TeriYool

Available in my area and price range are: Mitsubishi LS2-180, Consew 206 RB-4 (really pushing the $$ limit), Singer 660 A203, and a Seiko STH-8BLD-3 (out of price range but I could sell my RV). Everything else is thousands out of my range or a thousand miles away. The 206 is on the get it list, thank you Bob, but for that kind of money it would have to be fabulous for many years. Is it a 2-3 year machine or until arthritis makes leatherwork impossible machine? TY

Let me start by saying this group is an absolute gold mine of information! Thanks so much for being here! I have spent days reading posts and following links and sponging up so much! I make dog collars, leashes, harnesses, and simple gear like poop bag pouches, treat pouches, and the like. Leashes are pretty heavy and I sew them by hand (never knew there was such a thing as a stitch pony, that may save my life!) or magic braid with or without a rivet. Pull harnesses (freight or X-back) are seatbelt nylon or webbing for the little guys, and canvas, rip-stop, or poplin for the pouches. I make the collars from leather and have done magic braid and some rivets and hand stitching but mostly a pfaff 300 which I have worked to death. I have a nice machine for fabric and even a Husquvarna surger for special order dog clothes (eeew but people ask). I have tuition to pay so not a lot of cash (getting my master's in special education for the visually impaired) which leaves me NOT making detailed collars, buying another OLD time machine that I will burn up that doesn't produce the quality I would like, or picking up an old Juki 555-5. The ad states 'I have a industrial Juki DDL 555-5 sewing machine with table and computer controlled back tack unit. It is a 210 machine and includes phase adapter for household 210. Will also include 5'X5' fabrication table.' Will the Juki do the trick (with a rolling foot kit I found on eBay for $20) for a year or two until I can save up for a nice walking foot machine? Any tricks or suggestions for the Pfaff or Juki? Thanks tons! Also- any links for a stitch pony or horse pattern/directions? TY