BigMatt

Message sent...

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...

I am learning how to use my ne (to me) Consew 227R and I have a question. The main thing I am interested in is learning about binding. I am going to use this machine for exposed gusset bags and briefcases, and I was hoping I could get a binding attachment. I understand there are 227RFSs that are made with a synchronized binder, but this isn't one of them. I will be probably buying a generic binder and possibly getting a new needle plate, presser foot set, and feed dog. The two main areas of concern in that respect are; 1) What type of binder should I get for use with 1" bridle leather strips bound around the gusset on a briefcase? I am thinking more of a 30 degree binder since the leather is probably not flexible enough for a right angle binder. I am also thinking that I can leave the edges raw and it will look ok. I think folded edges will get pretty bulky. 2) Is there a parts list (I have the one from Consew in the manual) that would work for using this machine for binding? Are there any guides or parts I haven't mentioned that will be necessary? Is there anyone here with first hand experience with this machine? Thanks in advance for you help and advice...

We should get together for lunch sometime. I am in New Castle, but I drive through Greenfield all the time.

I can't speak as to the Cobra Class 14, but it is of the same design as my Landis 30. I can say my Landis will split Chromexcel if you don't go too thin. I just split a bunch of Chromexcel to about 2.5-3oz and it did fine. I can split bridle leather down to about 1oz.

It is like magic! Can you program it for different ratios between the thumb wheel and the needle cycle on the machine? If so, I would just make it a 1:1. Other than that, I don't see how it can be improved on.

I thought about that, but that would cause erosion since the current would be running through moving surfaces (gears and bearings). Don't you think?

If you look at their belts, it looks like they are making impressions at the stitch holes. It gives an interesting look. The heating element has two wires (I believe). There might be a coaxial system to deliver electricity to the heating element like the filiteuse manuelle.

They have a great service record here. If you think about it, a lot of the problems with sewing machines ect... are probably faster to solve over the phone instead of corresponding via email back and forth and back and forth. Also, have you noticed that even on the websites for the manufacturers, most times there are just crappy scans of the original PDF? It seems like no one has PDFs of these manuals. I'm glad you are happy with the service you are getting.

I just found this thread today and that sis what I would have recommended. Once you sharpen the knife a few times, the edge gets too far away from the presser foot and thin leather just slides over the blade. I also think that its unfair to complain about service from a salesman you didn't even buy the machine from - but maybe that is me.

I hope it helps, that was the missing link for me...

I didn't mean to come across saying that you didn't say it.

Good for you. That is a great machine. I was doing the math on whether or not I could afford it....

That is the only video I have seen that mentions it. I looked for days to find out what I was doing wrong...