shannon porter

I just found out that my tension spring is broken off. Anyone know if its a simple changeout or if I need a service tech to do it? It's the lower of the 2 springs. Thanks, Shannon

Well, I guess I'll check when I get off work! I wish I could check now, I'm too excited to get going! THANKS!

My needles are 21 & the top doesn't seem to be connecting with the bottom so I'll try tightening the top when I have a min. I tightened the bobbin then the bobbin thread broke so I loosened it back up a bit so I think it must be the top. MUCH THANKS to the creator of this forum! It's amazing how many resources their are for newbies to a craft. A reg sewing machine seems much easier to time but I'm sure I'll get to be a pro on thin with practice. Shannon

Thanks Tom! I'll look for threads on thread tension. Lol I have regular machine exp but not this kind so I'll search around.

If my thread pulls right out, does that mean my bobbin tension isn't tight enough?

Thanks guys! My next question was going to be on the type of servo motor I should get but you pretty much answered me Wiz! Sounds like you got a good deal Wiz but how long ago did you get yours? A place near me says they've got great servos for 200 & my friend thinks they traded her some for her clutch when she changed so maybe it won't be quite as much. My husband can prob change it out. I can't wait to get sewing!

So wiz, is it a good price? Do I need the cylinder for bags?

Hi all I missed out on the singer 111 but I'm prob (this afternoon) buying a Nakajima I think says 280L it has a table & clutch motor & he wanted 800.00$ but says he'll deliver 2 hrs away & go down to 650.00$ so I can get the servo motor. He's buying a new 3500.00$ or so machine. He says he's sewn tooled leather with it at a tack shop. He said he looked into changing out the motor & he didn't realize it was so easy or he might not have gone with the new machine. Is this true? He said he's seen servos for about 100$. Is this true? Am I getting it for a good price? I want to make belts with embellishments, different types of bags, cuff bracelets with fabric sewn on them, straps for jewelry, & possibly sew 2 thicknesses of belt together. Does this sound like a good fit for me? Thanks tons! Shannon

Thanks!

Hi, I saw a portable walking foot consew online (poss eBay) & wondered how thick of leather I might sew & how reliable is a portable?

Ed, how thick of leather can you sew? Where do I get one for 350?

Do you mean take my time on finding a machine? If so, they're not easy to find in my price range. Lol

What are HF machines? Sorry, new & kinda don't know lingo yet.

Thanks! Where do I find it?

Way cool! I'm wanting to try some type of cuff myself. I love seeing what talented minds create! Thanks!

Thanks, will try!

Hi, I'm brand new here & to sewing on leather. I'm WAY WAY CONFUSED TOO!! So, I found a used walking foot singer111w155 for 600$ & I hope to look at it tomorrow. It is metal & a bit older. I found a Chicago electric ( which I understand is Harbor Freight) that looks quite new for 600$ but think paying that much for a HF item is WAY TOO MUCH. & a guy at a sewing place says he has some "portable" walking foot machines for sale for 399.00 new. I want to sew some leather bags, cuffs, jewelry, clear vinyl, belts, book covers etc & occasionally might want to sew 2 belts together. I was in a sewing machine shop over the weekend while I was out of town & the guy said "save the 200$ & go with the portable machine. It's all you need, you're wasting money going with the singer. What really IS my best choice? & can I sew fabric onto the leather if its a walking foot machine? Also, my friend has a Thompson portable that she said won't sew as thick as her son wants so she might sell but wasn't sure or on price. WHAT would you guys do? Any help is MUCH NEEDED & APPRECIATED, Shannon Oh, & in the meantime there's now a Tacsew for 725$ but its about 3 hrs away from me & I can only afford around 500. (Hoping the singer guy might come down 50 or so.)