littlewalnut

I am very new to leather work, and will be starting my first machine stitched project soon. I purchased a 1/2 slab/hide/thing of Maverick Horween Chestnut Dublin and a few slices of their Horween Horse Leather, and I wish to start off making wallets. I know very little when it comes to leather working, but have experience using a traditional home sewing machine. I just purchased an old Adler 167 GK373 industrial machine, and was wondering what type/weight/composition thread should I be using to make wallets out of the leather I purchased?

Thank you for the outstanding advice! I ended up buying the machine, but will be in the market for a cylinder arm in the next few months. I figure, this will let me learn how to use and properly maintain a machine before jumping into a very expensive machine. It will also let me practice and learn the basics of sewing leather, before I jump into creating products in which stability and reliability is paramount (bridles, halters, etc…). I will definitely be in the market to buy a cylinder arm machine very shortly, do you have any brand suggestions? I wont be able to look at a new machine, and will be buying used or well used.

As a newbie who just bought a piece of leather far beyond my true abilities, I would also like to know the answer to this!

I just did a quick google, and it seems like cylinder arm machines are much more expensive than standard walking foot machines. Would a flatbed machine get me started in the craft, or should I wait and save for the more expensive cylinder arm machine? I appreciate the advice, as I truly know very little about the craft. I am coming from a yarn/fiber/spinning background.

Hello, I am a new hobbyist hoping to work with biothane and leather products for equine applications. I am looking to purchase a walking foot machine, and I have found an Adler machine (167-GK-373) locally that I truly like. I was wondering if I could ask for the community’s opinion on the price of the machine. It has a standard motor, I would need to upgrade it to a serv pro, however, the motor is incredibly silent and brand new. The machine has been completely refurbished and serviced by a local sewing machine shop, and is being sold by the shop. The machine has the original table which is in moderate condition, minimal rust/wear, no stickers, and runs great, according to my ignorant newbie opinion. I was able to sew thick leather on the machine, and the gentleman was delightfully helpful and showed me the ropes of the machine. I was able to thread it, wind the bobbin, and he was able to answer any question I had. He also happens to live only a few miles from my home and would be more than willing to make house calls if needed. All in all, I had a fabulous experience trying out the machine and even though it is out of my budget I am seriously considering purchasing the machine. The machine is an Adler 167-GK-373, and priced at $1,200. I would like to try and talk him down to $1,000, however, I believe that having access to such an experienced workman is nearly worth just paying the asking price. I was wondering if this was a good price for such a nice machine and one I hope to use and enjoy for years to come. I went to look at a Singer 211, and fell in love with a Rolls Royce. Go figure! Thanks Y'all!