B00M3R

Thanks Wizcrafts, I think I'm going to have adjust sewing style to something more conducive to being done on a machine. Right now, I'm leaning towards a Techsew 4100. Would love a 5100se, but I have a tough time justifying the extra $1k for the added features. Has anyways used any similar machines from Cowboy Sew, Artisan, or Cobra? Is techsew really the best bang for you buck? Josh

Thanks for all the help. Been out of town for the past week, so I'm finally getting back on trying to find a machine. Looks like I'm stuck looking for a 441 clone. Mid $3k is definitely a bit more than I was hoping to spend, but I think I may have to increase my budget a bit. Right now I'm using a #415 waxed thread and it looks like there's not much out there that can handle it. I noticed the Techsew 5100 maxes out with 415 thread, would there be any issues with the wax accumulating and plugging the machine?

I've been making and selling leather satchels for the past year, and am really wanting to upgrade to a proper leather sewing machine. Most of the leather I work with is 4-5 oz thick, and I don't really do more than 3 ply thick (mostly 2 ply). So far I've been hand sewing everything with sewing awl (http://www.tandyleather.ca/en-cad/home/department/lacing/1216-00.aspx), and it's getting a little on the tedious side. I want to be able to use a similarly thick waxed thread, just with a machine. I currently have an old singer 31k15 that I restored with a servo, but the lack of a walking foot really limits the quality of stitching I can do with it. So I've resorted to hand stitching for the time being. I'd like a machine that can run a fairly thick waxed thread, be able to stitch extremely slow, backstitch, punch through a max of 4 ply 5 oz leather. Would love something with an auto thread trimmer as well, but that's not a must. Does anyone have recommendations for what machine models I should look at? I'm hoping to keep the purchase price around $1000 if possible. I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Josh

I actually just ordered a family sew FESM-550S from Keystone out of Philadelphia this morning. Came to $145 delivered for the motor, all mounting hardware, a 50mm pulley, and the belt. Thanks for heads up though Wizcrafts.

I'm in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. On the border with Detroit Michigan. I'd prefer to pick it up from Canada/US if possible.

I have an old Singer 31k15 Machine that was handed down to me from my grandmother. The machine is is good condition and still sews very well. However the clutch motor in it moves way to fast for detailed leather sewing. I'd like to pick up a servo motor for it, but I can't seem to find any solid info on which I should pick up. I've looked at the Techsew 550 motors, but am not sure how well they'll mate up to the machine I have. Anyone have any recommended motors they've used on the 31k15's, including where to get them. What modifications did you have to make to install it? I'm using fairly thick leathers so I'll need something with decent power, and I'd prefer something that can run very slowly with high tq. Any input would be appreciated! Josh