RGardner

I looked around at some of the other islands, and unfortunately they might as well be the mainland for as much as shipping will cost. Recently, they upped the price of flights between islands and a civilian ticket is going to be dam near 300 dollars. I could maybe fly it myself but I don't think I'd ever live that one down. "You landed at Maui to pick up a sewing machine?!"

Once again, Mike, this was excellent information. Even though it didn't end up in finding a machine, I talked to a very nice guy who owned a sail shop and he offered to let me come and see all their machines. He didn't have anything to sell, but he was pretty open to talking about the machines in depth. Honestly, that was pretty unexpected as I know he has a shop to run, but I intend on taking him up on the offer this weekend. Even if I do end up having to wait a few months in order to save up some more money for shipping, at least I will have more information about the machine I intend to purchase. Unfortunately, even he doesn't buy or have his machines serviced on the island. Apparently this is a very difficult place to find things that aren't related to the tourism industry. I won't stop trying though. Also, our ALS shop fell through.They just use a basic machine to do all their work. I'll check around to the horse riding clubs because, believe it or not, I once played polo for a 25th Infantry Division here on Oahu. I never would have thought of that, and it's another great idea. Seems like the biggest issue is that most things are just shipped here, and there's not a lot that is actually made here. I know that some of the locals are boastful of living here for years not because it's beautiful and wonderful, but because it is really difficult and isolating to live years and years on an island.

Awesome ideas! I'll get to calling around again, I think there's a shoe repair guy on island if it hasn't gone out of business. Do you think that something that sews sails would be equivalent and good for thick leather? I was actually thinking of asking our Aviation life support guy if he knows of a sewing machine or finding out which one we use here in house. We do mostly canvas repairs, but maybe they actually do some work on thicker webbing of our vests... Maybe I could just use that in my off time.... This is actually a great thought, thanks Mike!

Well, I am new to this leatherworking game, but already I'm finding terrible snags, and it's all because of paradise. Stupid, beautiful Oahu. I know I should feel lucky to be stationed on this lush island of green, flowery beauty, but most of the time it's just been an impedance to anything that I've wanted to do besides beaches and surfing. I've got leather to sew, people! Get out of my way!! So, here's the heart of my post; I would like to buy a used consew 206-rb-x, Juki, cowboy, etc (triple feed / compound walking foot) that would help me make some items for my unit as going away gifts like leather 9 mil holsters, leather dopp kits, belts and canvas aviation pubs bags with leather bottoms. I have about 1200 to spend (sadly, including shipping). I know in the grand scheme of things it's not a ton of money to spend, but I'm hoping it will get me something quality that I can use for years to come. Would any of you have some good suggestions on what to buy with my limited budget and isolated location? I have called every local sewing repair shop, supply store, craigslist, etc and they all say the same thing: "There's just no leather sewing machines for sale on this island". Bummer. I already realize that I'm going to be paying a higher cost for everything, but does anyone have any other ideas on avenues I might take to get something that would work for this purpose? I would greatly appreciate any info or help. Also, If you'd like some pineapple, let me know. They seem to have some to spare. Thanks so much! RGardner