buzzkiller

First off, I have never made a pair of chaps but am doing a bit of research before jumping into it. Every pair I have seen has a belt made into them. Is there any reason they couldn't be designed to attach to the belt holding ones pants up? I assume there is a reason not to do it since I haven't seen it, I just don't know why.

Thanks for the help. Sorry if my post rehashes she of the older discussions, I read several of those as well and appreciate all the information. Seems like the more I learn about the machines, the more I realize I don't know. I will definately stay away from Craigslist or eBay. With what little I know I definately need access to customer support. Thanks again.

I have just started working with leather as a hobby and love it a little more with every project. Right now I am stitching everything by hand as I don't have a machine. I have never used any type of sewing machine so please forgive me if I don't know some of the terminology associated with them. When it comes to equipment, I feel its always best to buy the best you can afford. Right now it's the little "afford" part I am hung up on. I would like to be in a position to sell some work to afford one of the higher end machines but at my handstitching pace it will be around the year 2036 before I have made enough money for that to happen. First off I would like to know if there is a machine out there fitting what I need for my short term goal of making holsters and bags to purchase a professional machine? Second, which machine(s) are best suited for holster and bag making? Any help is appreciated.