CowboyBob

Use #160 needles with #207 thread È needles with #277 thread Bob

They are ok machines for sewing canvas & etc and I have sold them to inmates in prisons(do to space limitations) but to be honest they do not work that great because you can't use any thread bigger than # 92,some times they have problems with various parts breaking,I don't know if they are pushing them to the limits or what but they tell they just sew wallets & belts. It would be great if they held up better since there portable, but they are really just a modified household type of machine. I feel you would be money ahead to get an Industrial Machine and as long as you got the correct machine you will be able to spend more time sewing & get a better looking job done to. Bob

The RB-1 is alittle newer machine with a different handwheel (stamped steel) the RB should have a cast iron wheel the look similar to the old Singer 111w machines. Bob

That's not a bad price f/$500.00,you gotta remember,the machine will make or break you so you want to get the best!!I would get the 226. Bob

Well the 226 has reverse & can sew as much as the 78.

The Singer 78 will make you a much better machine than this one.Oh the 78 will usea max of #138 thread were this machine will max out @ 69 thread.This Union Special is more for sewing thin clothing type of material than leather. Bob

We use the blue locktite on every machine we sell & wash out the hole & screw both with some alcohol to remove the oil. Bob

Like Art is a saying if the machine was already sewing then all you need to do is lower the needlebar down enough so when you turn the machine around & the point of the comes to the needle it has to be below the eye so it can catch the thread. Bob

Yes,it can be done real easy by lowering the needlebar,but you won't be able sew over 1/2" thick or your needlebar will hit the foot. Bob

Yes,we have alot of parts for the 31-15 like roller feet,feed dogs,teflon flat feet that would work great on leather & anything else you might need. Bob

The 16-188 has a top feed with teeth on the bottom of the feet this along with the teeth that the feed dogs have make it a poor choice for a leather machine,the 111w style of machine will work much better since it has a needle feed,the feed dogs can be smoothed down if needed & it'll still make even stitches. Bob

Singer sure made alot of great machines over the years but I'd have the think the type of belt they made for this one never held up.We all know how leather stretches after you use it..Maybe belting leather will hold up? We do get calls for the belt once in a while & we usually end up" fixing" the machine by selling them a 44 class machine which will fit in their table,sewing thicker & use up to #138 thread since they are like a mini 31-15. Keep us posted if you can make them work & they hold up. Bob

All we have are the feet & hook,needlbar,press bar.We had one a few years ago that we bought a feed dog & plate for $350.00 for them. Bob

They weigh 180-200Lbs it'll depend if the wax pot is still on the arm or not. Parts are very hard to get. They will sew easy 3/4" Price varies from $400.000-800.00

Trox, Those prices don't shock me at all with Pfaff,I called them today & asked what this machine was made for & they said for purses,shoes,pocketbooks & upholstery.The L is for leather & N is the 4.5mm stitch length. But not real heavy leather,maybe they have the feed dogs that way so they don't mark the bottom side. Bob

Trox, I'm almost certain that's a binding machine,that's why the feed dog doesn't go up & down,I've had a few 145 flatbeds Pfaff's like that too. Bob

Yes I've sold the 794S to people w/a 97 but I also tell you that you'll be limited to about 1/2" thickness. Bob

They use a 97x3 Round Point or 97x4 Leather Point one of a kind needle,I bought 300 5 yrs ago but they long gone. They are not being made anymore. I talked to Schmetz & they said if I bought 10,000 they would be happy to make them in one size only,I don 't think I'd ever be able to sell that many in 200yrs. Now if I could find 9 guys that want 1000 ea?? Bob

That's the problem to much play ,so mewhere,If you look at the bottom on the back side where the flat gear comes out of the arm,the slot on the backside that's were you shine a torch into & turn the machine around & look for thre little hole in the gearthat's were the screw is you might have to clean out the hiole to get at it,tighten it & see if that helps.

If you take the bobbincase out how much play to the left & right does the shuttle driver have?Sometimes the little screw in the gear loosens up & needs to be tightened up,or the gears could be worn out. Bob

Yes.it's a good machine for chaps,wallets & etc.It has a walking foot needle feed & no lower feed dogs to mark & it was made to sew leather. Bob

Here's the video: That video is with the old style motor as the motors now have a digital readout & 600Watts of power! Bob

Hey Randy,I just thought I'd mention that maybe you might not attend the shows we do as we go to shows @ Sheridan,Whichita Falls,TX,the Harness Makers & that's about it since Wickenburg(2000 mi) & some the the other shows are just to darn far to go. Maybe we'll get to meet you at one of the above along with some other people from this fine board? Thanks,Bob

It looks like a great job there,better than handcrankin it?Have you ever ran one of those machines much?I've always wondered how they hold up? Bob

Okay, Here's a sample underneath sewn on the same CB 4500 S needle on left & D on right. Bob