Greenwood

Hi Folks I need your advice on the purchase of a 45K69 cylinder machine that I have my eye on. The Singer "Comprehensive model list" describes it as afor stitching soles on shoes capable to sew 1/4" stitches and 5/8" thick. My question is would this be a suitable machine to perform tack and blanket repairs which is the majority of my work. I love "Old iron" and have a Pearson that can sew any heavy duty stuff. I presently use a 132K6 to sew blankets. If the 45K69 is suitable to do both I would entertain selling the 132K6. Can the presser wheel on the 45k be exchanged for a presser foot and are there any modifications that have to be made to do what I hope I can do with it. I await your commments and advice before making a final decision. Thanks, Leo.

Is there a simple tutorial that explains how to navigate the Leatherworker.net program. I'm sure there is a better way than I'm using. Being severely computer challenged I wish there was a simple explanation on how to go for example from How do I do that to Leather sewing machines w/o going back to Forums and scrolling down to Leather sewing machines or whatever topic I migh want to view. Another problem I seem to have is when posting I get kicked out and either have to reset my password or sign in again, is this me or is it system security issue. Any advice or guidance greatly appreciated and anxiously awaiting your advice.

I would like some information on where I can purchase new Pearson Needles of various sizes.

Here's a simple formula that will get you in the ball park, place adjustment at the half way mark on the adjuster rod. Measure distance centre to centre X 2; Measure diameter of each pulley and multiply X 1.57 Add it all up and that's the length you need. Example: Dia. of Large pulley: 3.5" x 1.57= 5.495 Dia. of Small pulley: 2.0 x 1.57 = 3.14 Distance between pulleys: 17" x2 The sum of all: 42.635. A belt length of 42/43 inches will get you in the close enough, the rod adjustment will do the rest. Worked for me! Good Luck Leo

Hi All I'm somewhat challenged when it comes to "social media" anyway I had a long reply to Gump but when I pressed send it disappeared into cyber whatever. Gump !! I have a 132K6 that I use for horse blanket repairing. Its a good solid reliable machine but unfortunately doesn't have reverse. The needle system you are looking is System 328. They come in sizes 140 to 230. I got some from Bob Kovar, he may have the bobbins for your machine. Is there someway we can connect, we have a daughter living in Port Joli N.S. that we visit fairly regularly, we have not visited your area of N.S. as yet but would be pleased to do so. Is there some way you could PM me with your phone # or personal email address. Good luck, Layo

You are not the first to ask this very question. Back on 18 Mar 2011, Lute asked the same question. There are several replies but nothing concrete. I too am waiting for someone to provide the name of a supplier. There is a market, however small, for altering riding boots in the area I live in. The only elastic I can find is 7.5" wide. Looking at some riding boots I think one could remove a scallop of that width at the top of the boot and make strips of the piece removed and sew them back on the elastic. This idea is not new, I saw this at the local Tack Shop on new boots. This would allow the boot to fit snuggly over the calf. Someday I might get brave enough to try it. I'd hate to ruin another wise good pair of boots worse of all having topay for new boots. I guess for now we'll have to keep watching this thread sooner or later some will help us. T'care Leo.

Hi Gary I get my girth elastic from Warkov Safeer, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Check their website. They are good people to deal with. Leo.

Good advice Ferg never thought of the white dot. I found that by sitting higher and looking down at the stitch line I have a better view and can control the speed accordingly. If you have bifocals this also helps to prevent a "Krik" in your neck. Good lighting is also a must. Good Luck Layo.

In January 2010 I ordered a Class 3 Leather Sewing Machine from Cobra Steve in Los Angeles. Steve made all the arrangements and the machine was delivered in less than a week. I can only speak to the service provided by Steve in this transaction but I know of other suppliers; Artisan, Toledo Sewing, Techsew and others I'm sure can arrange the shipping and cross border stuff. Techsew is out of Montreal while Artisan and Leather Machine Co are in L.A. Toledo as the name implies is in Ohio. I have acquiantances that have purchased from Toledo and Techsew and both are satisfied. So the choices are out there. Now for costs; Cobra Class 3- $2195.00 Shipping L.A. to Regina, Sk- $350.00 GST- $103.02 Broker fees- $70.00 Whomever you decide to go with our Cdn dollar is strong and now is the time to buy. I was very impressed with Cobra Steve but my buds were also very happy with the service and advised they received. Layo.

Welcome from Sask. You have found a treasure of information in all facets of leather work, as for myself I do tack and saddlery repairs. Like you I got started watching and assisting my Dad many years ago. Greenwood.

Hi Folks Here is my solution to the same problem. I got a 20X24 arborite covered shelf and screwed it to an old style typewriter table (all obtained from a used office furniture store) Made a perfect mount for my 29K60 Patcher. The typing table has retractable wheels so I can move the machine around and when sewing I retract the wheels thus applying the brakes. I also installed a Dayton gear motor ac/dc and use a Singer domestic machine foot control pedal. It's set up to sew approx 0-75 spm which is perfect for doing repair work. Cost of table $25-$30. Motor had to be purchased new and cost almost $200.00. I'd attach pics but challenged in that respect. Greenwood

Here's my two cents worth. In a couple months you'll be sayin "Damned I need a bigger and faster sewing machine". I say go for the max you can afford now, I'm not knocking any product but motorized sewing machines are the way to go. You can slow them down and have a nap between stitches literally and both hands are free to control your project. There are several machine dealers on this site that can offer better advise than I can. These machines can sew from paper thin leather to 7/8 of an inch. If you grossed $1500 on the weekend and think of how long it took you to prep your wares, you'll more than make up the added expense of acquiring a motorized machine. two cents only but 'ben thar' Layo

Bienvenue Abord!!! Welcome to the "Universite of Leatherworkers", mon francais est comme votre englais. If you can't find the answer wait 5 minutes and some knowledgeable member(s) will be pleased to help you with whatever advise you ned in a friendly and courteous manner. Layo, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

JR I picked-up a Gramma type hand cranked wringer at an auction for $12.00 and monted it on the end of my bench. Works wonderfully and pressure is adjustable. You could use a "J" roller available at a flooring store, but is more costly and much narrower. Good Luck Layo

While browsing I posted my email address in error without realizing the consequences that I may receive unwanted mail. I would like it removed from the topic "CATSKIN" . I must say that I get a lot of enjoyment browsing your site and hope you can help me by removing my email address. I will be more cautious in future. Thanking you in advance Leo Boisvert Regina, SK. CA. Name: Leo BOISVERT UserName: Greenwood IP Address: 24.72.83.220 Email Address: leogreen@accesscomm.ca

Good advice thank you.

Catskin My email Leogreen@accesscomm.ca Send me your phone number in your reply.

I too am from Canada, in the frozen Province of Sask. Like you I am a hobbyist and enjoy repairing saddles, harness, blankets etc. Looks like you have the start of a variety of machines to do different jobs. I am not familiar with the Techsew 180-2 I'm sure it is a good machine. Most machines are made in China and importers put their "tag" on them. I have been collecting and trading machines and equipment for a long time and when I recently retired I gave my self a retirement gift in the form of a Cobra 3 from the Leather Machine Company. It came with a variety of attachments include a guide, looks like you will be needing this if you sew narrow starps. I felt comfortable with Cobra Steve and he made all the arrangements: Shipping, Brokerage and delivery right to my door no hassle. Remember freight and GST in a no brainer we all have to pay. Sellers on the other hand may charge a fee for the service