I have to agree with Jim,the 205 might look a little nicer but it doesn't sew any different than the 441's,also when you change needle size on a 205 you have to change the shim on the shuttle,which can get annoying after while.
Bob
The 112 is a double needle version of the 111w,same as the 212 a double needle 211,the 211 is a redesigned 111 but most people will agree the 211 in no way sews or stands up like a 111w does.
Bob
Welcome to the group here.I just thought I'd let you know there's a Boot & Saddlemakers show on Sept30&Oct 1 in Whichta Falls.There will be alot of leather,tool,machines & related leatherworking supplies there.
Bob
I've found that you really have to tighten the top thread alot to get 138 to work & then it still might give you problems,so I recommend size 92 as the largest for a 29-4.What happens is all the parts in the shuttle drive system end up getting alttie play in each part that transfer to alot of play at the shuttle that it doesn't go all the way around to realease the thread like it should.Usually the newer 29's like 29K58,70,71 & all the big bobbin machines can handle the 138 better.
Bob
The Highlead feet are them sam,the mounting on the Seiko is totally different than the 441's.
Also if you go to look at it push & pull on the needlebar & see how much play it has,they used to wear & get loose causing inconsistant stitch lengths.
Bob
I don't want to rain on your parade but you really should try to buy a 441 Juki or clone.
I wouldn't recommend buying this machine to my knowledge there won't be any feet for it,it's to bad they didn't make this machine so the 441 feet would fit but maybe they had to make them different.The standard feet are rather wide so you'll have to grind one down if you need a narrower one,I've ordered them before & I think there around $50.00 US.
Bob
Sandy, I forgot were you live,1/2"=13mm. This machine has a hopping foot that lifts up & travles foward as the needle goes in the leather,as you sew thicker you need to turn the screw in the front in more so it will clear the leather,the problem is the thicker you sew & more lift you need the foot can hit the bottom of the needlebar unless you put in a longer needle.
Take your 16mm of leather along & try it out.
Bob
Jim,
You didn't mention the make or model,but get the walking foot for canvas otherwise you'll be wondering why the bottom layer is shorter than the top after a long seam.
Bob
Greg,esp if the sail is still on the boat?
Trox,I questioned that model# too,but the 145's I've seen all have 3)# after the wlike 101,204,305 never seen a single #
Sometimes people also switch the tags too!So w/o a pic it'll be hard to help him.
Bob
I've never seen a Pfaff 335 setup like that either.I did just get some Singers in that look very similar & Singer says they are for "horse boots & other concave or convex articles"
Thay have a topfeed only.
Bob
The Champion might do it as long as it still has the correct throat plate on it with the
channel cutter on it.Years ago when we worked on these we always took em off because we were selling them as harness machines.
Parts are real hard to find for these.
Bob
It's to bad you can't post a pic cuz I'd sure like to see it.I know what a 145w101 is a double needle & heve seen alot of them but I've never seen a 145w with zig-zag.
Bob
It doesn't have a walking foot,it's for tailors,drapes,slip covers.This machine is in the same family as the Singer's 241 & 281.It might be ok for chaps BUT they usually have a high speed motor on them so you'd have to change that.
Bob
Steve,
Twinoaks explained it & this is how we always used to setup a 97 years ago since it makes the belt have more contact with the pulley it won't slip as easy.
Bob