ChimeraKennels

I am curious about the "boning" to reduce scuff marks from this type of machine. Also, has anyone here ever tried to "cushion" the leather from the feed dogs by perhaps putting a piece of electrical tape on the leather on both sides of the seam prior to sewing...but not having it where the actual seam is...just to see if that helps reduce scuffing on leather?

Is this the same basic machine as the CB 227? Will it do a FULL 1/2?

Thanks guys. The more I learn about the various machines, I see the 441 clones are the way to go.

I see Tippman Boss machines used for $800 (plus shipping), which is a lot less than $1700-2200 shipped. I do have reservations about the Boss though...and am leaning towards the 227 or the 3500 right now...but both of those would really out of my intended immediate budget. I may be able to come up with the funds necessary for one of those however later this summer. BTW, I spoke to Bob this morning. He seems like a nice guy...and confirmed my fears about the 2500 machine leaving marks on the bottom side.

Two more... 1. What about the CB 227? I see it is listed to only handle 3/8" leather, but I was told it would handle up to 7/16." If that is true, noting most of my work will be less than 3/8" only only rarely would I go over that...and then only slightly...then this should handle all my needs I believe...and I could possibly come up with enough to buy this machine new. 2. What about the Tippmann Boss machine for an application like I am seeking? I see mixed reviews about it...

I know we are always better off getting the best machine we can afford, but the bottom line is I can't afford spending $2000 or more for the ideal machine. If I find a 441 clone, it will have to be a used one.

My reservation with bottom feeders isn't a concern on collars, but for the leather leashes it would be a concern. It appears as if I will need a triple feed system that has a cylinder base if I want a machine to do both the leather and nylon.

I haven't been able to find one of these that looks reasonable. Sorry...but I am totally green so I am asking a lot of questions. I wonder if I should just go with the sailrite for now and just stick with nylon until I get more knowledge...but if any of you know where I can get a complete set up to "go now" with the leather without having to spend more than $1250-1500 delivered...please feel free to let me know.

Heck, now I am even wondering about the LSZ1 machine. It seems to be just as capable...and would save me several hundred dollars to put towards a heavy duty machine later one for the big stuff. While neither would handle the collars (4 layers at the buckle), they both look as if they would have no problems with the nylon or 2 layers of leather...possibly 3? Anyone here familiar with these machines?

Are you familiar with the sailrite machines? I am impressed with their machines for the price. It may not be a good heavy duty machine for thick 1/2" leather....but it appears as if they would handle 1/4" leather just fine and have no problems with the nylon either. If this is correct, their machines would allow me to do about 90% of what I would do...and I could worry about a heavy duty machine at a later date for the leather collars.

Is this machine, with their MCSCR motor and power plus wheel sufficient for regular use on a 3/8" (an occasional max of 1/2") total stack of leather? I like the control I see in their videos.

Thanks for the input. I suspected it was aggressive on the bottom as the videos do not show the bottom stitch...and I found that to be suspect about that type of machine. Plus, with this particular one being from China...I'll pass on it. I am not interested in supporting the Chinese market if I can avoid it. You gave me information that is important to me. Thanks. 1. I don't want my leather chewed up... 2. Buying American when possible is my first choice. Japanese would be my second. German third...Chinese last. I would rather buy used American or used Japanese over new Chinese. While some of the Chinese stuff I have purchased in the past has been fine (and this machine may be), about half the time I have been disappointed with the durability, quality, or user friendliness of Chinese equipment. Not to mention I suspect they will be owning many American banks (holding the titles to our homes) if we aren't careful about just how much of our market we continue to give them. Oops...I shouldn't open politics I suppose. LOL. That said...how thick of leather can this used singer cylinder arm machine (used HERE)? (UPDATE: Disregard my question about that singer in the link. I noticed the seller has zero feedback, and I am not going to send $1000 to someone with no feedback).

Thoughts on the techsew GA5-1 (new), GA5-1R (new), and the singer cylinder arm (used HERE)? The GA's I see don't have a walking foot, while the singer does...but I don't know how thick of leather the singer can handle. I also don't know what amp or phase the singer is...but I have seen similar machines without motors and could always buy a table and motor separately.

Thank YOU for the information. I appreciate it. Do you think the consew 255 can handle 4 layers of thick nylon for the nylon collars, or would the 441 be the better machine for that too? I ask only because as of now I can get the consew for $350 with table and motor. The man that has it doesn't use it...and said it was his wife's machine. He says it works, but knows nothing about it...and honestly, neither do I.

Anyone familiar with the consew 255?

I am looking for a machine that can sew through 4 layers of HEAVY nylon webbing to make dog collars for protection dogs...and 4 layers of moderate weight (8 oz) leather...and 2 layers of heavy leather (12+ oz) for leashes. The thickest part of any of these is probably close to 1/2". Here is a photo of the leather I will need it to be able to go through. Will a Consew 255 handle this? I know where I can find a used one for around $400 with table and motor. If not, I am considering a free arm machine, but don't want to break the bank (less than $1000 for everything if possible...and used does not bother me if it is in good shape). RECOMMENDATIONS?