Vantramp

Just wanted to Thank You again Eric, I went and checked out the machine, the hook was quite sharp and everything worked perfectly so it came home with me After using it there for a little bit, I will definitely be getting the servo motor for it. I could probably deal with the clutch for a while, but I see no good reason to wait. Now I just need to spend a lot of time learning all the little details and tricks of this machine so I can get the most use out of it. On that note, I will always welcome any advice anyone might have! -Mike

Thanks Eric, I will definitely check that! I really do appreciate the advice! -Mike

I haven't picked it up yet, hopefully tomorrow but it looks to be in excellent condition with 3 separate walking feet and a piping foot, a bunch of bobbins, about 40 needles for $650 The owner recommended bringing material to try it with so I definitely will. Does this sound like a decent deal? The picture of the motor shows what looks like a pretty small drive pulley, maybe 2" so I am hoping that will work out okay for now. Anyone have any specific things I should watch out for with this machine or check for before I hand over the cash? Thanks in advance, -Mike

Thank You Bob, That is really what I needed, a good target machine to research and hunt for. Now with the model numbers, I am going to go back again and search through the threads here to understand what they can do and what to watch for. I am sure I will have more questions before ya know it, but that ought to keep me busy for a while. Thanks again! Of course any other advice, thoughts, suggestions etc are also welcome and appreciated. -Mike

Thanks for the info Wizcrafts, I suspected that would be the case. I keep reading all the threads on "best starting machine" etc and most of the advice is very similar about saving until you can afford a Tippman Boss then a 441 clone etc. While I could actually go buy a Tippman Boss, I really don't want to spend the money on it for my purposes. I have other goals for our savings(land) and this is just really a hobby for me. Isn't there some reasonable old/older machine, that can be had for around $500 for doing what I want to do? -Mike

Hi friends! I am, like many, on a very tight budget and wanting a machine that I can use for several purposes. Canvas, denim, and leather work. I have been reading here trying to figure out a good machine that would fit into my very limited resources (around $500) and do what I want for the most part. It is for hobby purposes, not a business so speed isn't really a factor. I have found a few used Juki's on Craigslist that sound to me like they might work out well enough, but I am hoping to gain the advice of you folks with more experience. Is a Juki DNL-415 a reasonable machine for what I want to do? The projects in leather are simple knife sheaths, seat covers etc. I also would like to be able to sew leather trim onto 100% wool blanket material for making an Anorak etc. I originally thought I could do this stuff with a Pfaff 130 (a relative's machine) but after reading for several hours here, I realize that would be somewhat unlikely. So any advice would be greatly appreciated! Also, if the Juki would work, does anyone have any basic idea of what capacity for leather it could handle? Would I still need to hand sew holsters etc? Thanks in advance, -Mike

Welcome Matt! I lived in Spanaway for a very brief time about 20 some years ago, probably has changed a lot since then. Look forward to seeing your future creations! -Mike

Welcome from another Oly Pen resident! The whip looks great! Glad you are here! -Mike

Welcome Back! -Mike

Welcome! Very cool! I want to set up another small forge to do some blade work soon. It has been many years since the last one and I am thinking the time has come! I look forward to seeing how your projects come out! -Mike

Welcome Kevin! Looking forward to seeing your saddle designs Glad you are here! -Mike

Nice Holster Irish! Welcome! -Mike

Hi Rod, Glad you are here! I do some jewelry work as well myself and have had a lot of fun ideas to combine the two hobbies lately. I just really wanted to welcome you and hope to see some of your work in the future! -Mike

I have been enjoying the knowledge and inspiration of this forum and it's members for a while now and figured now was a good time to say "hi and Thanks"! I finally finished my first project so I thought I would share it here. I had fun making this sheath for my wife's favorite old folding knife and she is happy with it so I am going to call it successful I have so much to learn though!! What a great craft this is! Thanks to you all! -Mike