Sewing Machine For Breast Collars And Bridles

[RuralRoots]

Hi all!! Im wanting to start a leather business, mainly making breast collars bridles belts......Maybe eventually saddles !! I need a sewing machine that isnt going to cost me an arm and a leg until I can get established. I came across this one

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-needle-industrial-sewing-machine-3914.html

And wondered if this is the type I need?? Im totally clueless even after reading the posts about choosing a machine.........

[dirtclod]

You don't want that machine for a few different reasons. 1 It won't sew over 5/16 of a inch thick in canvas and probley less in leather. 2 Are you going to be able to get parts for it when something wears out or tears up? I bet your out of luck on the parts. 3 Get a cylinder arm / deep throat machine of some sort that will sew at least 3/4 of a inch 1 inch is better. Your not going to buy a machine that will do what you need for $1500.00 either unless you really find a bargin and i would want to sew what i was going to make on it before i put my money down. Good luck in your search.

Edited August 14, 2010 by dirtclod

[RuralRoots]

You don't want that machine for a few different reasons. 1 It won't sew over 5/16 of a inch thick in canvas and probley less in leather. 2 Are you going to be able to get parts for it when something wears out or tears up? I bet your out of luck on the parts. 3 Get a cylinder arm / deep throat machine of some sort that will sew at least 3/4 of a inch 1 inch is better. Your not going to buy a machine that will do what you need for $1500.00 either unless you really find a bargin and i would want to sew what i was going to make on it before i put my money down. Good luck in search.

Thank you!! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. Ill just have to save up for a good one. Do you have any suggestions on a brand ?? I know there are some in the weaver catalog but they are still $4000.

[dirtclod]

I have a pro 2000 Juki from Ferdco http://www.ferdco.com/ that i have had for 15 or 16 years, broke a spring one time and that was easy to fix. But their between 5000.00 and 5500.00 for a new one. And i had a American straight needle good machine but your really limited on what you can sew as far as width sense it has a 3 or 4 inch deep throat. Those two are the only heavy machines i personally have used or owned. Call all of the sewing machine dealers and talk to them see what they have and who you feel comfortable with. But be ready to spend a few thousand dollars for a new machine though.

Edited August 14, 2010 by dirtclod

[Ken Nelson]

I have a pro 2000 Juki from Ferdco http://www.ferdco.com/ that i have had for 15 or 16 years, broke a spring one time and that was easy to fix. But their between 5000.00 and 5500.00 for a new one. And i had a American straight needle good machine but your really limited on what you can sew as far as width sense it has a 3 or 4 inch deep throat. Those two are the only heavy machines i personally have used or owned. Call all of the sewing machine dealers and talk to them see what they have and who you feel comfortable with. But be ready to spend a few thousand dollars for a new machine though.

Call Cobra Steve, Probably the best deal around for a person getting his first sewing machine. Dealt with him 3 times on machine purchases and never had anything but good experiences. Ken

[Russ]

Call Cobra Steve, and call Artisan. Mix, match, compare the two. Both have great first machines, and both will give you great after-sale service, which is probably more important than the machine.

[RunningRoan]

I have a rule about Harbor Freight...I don't buy anythinig there that I will depend on daily to run my business. I have bought tools and whatnot from Harbor Freight with the intention of using them every once in a while, but if I need something that I expect to get a lot of use out of, I buy a quality version of that item. Harbor Freight has a lot of stuff and their prices are great, but for the most part they sell throw-away items.

Also, if you plan to sew headstalls and breast collars, stay away from any machine billed as "a heavy duty canvas stitcher and will do lightweight leather too". Those machines might be referred to as "heavy duty" but that's in terms of sewing fabrics...a totally different world than leather. Those machines can sew very thin leather every once in a while if need be, but if you try to run leather through them all the time, the machine will fail. Stick to machines that are made specifically to handle medium to heavy leather.

I bought a Cobra Class 3 from Steve. It was my first sewing machine purchase and I have been extremely happy! I make strap goods mostly (headstalls, breast collars, dog collars, etc) and the Class 3 has been awesome. I've had it for a year and it's been put to the test. Plenty of power to get through thick laps and sews nicely on some of the thinner items I make. It can handle more that I have asked it to do, but its better to have a little more power than you need versus just barely getting your projects through your machine.

I have to admit that my Cobra is one of my most prized possesions that doesn't have fur

[Deb59]

If you are able to attend the IFOLG show in St. Louis in October, it would be a good place to talk directly to some of the sewing machine suppliers and try out the different machines, pick the represenative's brain and check out their customer service. I personally have a Cobra Class 4 that I bought this spring and absolutly LOVE it!! There are lots of good machines out there. and trying them out is the best way to find out what works for you! - Good Luck - Deb

[RuralRoots]

Thank you all for the info!! I will get ahold of Steve, and in the mean time I found this on craigslist, (Im STILL on a bargain witch hunt ) Determined to find something I can buy outright with cash!! What do you all think of these machines?

http://columbus.craigslist.org/bfs/1913511102.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/art/1926119408.html

If you are able to attend the IFOLG show in St. Louis in October, it would be a good place to talk directly to some of the sewing machine suppliers and try out the different machines, pick the represenative's brain and check out their customer service. I personally have a Cobra Class 4 that I bought this spring and absolutly LOVE it!! There are lots of good machines out there. and trying them out is the best way to find out what works for you! - Good Luck - Deb

I wish I could!! I need that kind of information- But I live in Ohio!! Thanks though Deb. :D

[CowboyBob]

Thank you all for the info!! I will get ahold of Steve, and in the mean time I found this on craigslist, (Im STILL on a bargain witch hunt ) Determined to find something I can buy outright with cash!! What do you all think of these machines?

http://columbus.crai...1913511102.html

http://columbus.crai...1926119408.html

Deb,

I wish I could!! I need that kind of information- But I live in Ohio!! Thanks though Deb. :D

The Consew 226 is no where heavy duty enough for you,I'm in Toledo & if you want to talk I know I can help you.

Bob 1-866-362-7397