Thread Sizes For Leather Sewing Machines

[sewall]

I have to ask.....

would an industrial machine [set up specially for leather by one of our sponsors listed at the top of this forum] that used a maximum of T138 top & T92 bottom be sufficient to produce holsters, belts, etc. on 3/8 inch leather with a good result?

The machine is a Consew 255B with a 3/4 servo & walking foot and I am concerned about it's limitations.

First machine & small budget situation.

Thanks for your responses!

[Samalan]

IMHO No not for holsters but all of the sponsors on this forum know better than me that's for sure my advice is call them tell them exactly what you intend to sew then your informed by a pro you can trust all of them for sure.

[Wizcrafts]

I don't recommend mixing thread sizes on gun holsters. The smaller thread becomes the weakest link, in the event of a struggle, or if the holster gets caught in brushes. #92 thread only has about 14 or 15 pounds breaking strength. #138 has 22 pounds, which is the bare minimum need to hold a 1/4 to 5/6 inch holster firmly together. At 3/8 inches you are already past #138 thread and into #207 and 277 territory.

If I was in your shoes, I would try to use #207 top and bottom, if the machine can handle it. If it can't, sew double rows of 138/138, about 1/8 to 3/16 inches apart. Or, spin the holster around and sew back through the same holes, doubling the density of each stitch.

If your holster sewing takes off, buy a more capable machine, such as this one.

[sewall]

I see things exactly as you guys & thanks for the recommendations very much!

I started shopping for an affordable machine online recently. I called the company and spoke with the sales department who

was kind enough to answer some questions & then transfer me to the techs for any further inquiries I might have.

The techs told me that the machine would run T207 max on top & on bottom but when I checked out the machines specifications

it gave T138 top & T92 bottom as maximum capacity.

Could they have modified the machine enough to be able to run T207 top & bottom or could they simply have made a mistake

regarding thread sewing capacity?

I plan to call them back today but absolutely I would love to have the Cowboy CB3200... it may be just a few hundred out of reach

with my current budget so I will keep looking.

Thanks - sewall

[Wizcrafts]

You may have to change the position of the bobbin latch opener lever for more clearance. I just set mine to maximum and leave it there.

Adjust the bobbin for a little less tension than usual. Make sure you load the bobbin so it unwinds counter-clockwise. Adjust the top tension to balance the knots. Use #24 (180) leather point needles. I prefer titanium coated needles in thick, or dense, or taped together leather.