coryleif

I've bought two machines from Nick-O. Both needed/need some work. I can forgive the rounded out set screws and worn out bobbin springs, but when they didn't cut the table properly (or, more likely, just used whatever old table was lying around) and the machine is resting on the drip tray and they've tried to shim the slop with extra rubber pads, that's just lame. Must've been a Monday or Friday when they set that one up. Didn't catch that when I tried out the machine. My bad (I guess). I have to say, though, Nick has been very responsive when I've had issues (and the Missouri guys are great to talk to). Just wish they'd been taken care of in the first place.

I just eyeballed it when I made my table. Depends on what you'll be sewing, really. Wish I would've made a li'l more room under the hook, though. Next time...

I'm wondering if older 335s are set up for heavier sewing. When I got my new 335G (the boxy one, now branded Mauser) I put a 125/20 needle in it and it was catching on the hook a bit. The manual definitely says 100/18 is the max. Though, maybe I can move the hook over a little...

Cf: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=42141 & Windham Cub: http://www.windhamcub.com/?page_id=16 And, then, there's always water power...

Well, it sews "cylindraceous articles" ... that's good, right?

I've been looking, too, so I'll just jump in here as well... Here's what I've learned so far (searching for a long-arm, big bobbin patcher): Looking at new patchers is slightly more puzzling than figuring out which 441 clone is "the best." At least with the 441s (represented here), they're all made in the same country. With the patchers, you occasionally hear grumblings about metal-shavings-filled machines coming from the land of yellow stars (both the eBay primitives and Singer clones). In a perfect world, we'd all be able to buy a Claes, 'cause those look the business. http://www.cl-maschinenbau.com/leistungen/claes_kl_8346.php?lang=en Sadly, they'll run you around five g's, slightly less expensive than a new Juki 441. I do not run a busy shoe repair shop (or any shop), so buying one would be insane on my part. I asked my local dealer (a sponsor, but not a vocal one) about getting a used Adler 30-70. He said (1) they are rare, and (2) parts are impossible to get, so forget it. He suggested a Singer 29K. I see the 30-10 more often: http://www.floridasewingmachines.com/product/adler-30-10-long-arm-19-patching-leather-shoe-repair-industrial-sewing-machine/ http://www.atlasortho.com/Adler-30-10-Patcher-Rebuilt_c_3945.html ...so people can get parts and are working on them) I agree with Constabulary above: owning a nice Singer 29K72, 73 would be awesome. Do I have time to rebuild one right now? No. And I don't know if bigger ones are as plentiful as you would think. I talked to another of the LW sponsors and he said if you plan on using it for a while, go with a new one -- they're a little nicer than the vintage patchers and new parts do not always fit the old machines. China vs Taiwan? Has Chinese manufacturing improved in the last few years, or is it the same ol' nationalist argument? Of course every dealer claims they have the best machine, and there will be a range of quality w/in a branded model ... so are we hearing about lemons, or typical attributes? Right now, I'm looking at Landis's Singer clone: http://landisusa.com/us-en/29-73.html ...which, of course, they claim is superior to the Chinese clones... And they themselves look to be made by Taking in Taiwan: http://www.taking.com.tw/htm/product/2971.73-2971lb.73lb-7a-810.20.htm They also have a slightly longer max stitch length and lift, which might come down to metric/standard approximations and how you see a range of maximum thickness in the 441 clones -- 3/4"–7/8" ... it depends how you set it up. So my question is (finally): does anyone have experience with a Landis/Taking patcher? And, is Taking making these for Techsew? In the end, maybe just base your purchase on who is the nicest on the phone and which machine has the coolest paint job. They're all fine, I'm sure. Anyway, I should get back to sewing ... so I can justify buying another machine. cory

Ferdco has an interesting write-up on the pros of poly: http://www.ferdco.com/content.php?page_id=27

As stated above, the 15-91 has a potted moter. I've heard tell of the gears blowing out in these ... something about 60-year-old fiber worms, or something. I would recommend the belted 15-90 (or converted -88). I actually just got one on eBay for $75 shipped. Will need some wiring and a base, and who knows what else -- it's still in transit. This will be used as a dedicated buttonholer, with matching Singer buttonholer automaton. It's actually my second 15-90 -- dunno why I bought a second one. Gotta collect all the faceplates, I suppose. Did a little write-up about my first one here: http://leiflabs.blogspot.com/2011/05/singer-15-90.html Good luck! These are cool little machines.

Hi A, I believe the Highlead gc2698-1b is pretty much a copy of the Pfaff 335, now made/owned by Mauser: http://www.mauser-spezial.com/ma-335.html It should be fine for your applications. Though, I've never sewn on a 29k, so I can't compare. The binding mount swings away so it's a snap to go from binding to regular sewing. With a servo motor and a 2" pulley you should have no problem sewing slow. I can do one stitch at a time with my 335. Hope this helps. cory

Consew also has a couple machines with synchro binders...the 227 and 277: http://consew.margin...ts/cylinder.htm There are still a few US companies making/fitting binding attachments...I don't have a full list at hand, but here are a couple: http://www.atlatt.co...rs/binding.html http://www.chholderb...strial-binders/ http://www.jesseheap...attachments.htm http://www.kaplansew...ttachments.html http://www.nysmac.com/attachments.cfm http://www.tennattachment.com/ I haven't worked with any of the above companies...just what Google told me. Gregg at Keystone Sewing can also get custom attachments. See also this post: http://leatherworker...showtopic=35749 I have a 335...very well-built machine. I haven't got it up and running for binding yet as there are some clearance issues with my attachment and the needle plate. Still need to do a bit more grinding. Fortunately there are some generic parts for the 335 out there, a needle plate being one of them. Genuine parts, as you well know, are mega $$. Good luck!

It's an inexpensive machine---not as well made as a Seiko STH-8BLD or Juki 1541 (two machines in the same weight class), but I love mine (and I have a 1541 too)...possibly the reason for the flak. Mine came with toothed presser feet, so, as Wiz said, you'll also need some smooth ones for leather (if you don't have some already). Should run you 'bout 15 to 25 bones depending on where you get 'em. Happy sewing.

Hi, I would think a Consew 227R would probably do the trick. You often see them used: http://www.ebay.com/...=item2c633faeed Also, not as common, but nice: Juki 341: I would steer clear of used Pfaffs (eg the 335), as parts are mega $$. Good luck in your search! [c]

I purchased a generic needle plate and dog for my 335 from www.universalsewing.com. I haven't looked at what else they offer for that machine. Yeah, I always knew Pfaff was expensive, but I didn't realize they were that expensive till I started looking at parts. Maybe I should've gone with a Consew or Seiko... cory

Oh, you can buy binders straight from them--they don't care. They take PayPal, have no minimums, and their prices are crazy low. I ordered a handful of binders from them in the summer. The quality seems pretty good...definitely better than other off-the-shelf binders you see online. Unfortunately, I've been busy with other projects so I've only used them a little bit. I think shipping was around $20 from HK to the States for five binders...but it was pretty quick. Hopefully they return your email next time. [c]

Hi Marty, I can't answer your question about what binder you'd need for leather...those are usually custom made to fit the project. Any of the sewing machine dealers on this forum should be able to help you. I can tell you a little about synchronized binders... A machine with a synchronized binder has a binder on a moving arm (binder plate). On compound-feed machines (where you mostly see them) this arm moves with the walking foot & feed dog so the binder is always right next to the foot, ensuring even feeding around tight curves 'n' such. If you are binding things with tight curves a synchronized binder is a nice thing to have, but not essential. This is a built-in feature and not something you can add to a machine--as far as I know. I don't believe they make a sub-class of 441 with a synchro binder...as they do for the 205. You can also see them on classes of Pfaff 335s and Consew 227s. It's probably best to talk to someone who has experience binding leather and who could custom fit an attachment for you, but here's an idea of what they look like: http://www.kwokhing....hine/khf_cy.htm And to see another synchro binder in action: Best of luck. cory