Cumberland Highpower

A servo is probably a good thing if you're just starting out. I have clutch motors on most of my machines, and have even removed servos to re-install clutch motors. BUT that also is a factor of what I'm doing with them and I have allot of experience. I do have a couple servos and put one on a Seiko LSC. They're ISM and made in Taiwan. They're fantastic for the price. I wanted the needle positioner feature mostly. I bought one from the UK, college sewing I think? came in 220v. I'd recommend that option. If I remember right they were like $230? I really can't see letting a motor influence the machine you buy though? It's kinda like saying you're choosing between a Fiat and a Mercedes, but you're going to buy the Fiat because it comes with snow tires. You can change a motor just as easy as tires, lol

That's what it looks like. A wooden prop for the machine head. Some tables have these as a permanent fixture, some just a hole you stick that wood thing into. Just something for the head to lay against when you tip it back. Looks like that's what you have anyway. Maybe your table isn't outfitted for one?

Of those 2 I'd buy the Pfaff if it's not Chinese. 1245's are pretty good machines and would do anything you want. If you were to shop for a different machine I'd buy a Seiko LSC-8 or Pfaff 335 or something similar. (There are some made for binding, don't buy one of those) and use a flat bed table with it.

That looks great.

On my Consew 277r I noticed the feed dog mechanism is feeling loose. The dog and screw are new and tight w/locktite, but what it's bolted to is starting to feel sloppy. I took the covers off the end of the arm and looked it over. I cannot see any type of adjustment to take up the slop right away. I "think" i can see some screws on the back side of the slide plate but I cant really tell if that's what I'm looking at or not. The parts look pretty substantial, based on the size and hardness I can't imagine enough wear forming to cause the slop. Is there a way to adjust this out? Japanese machine, probably mid 1990s

I don't know "allot" about them either BlackDragon. Hartland Tannery used to produce some pretty good leathers and I often bought some lots from them. They were bought by Tasman out of KY a while back (They own other tanneries and brands such as Thoroughbred Leather) and then closed up During Covid. I know Acadia has the same address as the Hartland Tannery, and they're also a Tasman Brand. I guess they just use the warehouse there now? I don't know. I do know they truck leathers from Tasmans's tanneries in Mexico all the way to Maine. Some of the Mexican tanned leathers are a pretty close analog to the USA/Hartland stuff, but wonder if it's just a long term liquidation outlet for Tasman selling overruns/odd lots or an outlet for regularly made stock leathers? I have found what lots I've bought from them to be pretty clean and of a good quality.

I've often thought the future of manufacturing would be divided into 2 worlds: Highly advanced, fully automated manufacturing facilities, fully tooled and powered by the latest AI controlled machinery and the other world: Humanity, squatting in the dirt, beating rusted rails and salvaged wood/scraps into useful items of this or that......

A million dollar question-Selling! LOL You can make allot of belts in a day if you put your mind to it. Even old machines can pump them out. an experienced UL operator could stitch that belt, pattern including a hand layout with templates in likely under 5 mins. (Drive you nuts though after a day?) I'd guess the max thread that machine shown could handle is probably 207. I did see a CNC leather stitcher on youtube once not too long ago (Chinese made) that actually could articulate the head/needle to follow the direction of the stitch. That would be the machine to have for better quality work with heavier threads and different needles. I'll see if i can find the link and post it here.

I'm just curious. Is Acadia Leather wrapping up shop? I see they have a sitewide blowout sale and have cut back on the days they're open/ship. Dealt with them a bit over the years and the Hartland Tannery as well until it closed during Covid times. I've gotten some mixed signals from them about certain leathers lately and I'm guessing and just kinda wondering. Seems like they are just a clear up shop for odd stuff/overruns etc. these days Anyone know any gossip good or bad? I thought about asking a Tasman rep when I last called down there, but thought maybe best not to bring it up! Like I said, just curious. They've been pretty fair so far.

KGG I bet it will go pretty cheap unless they take online bids as well through something like Proxbid or allowing call in proxy bids. If it brings over $800 at an in person only local auction, I'd be somewhat surprised. Three sewing machines in the auction billing just isn't enough to bring in the right kind of bidders from afar. Hope they get what they need though.

You could make one for it (I think Randall-Campbell has one). It's all on one side of the machine. More "limited" than a 441? In general yes. They're primarily for Leather. I've sewn everything from real heavy skirting down to 2/3oz leather in wallets, PVC, Closed cell foam, rubber and even plastic. Randalls wont handle woven materials, the hook/needle will snag and either tear the fabric or break. I have sewn beta biothane on them, but had to modify things a little. They do make a beautiful stitch and are easy to use. But, if you want to do any nylon work or binding, they're entirely unsuitable. In leather they're a more capable machine than a 441 clone. You can do much finer work, much closer to edges, right up against molded work, and with larger thread than usual with better results. I once made a batch of mens wallets comprised of 2/3 and 3/4oz leather and stitched them entirely with 277 nylon. They came out looking fantastic. Try that on a 441! LOL. Hook and awl harness machines are really dinosaurs, but I like them. Nobody in the US has made a new one since before WW2 and they just keep rebuilding old ones over and over. Things have changed allot in industry over the past 70 years and I think the limited demand for these machines will fade away sooner than you think. Modern stitchers like the 441 are easier to train operators on, cheaper to buy, easier to maintain and more versatile. Stitch quality is inferior on leather, but it's close enough. In this gilded age of "Made in China" nobody remembers high quality work (or cares) and good enough is literally good enough! My point here (I rambled a bit) is if you want a Randall better get it now while parts/hooks/awls are available. The Randalls were all made over a century ago and I don't think they made that many in total. Not all survive today. 4 are sitting in my shop! lol. I doubt Randall-Campbell will make parts and service these machines 10-20 years from now even if they tell you today they will.

Thanks for the reply. That's probably a good useful machine, but I already have some of that class. I like the large handweel, looks handy. Probably worth $500-600 if it is in working condition. Is that hammer grey Seiko Paint or is it just really dirty Consew/Seiko white? The Union Special, probably no real value. Someone might buy it for the table or motor though. What is "Auction"? Are we talking about Ebay or some local auction house?

Osborne makes lots. Are/were there any Canadian made leatherworking tools?

I might be interested in the Ferdinand, just depends on the cost/model/location.

Ordered some #25TRI. Hopefully they'll work. Was looking at the hooks bobbin cases and hook retaining plates I have for it, some are marked A some B. the B hooks look like they might be for a larger diameter needle? Sound like I'm on the right track? It's a size R bobbin system.

What's the brand of the punch you pictured? It at least looks quality! Made in EU? Punches are not hard to sharpen at all, but you do need a belt sander and some practice/experience using it. (and a small ceramic stick to do a real good job). Most punches are designed to allow knock out clearance, so over time your punch will get slightly larger after dozens of sharpening sessions. I've been "tooling" up to make tools myself, but it's been a slow process. Only some prototype edgers/bevelers and screwdrivers so far. Holding out till I get a Super Mini Mill this spring, tired of old rusty, greasy cast iron......LOL

I think your 3200 would "probably" be a more user friendly machine than the full on 441 clones as a do everything machine. The longer arm on the full length machines is more useful, there is no doubt, but there is something to say for ergonomics....The longer the arm, the further you have to reach for the handwheel. I don't have any 441 clones on hand, but I have owned a few similar class machines (Adlers) and I prefer the standard versions over the 16" jobs for that reason. I'm fairly tall, with long arms but that little extra reach you have to do on the 16" machines adds up in a day's time. (That's part of why I like the old Randall Stitchers and still keep them, I can sit, do some quality work on small goods and keep my arms and elbows at the same level at a comfortable spacing). If you can get by without the 16" arm, go for your 3200. I have run 69 thread on a 205-64 in the past and had no issues, I don't see why a Juki clone would be any different? You could sew all day on a bobbin!

I'm setting up a brother Bas 342 Programmable stitcher for some patterns, and I would "like" to use 207 on top if I can get away with it. I've never run anything heavier than 138 in this machine, but manual lists a #25 needle for seatbelts and leatherwork with no mention of thread size. I've also used a special needle in this machine made by GB, that is a "multidirectional" MR needle, but I cannot seem to find them in #25..... Anyone ever attempt 207 on a similar machine? I feel like I am probably asking for too much and should know better, but feel compelled to try it out.

I think this one has a hand crank built in :D

Is that the major or minor diameter you're measuring? Using the sharp edges of your lower jaws it looks like it could be the minor? 3.3mm would be approx minor for M4 thread. M4 is a real common thread for clamping knobs. If you do drill/retap use a fine thread, works allot better with thumbscrews.

They might also be M5? On Adlers it's M5, I'm guessing Nakajima/Juki clones "could" be the same if there is any standardization of attachments. A few Japanese machines (and that's a clone) have some really odd fractional threads so it could be well 11/64-40 like 1hp said. Depends on what you're attaching name wise for the bolts. Thumb screws if you're clamping a guide down. Could be a threaded stud, etc for other things like binders.

I can relate to that. I bought a Fortuna UA some time back that was missing the trash box, so the vacuum system didn't really function. I just used it as it was with a large plastic trash can under it. Worked fine for a while. One day some thin shavings wrapped up on the feed roller and not only ruined the part i was splitting, but made a real tight wrapped up mess on the roller. I consider myself lucky that I didn't damage or break anything. Ended up building my own trash box for it from 1/2" plywood and window sealing. I also have a FAV AV2 w vacuum/cabinet and an older USMC Pluma skiver. The FAV doesn't leave any mess whatsoever. It's surprising how much trash the cabinet holds and and quickly it fills up!

Are they the same size as the R132 blades? What did you end up paying per blade?

I used to have a set of embossing wheels i had made up in that pattern for belts and slings. I lifted the idea from a K98 sling. Like someone else likes that pattern on leather. That's a pretty unique use for a laser. Only real downside I could see to a laser vs a die is that you don't get that nice bullnose (ish) edge finish on cut parts. Not that it means much I guess. Laser would be great for garment leather.

Wow that's a bummer. I like the idea of less plastic/bags blowing in the wind or gathering up in your backyard creek or parking lot...But hate to see mandates. Should be a consumer choice. Sometimes when I hear things like this, I feel a little privilege to live in such a backwards place as I do. What's the 5 cent paper bag fee used for?