Rainout

Hi! I've recently started looking into sewing machines for leather. I mainly plan on sewing shoe uppers, belts, bags and wallets. If it's possible to sew soles (8-10oz veg tan) that would be great, but not absolutely necessary. Been looking into different Singer 29k leather patchers, but I recently got a chance to buy a singer 17-30 with a 220v motor. Does anyone know if there are parts and needles available for this machine? Can it be hand cranked and/or removed from the table if the motor doesn't work? I'm a total newbie when it comes to older sewing machines and while I don't mind spending a lot of time learning how the mechanicals work as long as there is manuals and information available, user friendlyness is a big plus. Haven't got an exact price yet but I think I'll be able to pick it up for 200-300 euros. -Rainy

Thanks a lot for the feedback, it helped me she'd some light on this. I think that the Singer 29 could be what I'm looking for. Is the newer one (29k172) preferable to say, a 29k52? Mainly in terms of user friendlyness.

Hi! Been lurking on this forum for a while and recently been looking into leather patchers for my amature shoemaking. I should start of with saying that I have no prior experience using sewing machines nor servicing them. I've been looking for something to sew shoe uppers with (usually about two layers of 1.5-2.5 oz calf leather leather), and if possible soles as well (8-10 oz leather, although I can keep doing these by hand if needed). Been looking into singer 29k models and it seems pretty good for what I want to do. It seems relatively easy to use as there seems to be alot of replacement parts available and alot of information to find online. The hand crank is a very good feature aswell, especially since I don't have alot of space in my apartement and don't need the threadle. One of the machines I found is this model recently, seems a bit more modern than most 29k's that I have found so far. Any idea which model and if its a good machine for a beginner? Its around 350 euros. I also found this other machine that seems to be from around the 1880's, might be called "Patent elastique" by Husqvarna or J. A. Nilson. Only 150 euros, but I can't really find alot of information about it. Thanks in advance, looking forward to be a part of this community. -Rainy