BigMatt

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I have a Landis Model 30 splitter. It only has a 6" blade width, but I regularly split leather down to .7-.9mm.

Thanks HM!

I like the 211 better since it has reverse (backstitch). Reverse is worth $100 to me. You will probably want to install a servo motor, but other than that, it is a good machine.

It is getting there...

I need to start naming my machines...

Call Indianapolis Sewing Machine on Shadeland Avenue. I have had good luck with their servo motors they sell for $135. I have 3 of them. They should have them in stock.

OK, here goes. I will admit, it takes practice and I haven't finished a whole piece yet, but it is working. I will be sewing a bag this weekend after I mount the machine to another stand that will give me more clearance. I cut out a mounting plate and drilled holes that allow me to mount the binder to the machine. I spent a while on the flat bed machine trying to get the hang of the binder. I also ended up grinding down some presser feet to get the binder closer to the needle. I like this presser foot setup for normal sewing too because I can see my work better. Well, I am having trouble posting all the pictures, so please visit my album - http://imgur.com/a/YxgSZ

I did. I should be posting some pictures in the next few days. It works surprisingly well. It didn't require any serious modifications, just a mounting plate I had to fab up. With the 1" binder, I cut 1" strips and split them down to about 2oz. Since it is a straight binder, you can't do inside curves, but for straight runs and outside curves, it seems to work.

I would definitely need to have adjustable heat. Some foils are picky about heat and will have fuzzy edges if the heat is too high.

Ok, I took some advice and didn't take others. Since this is more of a hobby for me, I can't afford to drop $400 on a binder. If it came to that, I would probably do without. I was researching binders and came across the Sailrite swing away straight binder. It was what I really had in mind and for about $70, it was mine. It isn't a custom binder, but it also isn't a flimsy generic one either. I haven't gotten a chance to try it on my Consew 227 yet since my new needle plate and feed dog haven't come in, but it tried it on my Singer 531b-8bl flat bed, and after some adjusting, it works like it is supposed to. I ground down an extra set of presser feet to get the binder as close to the needle as I could and I widened the binder mouth since it is made for cloth and I need it to wrap around 10-12oz of bridle. I am making a mounting plate for the Consew, but I am encouraged that it works on the Singer. I will post pictures when I get the Consew lined out.

Thanks for your input guys. Splitting the leather won't be a problem. I am also only in need of a single fold. Finally, if I go for a 30 degree binder, it might be easier for bridle leather than the 90 degree unit you are using Uwe - though I do admire that synchronized binder of yours. I figure if Frank Clegg can do it on his bags, it should be possible... I will post pictures and maybe video if it works out...