Ferg

Kangaroo is one of the best leathers you will ever use. Strong, fine grain, and the colors, which are predominately earth tones, are gorgeous. Wears like iron and develops a fine patina. Best of the leathers are relatively expensive but cheaper in the long run since there are fewer defects. You won't be disappointed. ferg

It will require a different size needle and some tweaking on the tension when you switch thread size. If your machine is in good condition and adjusted properly you will have no problem. ferg

I have a Consew RB-5 138 Bonded nylon is best thread for leather I have used. The machine will sew 1/4" masterfully. In some leathers it will go through 3/8". You can use the smaller threads such as: 92 or 69 for some lighter work. I like the 92 in wallets. I have never tried to use waxed thread but I would guess it will "Gum Up" the needle when the wax begins to melt. ferg

corter You didn't ask for a critique but…. You have done a nice job with one caveat. The "Wrap" stitch on your corners is a high wear spot. The thread will wear through in a short time. Did you burnish the edges? Couldn't tell in your photos. ferg

My -5 was made in Japan. I think most were made in China though. ferg

I have an RB-5. If you are going to consistently sew over 3/8" thickness forget it. The machine just was not designed for heavier work. I believe you would be wise to forget the machine you are looking at. Definitely consider a cylinder arm, you can attach a table for flat work. ferg

If the belts aren't too thick, you can fold over without skiving and use two Chicago Screws. ferg

The paper towel lifts the dye kinda "Wonkie". A little practice on a piece of scrap. Keep changing the portion of paper towel you wipe with. ferg

it could be Chromexcel from Horween in Chicago. ferg

It appears to me that your needle is too large for one thing. The type needle you are sewing with makes a hole that provides you with a saddle stitch. That stitch will of course have one thread high in the hole and one low, making the saddle style stitch. Don't know exactly why you got a straight line stitch previously. ferg

Apply the dye heavier than usual, wipe with a paper towel wadded up. ferg

Never made one but I sure have put a bunch on draft horses. Quite specialized piece. I believe your best bet may be the AMISH. They may or may not be willing to guide you a little. Try this site: http://traditionalcraftsblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/normal-0-false-false-false-en-gb-ja-x.html Or this: http://horsenharness.com This: https://www.mydrafthorse.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=33 Another: http://www.chimacumtack.com/measure.html ferg

You will likely want to put those reducer pulleys on a shaft. The bolt will cause wobble pretty quickly since the thread surface is what they will turn on. ferg

Nope. I sent Mike an e-mail, didn't get an answer. Mike had a heart attack and wasn't doing real well but was getting better. His wife had some health issues also. He always answers my mail. I am afraid they may be having severe health problems. ferg

You will not be disappointed. ferg

You can get very close with a little work. The tension needs to be perfect top and bottom. Needle must be exactly right size for the size thread you use. All feet on a triple feed need to be exactly right. When you hit the sweet spot you will be amazed. Thin leather requires thread of "92" or "69" and smallest needle the thread will slide through easily. There are/have been, many different configurations on the needles but only a few are available these days. There are charts for shapes and type of stitch with different needles available. One heads up! If you have more than one machine you can devote to a particular type/thickness of leather you will eliminate a lot of headaches. You can get very irritated when you change leather thickness or thread size along with needles if you only have one machine. Occasionally you get lucky. ferg

Matt, You will be asked for your address and phone number so a salesman can contact you. If you do not wish to do that I would simply e-mail them. ferg

I too received the catalog with nothing but finished goods they sell. I received an e-mail from them giving some info on the leather they sell. Beautiful colors and finishes from the photos. Prices start at $5.00 per foot and move up from there. Minimum is a full hide averaging 50 to 55 sq ft. Most of their leather is 1.0mm to 1.2mm although they have some 1.8mm. All of their leathers are tanned with upholstery or wall panels in mind. That does not mean you cannot use it for other items. Leather from Asia and Italy, may be some other countries also, I didn't double check. This is a copy of actual response I received when I inquired about pricing and minimums' Thank you for your interest in Moore and Giles Leather. We have a vast variety of leathers and pricing will depend upon the leather. We have many of the leathers in our warehouse and can normally ship 2-3 days after receiving your order. Can you advise where you are located and if you are hospitality or high end residential and I can connect you with a sales person. I hate sales people for many reasons, one being the fact I have been in business since I was 18 years old, I am now 80. I seldom give companies my phone or address until I know exactly what and who I am dealing with. Don't need any more trash. Just thought some of you might like to know. ferg

Mike has had some health issues as has his good wife. Will see if I can contact him

Thanks Ryan, For the detailed explanation, exactly what I was looking for. I will stick with my present three machines for now anyway. ferg

I am curious to know some critical information about the new CB3200 Sewing Machine. Anyone who has bought one and using it, not setting idle. How much "fiddling" do you need do when changing thread and/or thickness of leather? This pertains to tension adjustments more than anything. I frequently need to change from 6oz. to maybe 1oz. or 2oz. leather. Also may be using 10 oz. and need to change to thinner material. I have a short arm Seiko that is most comfortable sewing no more than 3/8" with 138 thread. Would be nice to have the ability to sew with larger thread in thicker material. I don't want to spend more time adjusting the machine than it takes to sew an item. I know, buy another machine to augment the three I already have. That is not an option open to me. Any thoughts positive or negative, I would like to hear them. Thanks to any responders in advance. ferg

The one ton arbor press will disappoint you. ferg

Keep in mind: Belly leather is very stretchy and most often the poor end of the spectrum. ferg

You may have found this in your hunt. Bellow Machine Co. Ltd. is listed under the Salford Sewing & Knitting Machines category and is located in Unit 12 Salford Enterprise Ctre Guild Street , Salford, Lancashire. It can be reached at phone number 0161-743-0404. Looks like that may be where you should start. Wiz probably knows what this machine will do. ferg

Normally you would use heavier thread in needle with next step down in the bobbin. If the bobbin is small this allows more time between filling bobbin. Sounds as though the spring on the bobbin is bad. I agree, probably better to just get a new bobbin. ferg