DavidMillsSaddlery

I will not spend good money on shipping something from across the country if can find it locally! I would think it's a good idea to have a good reference of USEABLE machines because not all machines are available at every dealer in the best price. Sometimes a guy gets lucky and finds a machine locally! Hell I found a large lot of cylinder arm machines 15 some odd years ago for cheap... I didn't know the first thing about what I had found, but Bob at Toledo did... So no I won't stop seaching locally, and I don't think it's fair to call a dealer and ask him about a machine evey time I see one at what might be a good price. They have a business to run, and being on the phone with me is unproductive for them! This is why I think this list is a GREAT idea! You're right my reference to "3 layers of chap leather" was not very useful, especially for those who don't know what chap leather is...

List model numbers of the walking foot models that will do leather! or does a walking foot system automatically indicate leather? and sew thickness is very important when looking for machines! thanks!

How about we start a thread of KNOWN useable leather machines for guys like me who are scouring the internet looking for deals and machines! Bob at Toledo Sewing Machine sales has been kind enough to answer way too many questions about the viablility of machines I'm finding locally, but I don't like bothering a working man! Maker: Singer Model: 31-15 thickness 3 layers chap leather thread capabilities 138 or below As an example^^^^

It's what I was "sold" from a local place called Sew-Tex years ago... they seemed to work back then? What is the largest size needle available for the 31-15 in a leather point?

I've got some new needles and thread coming for the machine! The old needles (plastic holders) are marked as dpx5 135x5 134R sy6790 on a green plastic holder WITH A 140/22 SIZE second orange holder has TFx2 16x2TW 34LL with various sizes I found various foot attachments and a big wheel roller foot with matching dog feet (might have terms wrong) machiine needs a spool holder, it has a cast Iron base for one. hopefully someone has something to match just to keep it "vintage looking. I like the old motor, and clutch looks, but have not run it enough to know how smooth it will be! Mostly will be used with the roller foot attachment for intricate designs on leather chaps or for Padded seats on saddles

I'm sure the above sizes are for the 153w-101 I had. I found a box of needles that the box was labeled 31-15... not sure of the number system yet... I used 138 top and bottom for several hundred pair of rodeo chaps sewing 3 layers of 3-4 oz chap leather for years on my last one I had! the 69 thread just was too danty for my stuff...

picture... it's lost alot of the paint from wear, but for the $160.00 price I'll try it. I found another head I think someone will give me if I ask nice! anyone know about the old looking clutch?

I found an old Singer 31-15 today cheap enough! I have some older needles from years ago that are labeled canu 37 : 20KJ nm:140/22 (for thread size) sytstem: 135x16 dia. made by schmetz these are either going to be from my old 31-15, or my old 153w-101... anyone know?

Not a poblem at all! she knows what want, (I hope lol) 25 - 27 leather points! she called them something different! it has been 12 years since have used these machines so rusty on terminology!Thank you!

According to this, http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=51651 I have the needles for bigger thread, since all mine are #28

Yes, got a big 97-10 can use for the big stuff, but the fact needles are no longer available worries me! only size have is the 28's and d like to go up a thread size to a 415! which think will reguire a 29? have 20 needles so sould be good for a while, the arm diam. is huge on the97, which makes sewing bags hrder...

I liked the 1/2" lift, and the small diam. of the arm! If anything I didnt like was the shorter arm... I am lookinig at other machines that might sew up to 7/8" and a 16" arm... A cobra, but I'm not big on chinese...

Thank you!

The price is right! Do you have these mounted on the edge of a smalle table? To make sewing big leather pieces easier? The 101 and 103 are supposed to be better machines than a 102, why is this?

And the ferdco's are they of any use still?

2500 is same as 153-101? No more needles? yikes not good...I'm not sure how many got, but never broke any!

I might have found a ferdco pro 440 locally? what do these usually run$$$? How thick can they sew and what size thread range and needles are available? As well as service and repairs? Are ferdco people still in business?

I'm just not a big fan of "chinese" and in ten years who's to say that parts for the chinese knockoff's wont be impossible to find??? If there is a comparable in quality in another brand I'd like to know about it... Back when I had my shop up and running there was no internet to speak of, so I have to "relearn" what I knew! Plus they just look cool! lmao

I am surprised you remembered that! I was pretty sure when I saw your name in a post and the Ohio it had to be you! I have to admit this was before the "internet" and I found these sewing machines in a green sheet ad! I had done a little bit of business with you prior to that I think, mainly just needles and small stuff! Bob overnighted me a $500.00 money order (I was a lot younger and didn't know how to save money) and extended his trust that I wasn't just going to "keep" the money and run! I took the pickup truck load of machines to a shipper and boxed them up! In exchange he sent me one of these machines mounted on a table and ready to go to work for me! In my eyes a heck of a trade! I hope he made lots of money with the remaining heads that he recieved! After the first of the year I will be more ready for a new/used machine! What is a good/great condition 97-10 worth these days, in case I want to trade? David Mills

I will give you a call next week sometime! David Mills

31-15 are easy to find down hereThe boerne guy has a 153-111 which a table model. seen his adds on craigslist. looks like a good mchine, but want acylinder arm! I found 20 of these machines in san antonio 16 years ago, and bought them for the toledo outfit! packed them all up and shipped them to ohio for them bck ten! mybe tey will have some left!

just east of San Antonio... Seguin

Looking for a Singer 153-101 cylinder arm machine! I have used these in the past and loved them... I am sure they are harder find now, so is there a good QUALITY replacement??? 31-15 is also on my list of machines to get...

I replied from my blackberry, and I guess this forum isn't set up for a blackberry... I was going to post a picture from my phone... http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.257246370973038.69861.100000630308869&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=289825154381826&set=a.257246370973038.69861.100000630308869&type=3&theater try that