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Everything posted by Art
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It is a heavy material sewing machine. BUT, it is flat bed. Ask any of the sewing machine dealers at the top of the page how many flat beds they sell for heavy leatherworking. Not many. Flat bed machines are used where they do construction of parts (that they can do on a flat bed) then put them together on a post or a cylinder arm machine. With a cylinder arm, there is the needle and then it drops off at the end of the arm, perfect for constructing a whole bunch of stuff including bags. If you NEED a flat bed, then you can make a table for a cylinder arm that works great, but then when you need the cylinder arm, you just take the table off. Most of the dealers supply these for their cylinder arm machines, most folks put them on once or twice then figure out they don't need them. Once you learn to sew on a cylinder arm, you know how to use it for almost everything. Flat beds are a little more common for the medium range machines as the material they sew is quite a bit more flexible, and the leather for flatbed projects like chaps is both flexible and large. For some reason, cylinder arm medium weight machines are a bit more expensive too. If you are closing bags or shoes, the cylinder arm is much more useful. If you do all around leather projects, you will end-up with a 618 type medium duty machine and a 441 clone, right now you should be looking for the 441 clone (or a real 441 if you get lucky). Art
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That is Leighton's (in Alberta) version of the GA5-1 machine. They properly rework it to sew leather. Still not needle feed though, try their Mach 3 for that. Art
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OK, that seems to be a good price if that's what you want. When sewing multiple layers of anything, I prefer needle feed, not sure the GA5-1 has that, or reverse either. I think the reverse model is GA5-1R. But the important thing here is servo motor, speed reducer, and smooth feet, might have to give up the smooth feet if you are just doing drop feed. I think the spec on that machine is 1/5 inch lift, which will eventually give you worries. The ideal machine for you should be needle feed, walking foot, smooth feet, and 3/4" capacity with a servo and speed reducer. I am looking at what you want to sew, and it looks like the GA5 is not enough machine. I could be wrong. Art
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For what you want to do, you really need a short arm (long arm if you can afford it) 441 clone. Cobra class 3 (or 4), there are some pictures and specs here. I would make a decision shortly as the prices on most sewing machines will be going up soon. Art
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High lift Pfaff 145/545/1245, but you are at the absolute limit thickness wise. You will hate yourself for getting a flat bed for sewing bags. Spend a little more and get a machine for that job. Art
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There is no question it is a Pfaff. The model and mods are on the little trapezoidal plate under the reverse/stitch length lever. Might be a 145 or something like that. Art
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Please turn the caps lock off. So, did Tony move back to Connecticut from Montana? Art
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Don't hold your breath on that one. Art
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Advice About 2 Different Machines Please
Art replied to mendedbowl's topic in Leather Sewing Machines
Hi Ken, the Singer 111G is essentially the same as the Consew 226, both are unison feed (needle feed walking foot) and use the same feet (there are 100s of different feet for those machines). These machines are used all over the industry, also a Singer 211 is pretty good. Make sure that the machine is tight, needle bar and other reciprocating parts, and neat (not sloppy or have a lot of "take up" in the drive mechanism). Figure on replacing the motor with a reduction unit to slow it down. If you need a cylinder arm, the Singer 153w102 or 103 is good for cheap. Should be able to get any of these in great shape for under $500, but right now (economy) I would imagine considerably less. Art -
Hi James, Use #69 or #46 thread for decorative sewing, there are many more colors available in those sizes than in #92. Art
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In good condition $400-$700. I have seen these occasionally at canvas shops (who seldom use canvas anymore). They are usually set up for very fast sewing. I would be careful of wear from heavy usage. They are a needle feed machine but NOT walking foot, so the teflon foot is a must. These are better for fabric or garment leather than leather projects where the needle feed with walking foot is king as in the Singer 111. In this price range, you would be better served by a Pfaff 545, or one of the compound feed Jukis or Consews. Get something that takes Singer 111 feet if you want the most versatility. Note, the Pfaffs are a breed unto themselves, they don't use 111 feet. If you have the bucks, get a new clone of the 618 variety, around $1500. I am assuming you are sewing medium weight material. Heavy is another story. Art
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If HE is supplying the gator, then maybe a third of what he gets or about $66 per. Remember that you are responsible for the gator if you screw up, so you have to get more than $20. Also, if he is supplying the gator, then doing a run of 100 for him is ok, you don't even need any up front money, however you MUST be paid in full before shipping them to him. Art
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Hi JS, Don't worry about the 100's of belts, I would at least double my materials and charge what you want per hour for your time for a single belt. When it gets to the 100s, don't give a cent just because of the volume, they always try that and you end-up working for nothing. If one belt costs x, then 100 belts cost 100x. If volume comes into it, you charge double your time for one-offs and you reduce that for volume. Art
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If a flat bed is not a problem, the Pfaff 545 is a great old machine in your price range. Leave a $200 budget to change the motor over to a gear reduction servo. If you have to have a cylinder arm, then a Consew 277 or 223 might be what you want. Art
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Help Me Choose The Right Sewing Machine
Art replied to Stocksuspension's topic in Leather Sewing Machines
A top quality factory in China, they are pretty good machines, I have a few. Art -
Hi Flipper, Gas up, head South, avoid the lake, about 200 miles later you will be in Curwensville, Pennsylvania, USA and the home of Wickett and Craig. They have everything you would want from vegtanland. However, they can be trusted to send you the best of whatever leather you need, finished the way you want. Want it split, they'll do it and you get the split too if you ask, one side, they'll do it, just call 1-800-TANNERY. That is where we get our veg anymore, they are good folks. Art
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Hi, Your 135x16TRI needles should work just fine. They are what most folks use now. You may be able to get by with a smaller needle size if you want. You can also close up the stitch holes with some form of slicker to get a nicer look. Art
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The pretension disks will unlay the thread a bit as it goes through, but the twist has to go somewhere so it backs up. Use the presser foot lift (pedal) to detension the pretension disks and pull a yard or so of thread off (down through the needle) and it should get rid of this. Coats, Linhanyl, and Rice thread used to be notorious for this because they are/were layed so tightly. Art
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Thread groove on needle on left side, needle all the way up in needle bar, thread comes down left side of needle and threads left to right then goes down through the center presser foot. Art
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Help Me Choose The Right Sewing Machine
Art replied to Stocksuspension's topic in Leather Sewing Machines
I can't help you there as I have never had my hands on one. The 18 is in your price range and I know where it comes from, it is a very good machine. The Highlead machine that is the cylinder arm version of the Class 18 wholesales for more than the 2700 sells for retail. Wonder why that is? Don't get led around by price, buy something good and you will have it forever. Art -
Outsoles For Boots, Moccasins, Etc
Art replied to bootkiller's topic in Shoes, Boots, Sandals and Moccassins
For leather, rubber and crepe (usually called EVA), use Master All purpose cement. I don't know about Barge anymore since they changed formula. Master both sides, wait till tacky, put them together, press or hammer. For Polyurethane (PU) you need a primer (PUR, Green Bottle). Ditto for Thermal Plastic Rubber (TR), but the primer is Regahol (Yellow Bottle). Applications are different for PU and TR. PUR and Regahol are Renia products. Once the EVA is on, the sander is good for shaping. Vibram soles are a PIA, you need multiple coats of glue, but you need to clean both surfaces with thinner before application, it is way too complicated, don't use Vibram. Art -
Us Leather Shows - Which One Do You Think Is Best?
Art replied to UKRay's topic in Leatherwork Conversation
Hi Ray, That is one loaded question. If you want all around leather, horsey, everything, then there is the Denver Market in January. It is just way big and everything, but not particularly aimed at leathercrafters. For the all around leather crafter type show, the is the LC&SJ show in Sheridan, Wyoming. Billed as the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show (with a name like that, I can't imagine why it doesn't draw every kinkster West of the Mississippi), it is probably the largest vendor show after Denver. This show has Vendors, Classes, and Competition; plus several good bashes at Kings, and Sheridan Leather Outfitters. Please don't get the idea that this is the United States. Wyoming is probably the least populous of the states, and there is plenty of breathing room, vis a vis on one of the coasts. Plenty of time to meet and greet folks if that's your thing. If you are more into the crafter/competition side, then the IFoLG show may be up your alley. Much smaller and intimate show, with a lot of entries and one boring as hell awards dinner. If you want to sit and talk with old friends, this is it. If you are into boots and saddles, try the Kimmel show at Wichita Falls, Texas. If you can stretch out the stay, the IFoLG show is two weeks later in New Mexico. Wickenburg is a smaller version of Sheridan, without competition, and with sand. Not a bad vendor show, in a large community center off the beaten path. Take your pick. Art -
I think a lot of what you hear about the 7 Class machines was from years ago when there wasn't much to choose from when building a machine for leather. Don't get me wrong, the 7 Class is still a good machine for sewing heavy canvas tents, not heavy polyester or nylon tents, but heavy canvas tents. I just can't imagine anyone getting $4000 for one of them, few of them sell for $1000 anymore. The 441 machines have replaced them. When Juki 441s were still in patent, and for some time after, they were quite expensive, and the 7 Class was an alternative, when the 441 clones came in, the 7s went out. The 441 is also cylinder arm which is not only helpful, but necessary for some items. I had a 7-33 once that I never used other than to get it running. It just sat around because I also had a 441 that just worked better. The feet on the 7 were what someone called canoe feet, probably because they looked like small boats; not great for leather. I eventually was talking to a guy that does tent rentals and I convinced him to take the 7. He is still using it to this day and wouldn't part with it. It is finally doing what it was made to do. A 441 clone, set up for leather (smooth specialty feet and dogs, speed reducer, servo motor) will cost you under $2500, and for a short arm version as low as $1600. This is a way better bang for your buck than the old 7. Some oldtimers remember the 7 fondly, but they have probably never used a 441. Art
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Old Singer, made for high speed work on lightweight leather. Had a roller presser in -23 form, high speed bearings and a motor to clip along 4000-5000 rpm. Not your average leatherworking machine. It uses 88x1 (or 88x9) needles which I haven't seen in leather point in a while. It will sew 1/4 inch OK but you really need a leather point needle, and you need to slow that mother down. Boot top decorating machine maybe. Not quite the right machine for a leathercrafter. But free is cheap. Art
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How Come I Have Never Seen This Stamp In The Tandy Catalogue?
Art replied to newfiebackflip's topic in Leather Tools
What are you, a Rabbi? It is an old "Wheel of Life" from the saddle stamp (Native American motif) series, late '70s to early '80s. Some like TeePee and Thunderbird came in the Camp Craft Kit also. Art