing, even with a servo motor? Techsew sounds and looks good but unfortunately out of my meger business start up price. Also is an alternating walking foot the same as a compound walking foot? The Adler is used and seems a good deal at $650 + S&H but not sure I'm up for a used machine and someone else's problem?

Thanks Wiz, I REALLY appreciate your interest and input. They are made of old cowboy boot top leather, the fancier ones with lots of pretty stitching.. the way they used to make good boots..lol! I then add a piece of leather to the bottom so it will set up good ..add straps, fringe along the sides, conchos etc..boot top leather is usually a thinner leather than what the foot of the boot is made of....usual thickness is around 1/8" but would have to double that for sewing the different parts together, in case of adding the fringe you then have to sew the 2- 1/8" thickness leather together plus have another 1/8" of fringe leather in the middle of the seam. About 3/8" all together maybe a little more... So you see my dilemma on the right size machine..not sure I need the real heavy duty Cowboy machine..though I would LOVE to own one...but then again it might be just what I need? lol! Enclosed a pic of an idea for a iphone case... I've been working on..made out of the boot top leather..rough stage..needs to be sewn together.

Thanks Kevin, that is good to know..I wondered about the cylinder arm machines..they are pretty neat.. Raphael Sewing has really cool one... I might would even sell my horse to own that one! lol!

Hi Wiz, I finally got around to contacting Toledo today..no answer...daRn it.. but did take a look at some of their neat Cowboy machines...they have a Cowboy model #2500 that is about all I can afford at this point with the S&H...only problem is it says it can leave marks on the leather? The Cowboy CB2500 has feed dogs to move the material, against a fixed, or roller pressor foot. This may leave visible tooth marks in the bottom layer of leather. These marks can usually be rubbed out with a smoothing tool, or hammered out by laying the back layer on a smooth hard surface, covering the top with a 10-12 oz piece of hard veg-tan leather, and tapping along the stitch line with a mallet or hammer. If this sounds like too much work, Just wondering if any members have this machine or know about this machine and what can you do to remove the leather marks or if it really does leave marks on the leather? Since I'm sewing mostly leather handbags with lots of fancy stitching already on them... not sure I would want to deal with cleaning up marks on the leather or stitching?

Wiz, I'm printing this post for safe keeping! Thanks so much for the input..actually I had a dealer tell me the same thing today..go with a slower less stitch per inch sewing machine..he recommended the Chandler 406 versus the Consew 206RB.. said the Chandler 406 was less stitches per inch (1600) and would run slower. I believe he said Chandler was made by Consew, a somewhat less expensive version of the 206RB..choice of either a clutch or servo motor. I have visited Toledo, love love their Cowboy machines..but didn't see any flat bed walking foot pics or prices? Guess I'll give them a call..not rushing into anything want to know all my choices.

Hi Rod and Denise, That is good to know, will check out your site and be talking with you soon!

Thank you Wiz and Bob! I really appreciate the input on the Tacsew Machine. you saved me from making a possible $800 mistake! I'm taking everyone's good advice and searching for a Conew, Techsew etc...they are much more expensive though really going to have to shop around for a good deal on these machines. I did find out about the new Servo Smart motor at Raphael Sewing in Canada, sounds like a good thing to keep the speed down (what I need being a newbie) anyone have any thoughts on that motor?

Would anyone know of saddle makers that makes either trees or saddles for the Paso Fino gaited horse? We have been selling tack for the Paso Fino horse and have to import all of it from Colombia where the breed originated from... They require a a much more narrow tree to set up and off the withers, due their front end up and down sewing machine type gait, much like a mule tree we have been told? They are also shorter backed which means a shorter tree and saddle..approx 21" - 23" for a trail saddle. Any thoughts or suppliers would be greatly appreciated...we would really prefer to deal with a US based saddle maker, but can't get any US saddle makers to take an interest in this breed? Enclosed a pic of one of our Colombian saddles made for the Paso Fino horse, nice fitting tree but the Colombian leather is not very good quality.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with a Tacsew GC6-6 Walking Foot Industrial Machine? I mainly sew leather handbags and cell cases out of the old fancy stitched cowboy boot tops..would this machine be over kill for my type of leather projects? I would like to try my hand at making leather headstalls and halters later on..but can't afford 2 different leather machines. BIG thanks to Wiz for sharing all his been there done that machine experiences with us!