ximpe

Hi Wizcraft, I appreciate your response and the others ones as well. This really is a wonderful place for leather crafters and I feel so happy and grateful to have happened upon it. As you can guess, I am new here. I don't know where to find the citation you mentioned. Do you have the title or can you tell me where/how to find it or possibly post a link? Thank you for your reply.

I'm looking to get a leather stitching device on a budget. I don't have huge production needs but I do need something that is reliable and not too complicated to use or to maintain. I also have some space limitations since I'm working out of my apartment. I like the idea of not having to use electricity but I will if it's the best option. With that iin mind I've been thinking that an old treadle machine for under $200 on CL might be the way to go. I'd like to know what people's experiences with this sort of machine might be when it comes to sewing a double thickness of somewhere between 6-12 oz leather. Are there some old makes and features that are recommendable and some to be avoided? Are there advantages or pitfalls? Leather stitching machines also seem like a fine option but the ones I have found online cost more than I can afford right now. Are the really old ones I see on CL and eBay adequate or are they show pieces? I'm also open to getting a modern sewing machine but the ones that seem would do the job are either out of my price range or my space constraints. Are there any inexpensive ones that might be adequate? I realize that this topic may have been addressed previously in these fora and I regret any redundancy. A cursory search did not reveal the information I need. I appreciate all replies and welcome information. Hole punch weary, Ximpe