Cumberland Highpower

Might be some plates/feet/dogs that are smooth for that machine? There's a guy in Japan that makes wallets among other things and he uses Seikos with large knurled presser wheels. Wheel marks everywhere, but that's part of his trademark look. Just saying if you can't beat'em, maybe join'em?

I've used some Organ needles and they seemed to be overall a good needle. Schmetz are better overall but it is what it is. I've also bought them for hook and awl machines and in that regard they are just as good as any other.

Yeah that's kinda odd way to mark the packs. Organ says when you take a 135x17 needle and make it a TRI it becomes a 135x16TRI. I've seen that in their marketing material in the past. I guess they just want to put it all out there for those that might be a bit confused in what to purchase? !

Ok.

Hey I like that. I guess that's the "Slant 6" of the sewing world?

Saddle stitching mostly still exists for either of 2 reasons: 1) Novelty 2) Poverty. Novelty as in Hermes or other high end makers that are selling the work of skilled artisans and a high end/luxury item. Poverty as in you can't afford a stitcher, yet. Even when I hand stitch that rare item I don't use a saddle stitch anymore. (I use a speedy stitcher). the stitches look about the same and the strength is close enough. (Your hands are only going to last so long, don't wear them out fiddling with stitches). There are a very few times when saddle stitches are used by an equipped shop. Repair, someone just wants it done a certain way or reproduction of goods designed before machine stitching.

RockyAussie thanks for the reply. How do you find the overall ergonomics? Are these high posts comfortable machines to operate sitting down or do you feel your knees crowded and having to reach excessively upwards to work? Probably not as bad as I'm visualizing sitting here, but wanted to ask. Makes sense about the post offset.

I've somewhat decided that I'd like a new machine, one kind of new to me anyway. A tall post. I've used a couple more standard post bed machines, and to be honest I prefer them over most any type. I've never used a "tall" or "extra tall" version. All I've seen have the bobbin/hook offset to the left as opposed to the right of the post. I'm wondering why that is? So far I've only seen Chinese machines for sale, I wonder if there are any good used machines that are EU/Japanese made? I'd like to run 138, but could go as high as 207 on top at times. Any recommendations?

Are you wanting a machine to sew patches onto jackets or whatever, or are you looking for a cnc machine to sew/make patches? If you're sewin them onto jackets, a shoe patcher or a high post machine (or both) would be great.

I like it. Seems like it worked out pretty well.

Sometimes I wonder things like that. Sometimes thoughts like that are a bit off though. We always think in terms of ourselves, family run shops, etc. Truth is allot of these machines went into big production shops/factories. Nobody wants to dream of their personal machine being one of 20+ operated by punch clock, floor workers for 60+ years and then sold off at an auction in 1990..... My 16 has a brass tag on it that a factory installed on it generations ago. (not the factory tag) probably an inventory/property number. Of course nowadays that those machines are essentially "out to pasture" in small shops/hobby shops that would fit pretty well.

I guess that makes sense. I don't have much experience working bellies so never thought about it. I usually just throw away bellies or sell them for a few bucks a piece when I accumulate a pile.

Really probably not a big deal either way? I'd maybe guess it has something to do with marring the leather edge on the grain side? Especially if you're edging damp leather.

I like the old Staney razor knives that retract. One of my favorite Quarter or 50cent purchases at garage sales/flea markets/auctions! I only buy the retractable versions, I have a tendency to want to put them in my pockets.... Do you have garage sales in Canada? Just curious.

Anything sells in America, even if its' a "bad" deal! There would probably be a market for any shears, although unless you can be competitive it won't matter. The tariffs are your friend to a degree. You may pay more for steel, but get a higher percentage return on the finished product. I use a pair of W German made "Black Diamond" shears that are similar to the Wiss, w/serrations to grip, but I find the Black Diamond shears to be better balanced. Osborne also markets shears that I think are made by Wiss. A longer pair would not give any increase in leverage so only would be good for soft leathers/thin chrome, etc. To be honest, while they might be known as "belt shears" they are not all that great at cutting belts. Cutting a belt or 2 yes, or a holster prototype, but if you do it all day no way. I use a pair of cutters with compound leverage far more than my Black diamonds for cutting straps to length. (Cut-Rite) They were marketed in the 1990s by Walmart (USA made) and I've bought every pair I've ever come across at almost any price. I'd think a buyer would pay up to $80 for a quality pair (really about going rate) if you were to make something up.