Greetings! I'm new year, so I guess you could call this my Innaugural post. My interest lies in basically sewing garment leather or variants of it in the PVC vinyl format - due to the larger assortment of patterns, colors and flexibility on how much one needs to buy. The past 3 months, have been a "buying binge" as I've been working on the process of buying up machines based on research. Well, the research I've performed has sort of provided me with a mixed bag of results. I initially had 3 portable machines at one time - of which, they all hand claims that they could sew leather. Essentially, that really wasn't the case because I experienced issues in one form or another even on the lightest leather or vinyl along with using Teflon presser feet. Needless to say, I sold off those 3 machines without losing any money in the process.
I then started to look into industrial machines for what I needed to do. I do realize just because something is industrial or heavy duty doesn't mean that it's cut out to work with leather all the time. The first machine I picked up was a Pfaff 463 with a nearly new Consew 1/2 HP clutch motor. The machine head needs a few accessories to get replaced and I'll have to rebuild the table top because the current top is a bit warped (particle board and 70 Lb. machine heads) don't work too well together). However, I ironically only paid $50 for the complete unit - "K" legs and all. I'm going to renovate this machine and then sell it off - unless I develop some true love affair with it.
My second machine purchased less than a week after the first was a Singer 31-15. It has the clutch motor, a solid wood top - made out of strips of wood, but is thick and heavy. The motor works great. The head itself is painted the industrial grey and most of the decals have rubbed off. This machine will get renovated and I'll probably also put it up for sale, too. I actually didn't buy this machine, but I did get it free off of Craigslist. The owners were seeking to give it away. I responded and rather than groveling for the machine, I kindly stated that in exchange for the machine, I would make a donation to their favorite charity. Apparently, my e-mail caught their attention as they called me and indicated they'd like for me to be the one to have their machine. I'll refinish this machine, then I'm not exactly sure where I'll put it to use.
My third machine was purchased the day following the Singer 31-15. I had been in e-mail communications with the seller, who was a lady that was selling off the equipment from her bridal gown business. The machine was a Brother DB2-####-###. It features a clutch motor, a good table top and I paid $200 for the beast. It's the machine that I'm currently using to sew my vinyl and lightweight leather with ... and, it's working like a dream. The only issue / complaint that I have to make is the speed. I'll either need to look for a speed reducer or go with a servo motor - of which, I think the servo might be my best choice for speed control.
Finally, this takes me to my 4th machine. I'll be picking it up this coming weekend. This machine is a real leather sewing machine and is the Tech-Sew GA5-1 - which also is sold under other brand names to include Cowboy, etc. I don't believe this machine has a servo motor, but I do think it has the speed reducer pulley system in place. I don't believe the machine is much more than a year old. The owner ran into an issue where the timing is currently out of whack. So, it will be my job to get that situated so the machine will work properly. I won't indicate the price that I'll pay for this machine because I think some of you guys might come after me with a machete.
More to follow in due time.