msdeluca

I am setting up a new leather shop and recently purchased a Cowboy CB3200. I upgraded the stand (Cowboy 441 stand) but found that I couldn't comfortably sit and work. I decided to redesign and relocate the pedal and move the machine support column closer to my chair. I'm very happy with the changes and can now comfortably sit at the machine with my right foot applying the gas and in a comfortable position. Hopefully this will provide a solution if you use one of these commercial stands, but would like to work from a sitting position. For now, I've eliminated the presser foot pedal, but may use a block and tackle system and pulleys later. I have the process detailed at: http://notchleather.blogspot.com/2014/04/adding-custom-pedal-and-stand.html I hope this is helpful. Mike

I refurbish old domestic sewing machines. Original finish, if in good condition, is well worth preserving and increases the value of machines that have a demand. Unpopular machines are hard to give away even in pristine condition. If half the paint is already worn off, it doesn't really matter. That said, if I were looking for a particular machine to use in my business, I'd take a nicely refurbished black paint job over "nose art". You would severely restrict your future resale market if you pick the wrong art. If this machine will be buried with you, do what makes you happy. There is a company that sells vintage singer decals for repainted machines. Not sure if they have decals for the patcher. They may be willing to make a set. Here is their link: http://stores.ebay.com/Keeler-Sales?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

Jules, I've been looking at this machine press. It has gotten good reviews here on the forum and it is low cost. The dies, which can get very expensive, are reasonable as well. Gold Star Rivet and Snap Press Michael

Those are beautiful. I will be making a similar holster and am researching materials. I was under the impression that 8-9 oz was the standard for holster construction. I'm new to this whole thing and am deciding on my first hide purchase.

I refurbish vintage domestic sewing machines as a hobby. I gave away my Mother-in-law's 457 last year after looking into it for general sewing. The 457 has plastic gears that are prone to splitting. Basically, they are all at end of life and not worth the money to repair. On the other hand, a Singer 237 is an all metal machine and will probably last another 50 years. My favorite Singer for straight stitching is the 15-91. I'm not sure about your leather question, but thought I'd chime in on the general construction of the machine. Don't put any money into it.

Thanks BDAZ. I'm just getting started with leather after sewing mostly upholstery fabric.

Hello all, I've been reading this forum for over a year now and feel like I know so many. I've read the Wiz's entire thread on machines and so many others. I need a little reassurance on my decision to go with the Cowboy CB3200. What I'm doing now: I've been doing mostly handbags and have been getting by on a Bernina 1130 and vintage Singer 15-91. I use mainly upholstery fabrics and have difficulty when getting over 6 thicknesses (1/4" or so). What I want to get into: Leather belts, holsters, scabbards, sheaths, handbags, webbing slings, etc. What I'll never get into: Saddles After reading the wealth of info here on leatherworker, I finalized on the TechSew 2800, Cowboy 227r, but after determining that the desired thread size for holsters is 277, the 4500 began to emerge as a better choice but is beyond my budget. After talking with Ryan at Cowboy, he thought the CB3200 might be the best value for me. I have set a limit of around $2,000 for the machine, feet, freight, etc. This is still an experiment after all. The working range of the 3200 is 1/8" - 1/2" thicknesses and 138 to 415 thread. Workable meaning not having to mess with tensions and springs. So I figure when I get into fabric thicknesses over 1/4" I can go to the Cowboy and it should be perfect for most of the leather work I'll be doing. The trepidation is that doing any kind of leather handbags is not going to fly on the Cowboy. This is where the 227r or 2800 would have worked perfectly. There is no machine that will do both so I have decided that the holster/belt/webbing work is where I'll go first. If things work out, I can add the 227r or 2800 later. I've reserved a CB3200 with the 4500 stand, the four various feet, and the roller edge guide (over budget... so what's new). The sewing room I'm working on in the basement should be finished in a month and I should be set to go. So, my question for you good folks is: Does this sound reasonable, am I missing anything? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Michael ps... this all started about a year and a half ago when I bought a rifle and decided I could make my own sling. Bought a couple vintage residential machines and learned how to rewire and refurbish them. Thought I needed to sew a little to make sure the machines were working properly.... got hooked. Learned the meaning of "industrial". Began to buy and sell machines. Made enough to buy walking foot machine. Still haven't made sling...

Still available...? Price? Pics?

What are you asking for the machine?