martin bros

I'm learning leather work and am interested to buy a skiving machine. I've looked at many online- Chinese, Italian, etc. What is the difference between bottom feed vs. top and bottom feed? I'm doing mostly bags and belts but want a machine that can grow with my skill set and interests. Does a heavy duty machine do lightweight to mid-weight material as well as a medium duty machine? Heavy duty machines seem to cost more. Do I pony up for a heavy duty machine so that I have that range in the future even though I don't need it now? What would you all buy? Is there a big difference between a Consew, Econosew or Cobra at $1,200 or thereabouts and a new Fortuna SM-50 or FAV AV2 for 4-5k? I'm interested to get a good machine and am willing to pay the price but wonder if it is necessary. What would you all buy?

I'm learning leather work and am interested to buy a skiving machine. I've looked at many online- Chinese, Italian, etc. What is the difference between bottom feed vs. top and bottom feed? I'm doing mostly bags and belts but want a machine that can grow with my skill set and interests. Does a heavy duty machine do lightweight to mid-weight material as well as a medium duty machine? Heavy duty machines seem to cost more. Do I pony up for a heavy duty machine so that I have that range in the future even though I don't need it now? What would you all buy? Is there a big difference between a Consew, Econosew or Cobra at $1,200 or thereabouts and a new Fortuna SM-50 or FAV AV2 for 4-5k? I'm interested to get a good machine and am willing to pay the price but wonder if it is necessary. What would you all buy?