l2bravo

Has anybody made a power slicker of their own? What kind of motor? IE shaft, rpm, brand? I think it's a bit insane to pay $800 for one. Thanks guys, for any input.

The more I think about it, the more I question if a flatbed will work for me. The 227 may be what I need, seeing as how I do a lot of bags. I've been pretty happy thus far. Have you heard otherwise JLS?

So I am thinking I have my second machine narrowed down to this, as an addition to my CB3200. I am looking at one that comes with a servo motor. To slow everything down, will I need to also get a reducer as well, or can I just dial my motor down? Anything good or bad that anybody has to offer about this, would be welcomed, before I make a mistake would be welcomed. I am mostly wanting to sew 138 thread, and less than 10 Oz. leather. Thanks, Josh

So I am rolling with my Cowboy 3200 quite well. I've had it about 2 months now, and am pretty dang happy. Every once in a while, it will skip a stitch. Sometimes when it does this, and I catch it, I think, "I'll just go back over it and hit it again". Sometimes it hits the same hole, and catches the hook as it is supposed to. Sometimes, I can hit it 3 or 4 times, and it refuses to grab the thread. What actually causes this to happen? It has only happened a couple of times, but it quite perplexing. Any clues? Also, it will hit the holes on either side pefectly, and stitch like a champ.

So I'm about 2 months in a Cowboy 3200, and way dig it. I keep it clean and oiled and make sure all is good, regularly. Which leads me to my question. These things are built like tanks for sure. With the Landis, and trillion Singer machines still in operation, that are 80+ years old, what can we expect? Will these last us 20 or 30 years? Are they infinitely rebuildable? Just curious more than anything.

So, with my new Cowboy 3200, I am able to hammer out the shell bags at a pretty good clip. I am geting pretty decent at keeping stitch lines straight, and making it all fit right. It's a big difference from hand sewing! Black oil/tobacco elephant. Brown oil/full cayman hornback Black oil/Choc. cayman belly

I have had my machine for 3 months. In that time I have practiced a ton (first machine), and sewn a lot of projects as well. When I first got the machine, my backstitch wasn't exactly nice. I thought there may be a problem. Turns out it was me. The back stitch threads will never be as pretty as the others, not ever. But, they can look decent though. What helped me, was to go slow, and make sure that you hit the holes as perfect as you can. Flipping the material, and back stitching the old school way, does somewhat lay the threads a little different for me, but you can't always do that, depending on how the seam and material is. As for getting a birdsnest in the bobbin, I am clueless. Is the bobbin wound tight? Is it smoothly wound? Bad thread? I am not throwing stones at all, but there is absolutely no reason to buy a 2K machine, and still have to hand stitch a single thing. That would create some bad anger issues for me.

That is strange. Are you sure your bobbin is coming off counter clockwise?? Have you asked your dealer??

Tboyce, could we get some more pics of this masterpiece please?

Very clean work man!! Impressive!

Absolutely awesome! Well done Tom!

Hey Nopleather, any luck with that pic of the routing??

Aaaaaaand the new thread path is?????

2Wheel, I just ordered some exotic stuff from Maverick, and can tell you that they are classy people to deal with. Very helpful, and very decent. I haven't ordered from Hide House yet, but they too have a lot of support here, and a good reputation as well. I'd fear neither in any way. The other guys......uh no. Keep us posted.

Wait a minute.....These guys want to charge you $150 for an 8x25 piece of leather?????? Absolutely not! I don't care what kind of leather that is, that is stupid high!!!! You want advice?? Run....the other way...fast.

2 Wheel, I realize "tone" is hard to read at times, and can be really difficult to interpret. I really was not trying to be rude in any way, and apologize if it came out that way. The pattern part; My mom used to sew her hands off. She was a seamstress, and had her own biz, sewing little girls dresses/brides maids dresses, and the like. I had zero understanding or respect for what all she did. I build gun stuff, mainly shotgun shell pouches. I have about 5 working, really good patterns, that I came up with myself. The leather I burned even trying to gain an understanding of that is crazy. So when I said "be patient", that was just me trying to explain my tidal wave of sucking, as I got started. The Nomad is good leather. Really nice in fact. I don't ride bikes, but know a ton of guys who do. The nomad is an oily leather. While it has a good temper, and good outdoor properties, it probably isn't what you want under you. There may be some transfer to your pants, but at the least, it will most likely have a tacky feel as you move on the seat. I also think it'll be a bit thin, and may not last long to the abrasion and stretching. It is always nice to be able to see leather in person. As you get some experience, and some contacts built, you will be better off ordering stuff online, or where you can't see them. Tandy makes what they call their "Motorcycle sides". It is a black "chap" type leather, that is treated for heavy outdoor use. It is about a 4 oz. leather, that is pretty decent stuff, and should be what I would think is perfect for what you are wanting. It has a little "slicker" finish to it as well. Lastly, I will tell you that there are some amazingly talented guys here, and they have always been more than willing to help at every turn. Wiz should be at the front of your list, of guys that know what they are doing and talking about. The guy's extremly helpful and kind personality, is the only thing that exceeds his skill. He's been aweful nice to me. Good luck, and ask away.

Thanks Glenn, very helpful.

2Wheel, I am familiar with the Tandy leathers you reference. The Nomad and Kodiak are really nice leathers, but I wouldn't use them for a seat. They just aren't the right type of leather. I would look at the "motorcycle sides", that are black. The Chromexcel the other guys reccomended is really really nice. As for the machine. Yes there are lot's of options, many of which will work. What I can tell you is this; get yourself a ton of cheap leather, and prepare to be patient. Have you ever done any leather work? Have you ever sewn? Have you ever done any pattern work? If the answer is no to any of these, I am just being kind when I tell you that you have a lot of work ahead of you. I have been doing leather work for 8 or so months. I've done a lot of work, a lot, and I am decent at best. I am not trying to dash your dreams, or be discouraging at all! This is a great craft, and very enjoyable. I'm just saying, don't expect to be whipping out masterpieces in a few weeks. In other words, realistic expectations.

Wiz, I take a different route. I curse, and swear at it all times, that way it never gets comfortable. It will seek shelter in a sewing machine home soon I am sure.

Mireland, what kind of sides did you buy? I just ordered a bunch of cayman from them. I talked to Ryan on the phone. He was really nice, knowledgeable, and helpful.

I'm about a month and a half in my 3200. I couldn't be happier! It does open up a lot of possibilities for sure. I got pretty good at hand sewing, and got the machine. While it will make things a TON faster, there is a pretty big learning curve there as well. Adjusting tensions, using different thread sizes/needles, learning how to feed the machine in a difficult seam, and not getting it to skip a stitch because you forced it. It's not bad, but here's old Murphy for you; you sample will come out beautiful, and your project will have the hiccup. Good luck, be sure to post up your progress. BTW, Wiz is the man! He is a wealth of knowledge, and I thank him for all of his help as well.

Thank you very much Bruce! I use a lot of exotics (I make shotgun shell bags), and they seem to have a lot of good stuff at very reasonable prices. I appreciate your endorsement. On a side note, I have only been here, and into leather working for a short while, but man, this is an awesome place for info.

Maverick Leather....good/bad?? Good people/bad???? They seem to have some good stuff, just haven't heard of them. Thanks guys, Josh

Please sign me up.

Nopleather, I ordered my machine from Ryan. Alexander happened to have one ready to roll, so it shipped from him. I've had a couple of questions, and ordered a few things. You are absolutely correct, in that Alexander is a really really nice guy, and is crazy smart at these machines.