seweng

The Highlead GC2698 and Durkopp 69 will handle similar weight work and are probably more medium weight machines. There are a lot of copies about so make sure which ever you buy, that it is genuine and has a warranty from the makers.

You can always find cheaper but: I’ve also seen cheaper Highlead prices advertised and when you ring these cheaper looking drop shipper suppliers they have no stock and try to sell you a different brand or say the machine you want has to be ordered.. The cheaper adverts are probably just to get you to ring or to flog drop shipped machines. It may be more expensive but if you need back-up go with an official supplier and get it in writing that it comes with the makers guarantee. Only risk drop shipped machines if you are experienced and have actually seen and tried the machine being sold.

no, you can not use a single needle as a twin needle machine. They are different machines.

It’s only a rough guide and some of the colours may have entered the earlier part of the next decade. The white colour was definitely introduced in the 1990’s, so you can push the supplier of the Yellow machine for a discount as they will probably beware it’s an old revision. Make sure its supplied with the feet you need included in the price (Pfaff feet are expensive).

As a rough guide only Pfaff colours Grey = 1970’s and before Yellow = 1980’s White = 1990’s +

If the Adler 267-373 is a German made version in good condition, it’s a fair price. Later Durkopp Adler 267-373 models are made in China and can be purchased much cheaper than the German models used to cost. Beware that both Durkopp and Pfaff charge high prices for spare parts and feet. After market feet are available at much cheaper prices.

I have experience with the Highlead GC2698-1B which is a good machine and I understand is almost the same as the GC2698-1 you mention. The 1B model has a larger hook so can hold more thread. Details to check if it’s similar are listed on http://www.sewingmachinery.com/ Highlead are one of the better brands and Adler may be better ? But the price difference can be a lot. For light to medium weight they will likely all be adequate. Just make sure the machine you purchase is set up correctly and from a decent supplier.

Looking at your photos, the name is in Chinese and likely to be for sale in China only. You have probably purchased what's called a grey import which will not be supported by official channels. Braithwaite sewing www.sewingmachinery.com is the official Highlead suppliers in UK. Also, in general, sewing machines made for the Chinese market often tend to have cheaper parts fitted i.e. Chinese sewing hook, gears, etc; which is maybe why you are having problems with it jamming.

I have experience with the Highlead model; it's well built and very similar to the Pfaff. The Highlead model is fitted with a Japanese hook and I understand the Pfaff is fitted with a European Hook. Many of the standard sewing parts are interchangeable, so it easy to fit different feet etc. Highlead do make a dedicating binding model here: http://www.highlead....ead-GC2698.html

If you’re convinced it should work on your job, then why don’t you get somebody to set it up correctly. There are many suppliers in Europe who sell Durkopp Adler machines.

Sorry your machine will not do your job. But to be fair to your supplier, it’s probably not their fault if you purchased the wrong machine for the job. Also take into consideration that during your research you were advised here that you would have significant problems trying to sew 20mm of leather on this model.

Hi been away for awhile and noticed your comments on the 205-370. The 205-370 is a good machine, but if you are going to get one for the purposes of sewing 20-21mm thickness of leather, then its possible you will waste your money. It will not handle that thickness of leather consistently. Your comment about "using it until it breaks" will probably happen very quickly. If somebody has told you it will sew 20-21mm leather, then go and see it working before spending any money.

I understand the Highlead GC22618-1B model has been replaced by Highlead GC2268 model. Both are similar but the newer GC2268 does not feature dial adjustment for the walking foot. The walking foot is adjusted manually on the back of the machine; which may be considered more robust on some heavy work.

The Adler 205 has a maximum foot lift of 20mm and it's unlikely it would be able to stitch 20mm of leather with-out significant problems. Modern equivalent of the class 20 is Highlead GA1398-1 and similar models are used when stitching very thick webbing etc. They can not be used on thinner work, so are not for general purpose use.

Hi If you are already using Highlead sewing machines and they are ok, then they also make a narrow cylinder arm machine with walking foot etc. Highlead GC2698-1BE model. Hope this is of help.