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Industrial flatbed upholstery machines similar to the Juki dnu-1541 S and similar clones will typically sew 3/8" (9.5mm) while the cylinder arm machines similar to the Juki LS-341 or 1341 and clones will typically sew 7/16" (11mm). Once you go above that thickness and / or higher then V138 thread you need a a Class 441 machine, which the one armed bandits are, either manual or motorized. When I wanted a class 441 machine I choose to go with a motorized machine as for me I figured the bloom would quickly fade having to move that lever up and down for each stitch. The class 441 machines excel at thick / tough leather but can be dumbed down to thin stuff with smaller thread. I suggest you follow the 90 percent rule, doing mostly thinner flat items get a flatbed or a cylinder arm machine with a table top attachment. No one machine will do everything. Buy Once, Cry Once Here is a great article you should read to help figure out what machine would be needed for your stuff. kgg

I've had leather (Mostly Tandy) have spots that would not dye, even dip dying a time or 2. I am thinking tanning process was not complete. If you are like me, I usually make one project, ruin it somehow, and make a second one. The originals are in a box I call the Island of Misfit Holsters.

@kgg I guess I need to look at specs on these. The thickest I have hand sewn soo far is 8mm. I don't see me sewing anything thicker in the future. I want something reliable and fairly easy to operate, but reasonably priced also. I'm not against a motorized model that can easily sew at least 8mm and lower but budget is an issue also. Thanks for your response! To add: looks like the Weaver is the only one that shows minimum sewing of 1/8"-3/4".

Sorry to keep coming back to this but after seeing you pictures my friend upped his estimate to $4500. He said it looked to be in really good shape. He used to own a saddle and tack store around Klamath Falls 20 or so years ago so he has looked a lots of saddles. Hope it helps.

There are three one armed bandits that have similar capabilities. i) Tippmann Boss costing about $1000 USD ( https://tippmannindustrial.com/tippmann-boss-leather-sewing-machine/ ) ii) Cowboy Outlaw costing about $1600 USD ( https://www.tolindsewmach.com/cowboy-outlaw.html ) iii) Weaver Master Tool Cub costing about $2100 USD ( https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/master-tool-cub-manual-leather-sewing-machine-aluminum ) Some people prefer one over another but either should do the job. The thing to remember is the that all three are made to sew thick leather with a thick thread up to V415 and use a needle that is about the same size as a 2 1/2" finishing nail. The main question is what you want to sew and from there choose a machine. kgg

I'm just curious if anyone has or have used one of these? I like the simplicity of it and supposedly can sew up to almost 3/4" of leather. Also, with a social security budget, seems reasonably priced around $1600. Thanks for any input! Bobby

Very nice!!!

Moved your post to Shoes, Boots, Sandals and Moccassins

This item has been sold

Man, that is some awesome work! Thanks for sharing!!

Hi everyone. I'm trying to repair dented toe boxes in typical western style pull on boots. When new, the toe box is molded and stiffer than the rest of the upper. They have both been slightly crushed by outdoor work (tree work) and I'm looking for tools and tips for getting them back in shape. In my mind, I see a curved tool that I can get down in the toe and manipulate the toe back up in place while heating the leather. My hand doesn't fit. Does that make any sense? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you, D

When I bought my JL341 I had a direct contact with the factory or that's what I assumed. Every time I wanted something confirmed they would send me a video, for example same hole stitching in reverse. mine also came with a speed reducer under the table I hated the pedal lift so changed it to a knee lift. Can post pics if you want although I think I covered it all a while ago.

VERY NICE one and all !!!!!!!! I love the contrasting thread look .

Nice Work!

To further what @Constabulary said here is a line from ISAC.net about the Singer 17-2 ( https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-class-17-sewing-machines.html ) " Machine No. 17-2 has drop-feed across arm at right of needle and is used for closing the seams of Shot or other bags after they are filled, sewing buckram on Jean Pants, Pocketbook manufacture, etc. " Personally I think you should be looking for machines similar to at least a Juki LS-341 or clone depending on the thread size / toughness of the leather (chrome tan or veg tan). With old machines when you get into the 75 year bracket whether they are brand name or clone finding replacement parts can be expensive or sometimes impossible to find. If you can't find parts you wind up with a pretty boat anchor. When setup properly it is a game changer as you get the presser foot, the needle and the feed dog moving your item along particularity on thick items or multi layers. kgg

If I saw someone wearing that out and about I’d be thinking Arthur Morgan and want to yell Lenny, so I think you nailed it.

A few recent projects.

Thank you! What about the compound feed? Is it a game changer or just nice to have. I like simple machines, I repair and tweak them myself, I'm not a mechanic though. But, if it does allow me to stitch thick uppers more confidently, without glueing I'd go for that and figure them out.

Not much to add but talked with a guy who knew a little more. He thinks that he learned from Chuck Stormes. He worked a stretch at Hamley's and then was off on his own.

Yeah, I´m shy with saying so 😁

Hello all! Please help me find an operator's manual/ instructions for this machine. Thanks in advance.

Here is what a friend said when I asked him about DD Potter Saddles. "Good saddles mostly. I don’t think they were going for a long time. Out of Pendleton Oregon or right near there. Lots of great saddle makers up there in that area. I have seen a couple pairs of their taps and they are awesome but pretty heavy. Do you have one? I would guess value to be depending on shape. Not a well known name and Wades seem to be coming down so I imagine $3500. If it was a Severe saddle from that area it would be $6000. They might have used Rich Bean trees which would be a huge point of quality!"

Looking back with a Google search I found where I had covered most of this before which this link will show - https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/74966-skiving-foot-roller-adaptation/ A google search shows many places where you can buy the foot if if search for Skiver machine feet. This is one of the links - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007201599493.html?UTABTest=aliabtest116529_13360&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=742-864-1166&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&albagn=888888&ds_e_adid=&ds_e_matchtype=&ds_e_device=c&ds_e_network=x&ds_e_product_group_id=&ds_e_product_id=en1005007201599493&ds_e_product_merchant_id=737156300&ds_e_product_country=AU&ds_e_product_language=en&ds_e_product_channel=online&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_url_v=2&albcp=21819463808&albag=&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21819486122&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmK_CBhCEARIsAMKwcD7-i82gtRujZKf-0mTTOoPLs1oluw2sHNuCF5m-3G7DXzDKElWbywoaAj1oEALw_wcB&aff_fcid=b0641e9eba1743978ba53a9cf2920541-1749867580452-01047-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=b0641e9eba1743978ba53a9cf2920541-1749867580452-01047-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=08d6618945bb478d98d0dbef180895e0&OLP=1108200108_f_group4&o_s_id=1108200108&afSmartRedirect=n

Yes, I asked the seller if they have a regular website with more info, and they said no. But when I asked questions about how this or that doo-dadd works, they'd send a video demonstrating it. I ended up asking in the alibaba chat with Ben Juan, asking questions about the different kinds of machines they offer. He asked to see photos of what kind of bags I was making (I showed pictures of heavy cloth purses I had stitched) , and he said either their 261 or their 341 would be good for those. It definitely took some work asking questions, and I'm in central time so I'd ask questions in the evening when they're arriving at work. Movie...yeah it felt a little bit overkill hehe

I would never have guessed!