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Hi and welcome to the boards! I too am a noob and here is what I have found. Wiz is right, it really depends on what you are going to sew as to what machine you need. The Boss is a good machine in the right application, like a mobile Saddle maker. I have a Consew 118 Walking foot that does 2 layers of 3-4oz leather really nice, but will also do 2 layers of 8oz belt leather which is probably a bit much for the machine but it does it. I have a Singer 94-10 that was designed for curtains and it too does a great job on leather but I have modified my table with a reduces so it has more torque. Sailrite sells a nice portable walking foot machine for around 800 but I would not put it into any heavy production enviroment, for home it would be great. Look around, especially craigslist as I have found many good deals. I made my first pair of leather boots on a home machine, it is a Singer 15-91 I had to modify it of course but any thing is possible. Good luck!

THere is a learning curve you will have to go through with every machine. Be patient and if you have to write stuff down. I have 6 sewing machines now all with their own little quirks, it just takes time to get it right! Have fun!

I'm sure glad you are getting it going! I use a silicone lube on my high speed Singers to keep the needle cool and the stitches tight. This gave a slight performance increase and kept the nylon thread from whipping too bad. On my heavy shoe stitchers I use lube because i am using heavy cotton A5 thread and stitching 1/2 inch of leather so it is necessary. On your machine I don't think you will see much of an advantage as it is a slow machine and I don't think you would want oil on your holsters? Good find on the needle sizing, there is a quick guide on this site, do a search and I have found it useful. Good luck and happy sewing!

Yes, move the needle down just a little then tighten it, if the timing is off then this may help the thread pick up instead of skip. This is a temporary thing to see if it works. Powered or not if the machine is right for you then that's all that matters.

Well, I feel your frustration! I too have had many a fight with a good machine and lost. Here are some general recomendations for you to try: First, pull all the thread out of your machine, get a clean bobbin and wind it up. Then re-thread your machine with the book in hand step by step. Next loosen all tensions, you want to get the machine "sitiching" then worry about what the stitches look like later. Lube is a good thing though not really necessary at this point. Make sure the presser foot has enough tension to hold the work down to the table, but not too much to leave marks on the material. If there is a timing issue, ie the needle bar is in the wrong place you can try dropping the needle a bit to see if that help pick up the loop, then you will know you need to adjust if it works. Also my Singer machines are very finicky about left hand or right hand twist thread, make sure your thread is proper. See if that helps, I'm no expert, just my $.02

Thanks for the kind words! The groove for the stitching was made with a dremel tool and I was afraid to ruin my work so I did not go too deep, I have purchased a groove cutting tool since to remedy that problem. The gentleman requested the knife ride high above the belt line as he is a rather skinny guy. I used fiebings on the edges as I do not have a burnisher machine yet, I am working on that. I hope the next sheath will surpass this one, funny how every project I have done so far is a first! Thanks again! Jonathan

Well, I appreciate all the good feedback I got on my boots so here is my latest project: My neighbor shows up one day and shows me a knife one of his customers gave him and he said "can you make me a case?" I told him I never had made one but I'd try so here is the result. Be gentle, this is another first for me, I know, I'm new so all my projects are firsts!

They Fit really good, a bit tight but that's what I was going for. I know an Orthopedic guy in Santa Fe, he sold me the lasts and measured my feet so all is well. Thanks for the reply!

I have 2 pairs of commercially made boots that are the same way and they don't show any wear after 3 years. I thought about rolling the edge but figured if it aint broke dont fix it?

Thanks for the kind words, I made one boot by myself as a proof of concept to show myself I can do it. Then I came up with the purple trim combo. People have been making shoes for hundreds of years so I thought why not? I appreciate the tips and comments. Have fun, and I'll post the finished skates soon.

Ok, here is my first time to share with you great folks! I am big into skating, ice, roller, inline I love it all! I am a big guy, 6'3" 280lbs and I need a sturdy shoe to support me. I was going to order custom boots from a big skate co. until i heard the price, $700+ and I though well I need a good boot, then I researched and found out they use a cardboard mid sole! I was not happy, that much money and crappy materials? so I said I'll make my own. And thanks to a lot of people who helped me out, here is my creation! By the way, my investment is just over $1600 on this pair inc. machines, but the next pair will only be around $60 in materials! HAAHHA! I love this site! Jonathan

Hi all, I am in search of a small Shoe Finisher. Something like an Auto Soler Jack Master, Sutton S-750 or other??? I am in Albuquerque NM so shipping a big heavy machine is not too cost effective. Please let me know, any info or help is greatly appreciated! Jonathan 5oh5-nine75-oh572

Well, I finally got the machine to stitch! The Needle Cover was bent, I installed a new one and a new needle and it now works! Thanks for the help. I purchased a manual online so if anyone needs a copy let me know.

I am using Sellari's liquid. I cleaned out the pot and refilled it.

I am using 5 strand right hand twist cotton I believe they call it A5?

Help! I just purchased a Sutton 296A mackay chain stitch and I can't get it to stitch! Does anyone here have an operator's manual or Service manual I could get a copy of? I think the Cast off is bent or mis adjusted , the needle will pick up the loop of thread then it will drop that loop and jam up with the next loop that it picks up. Any help is greatly appreciated! Jonathan