Axeman

You guys got me thinking about this and I happen to have a similar one in the shop. I use a 3d Coyote/Wolf track for my makers mark. In the past, I used a snap in handle (all tandy tools) and a deadblow hammer to emboss my "paw". The last axe mask I made, I used the arbor press with my 3d stamp (no handle) and it worked GREAT. Perfectly embossed. With the deadblow, I had to whack it a few times and it still didnt always come out nice. Its an Arbor press for me from now on!! Thanks to all!

If it was ever set up at the location you are buying it at. Just ask the owner if it is 3ph or single. He/she should know. If it is a SUPER buy it shouldnt matter. You can get it going one way or another. just takes money and know how.

Make sure it is single phase 220volt. Unless your shop has 3phase power, then it would not matter. I would make sure before purchase since a phase converter would eat up a good deal in a heartbeat. If you can see a motor, it should have a data plate on it stating "ph" for phase. It will read PH1 or PH3. At least that's how I understand it. I'm not an electrician but did a stint working on 3ph high voltage underground lines back in the day. Now all I know about electricity is "you don't want to get it on you." But I digress....

I debated on buying one of these machines but folks here told me I would not be happy with the thickness I need to sew. 20-24oz is a lot. I ended up buying a 3200 from Bobb at Toledo and am very happy with it. You will love the capability of the 3200. I sew 24oz+ with 277 thread and plan to move up to 346 soon. Sewing is effortless, even for a newbe like me. My sheaths turn out beautiful and the 3200 puts the stitch in the same hole in forward as well as reverse. Save your pennies and never look back. The patcher will be good for your light stuff.

Not having had our machine long, I have not used it to sew lighter projects yet. If you plan on sewing nothing thicker than you currently sew, you may look at a lighter machine. My thought was that I bought a machine that will do what I currently sew and has the potential to sew thicker leather and larger thread. Some day, I may want to make a holster or something thicker. I always have the singer 29K to do the lighter stuff. As everyone has already stated. there is no such machine as a "do all" machine. Good luck.

I use one of these to clamp my axe sheaths after gluing. Never thought it would emboss...HMMMM

I use a HF wood lathe. Dad already had a couple in the wood/leather shop. I chucked in a 8" piece of 1" oak dowel and grabbed a turning chisel. Made me a few different width cuts in a U shape. Gave it a good sanding and walla a variable speed burnisher was born. If I need to turn something on the lathe, I simply would take the burnisher out and put it back when done. Also, I use water only to do my slicking. Comes out perfect every time and I am VERY picky on my edges!! Total cost to me..... $0

Your edges look very nice. To me, the skill of a true craftsman is shown in the edges. I read once that your projects are not finished until your edges are finished. Great job!!

Dad and I purchased a cowboy 3200 machine from Bob at Toledo Industrial a couple months ago. I too got tired of the sore fingers!! I sew axe sheaths, usually three thicknesses of 8oz veg tan with 277 thread top and bottom. My work is similar to yours in that my sheaths are completely flat. That being said, This is the best purchase I have made in a LONG time. I have sped up my process 10 fold or more and no more sore fingers!! The feature I like the most is that in reverse, it puts the needle in the same holes so my locking stitches at the beginning and end of a run are very neat. You wont regret buying one and Bob is great to work with. One suggestion, buy plenty of different thread and needle sizes from Bob. His prices are spot on. Pay shipping once. A month from now, you will wish you had other thread size options.... ask me how I know.

Here is what I make. I dont collect single bits but dad had one that needed a mask so we worked on that one together. The two double bit masks are 2 1/2lb cruiser axes obviously pre-dye and pre-snap. I ran out, have to run to Tandy tomorrow. I hope I uploaded the pic correctly...

So I can use 346 thread with a #27 needle? Sweet!! That was my only complaint with the 3200, 277 max thread!! Not that I would use 346 everyday but I like the option. I bet 346 top and 277 bottom would be a nice combo for a sheath. BTW, Man does this thing sew nice with 277 top and bottom. 20 oz of veg tan is nothing for this machine.. I am very happy. Made three sheaths today but didnt have my phone for a pic. Maybe tomorrow...

Well, I have very limited sewing experience, as in, I used a domestic in home ec class 30+ years ago. I sat down in front of the 3200 and after preparing 20oz veg tan, with a stitch groove, was able to follow the groove and make a perfect 4.5spi line with 277 thread. The servo motor goes so slow a caveman can do it!! The machine is very straight forward and simple, kinda like me. I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The only thing I cant figure out is why this machine is limited to a max thread of 277. This thing is HUGE. But that's what the specs say, so I'm going with it. 277 and 4.5spi sure looks nice. I really like that fact that in reverse, it matches stitch for stitch so your lock stitch is perfect. Also, the walking foot does not leave marks on the leather at all. I'm glad Dad talked me into the cb3200 instead of the cb2500 that I was looking at. Going to get some axe sheaths glued up today and get to sewing!! I will post a pic of the first one that comes out of the machine. So, if your on the fence, get off it and go see Bob. He will treat you right.

Well, I took every ones advise and agreed the chinese patcher will not be a good fit for making axe sheaths. Instead Dad and I went in on a CB3200 and he is on his way back to Columbus from Toledo as i type!! Bob set us up with a machine and some thread so I am really excited to get to sewing!! I know everyone said to learn to saddle stitch but I really like the idea of a machine. My time is getting more and more valuable so this machine should reduce my sewing time, leaving more time to handle (haft) more axes. I also plan to make some 12ga shell bags and carriers like Shamrock leathers put out. Maybe some holsters and knife sheaths. I can always do light stuff on Dads 29K. My possibilities are endless, unlike my leather supply! So, I want to thank everyone here for steering me in the right direction so I didn't get a machine I would regret.

Uh... because I thought you were supposed to....and I bought a fancy tool that makes the groove. I am pretty new to leather work.

Well, I guess I will have to stick with hand stitching for now. I am very appreciative of the advise given and You Darren are quite the stand up guy. Many machine dealers I am sure would have sold me that machine full well knowing i would be dissatisfied with its performance. You told me what I needed to hear, buy a proper machine for my task. I think I will save my pennies and make a drive to Toledo. Thanks again, Bubba the Axe man

Yep, that was on a piece of scrap. It was UGLY. That is why I wont consider a machine that wont do 5spi on 20oz total of veg tan. Martyn, I plan to two needle saddle stitch my next sheath and put away the awl. Wiz, thanks for this information. I thought Darren was from down under! Glad to know we have someone on this side of the pond. To be quite honest, the reason I want a machine, besides the bloodletting, is that when I punch my stitch holes with my 4prong diamond punch, the holes (backside) dont always land in my groove!! It makes the whole project disappointing. If it wouldnt cause divorce, I would just go to Toledo and pick up a cowboy 32 or 3500 machine and call it done. I was hoping to hear from someone that uses this machine to tell me if I am asking too much of it... From what Wiz stated above, it sounds possible if set up correctly. Plus this crude machine is really my style and I love a good challenge. Thanks again, Bubba

Hello all, new here and am looking for a machine to sew axe masks (sheaths). I am working with 6-7oz veg tan, three layers thick, completely flat. My reason for this machine is that I am currently using an EZ awl sewing awl and am tired of poking my fingers!! I am not doing this for profit, just as a hobby for my own axe collection which is growing daily. That being said, I am not ready to jump into a cowboy 3200 for a couple masks per month. I dont think this would the best investment for me at this time. Later yes, but now, no. Dad has a 29K69 and it just wont do what I want, due to excessive stitch length with my thick material. I am getting over 20stitches per inch. I know I could rebuild the singer but read here that this machine will never give me the results I want. Which sucks cause I really like this machine! Obviously funds are very limited or I would just go to Toledo and pick up a cowboy!! So, I did some searching here and found that the crude chinese patcher may do what I want. heavy thread and 5 stitches per inch on 1/4" or a little more veg tan tooling leather. A couple sheaths per month tops. Does anyone have any experience using these machines for 20oz thickness. I know the machines need much tweaking and mods to work properly and I am willing to work out any bugs necessary. I have a mill, a lathe and Dad is a very competent sewing machine mechanic. Second question, I thought I read there is a small and large version of this machine. If this is true, can someone tell me how I can tell the difference in the two? It looks like the Tippman Boss would be perfect for my needs but for the money, I can get a cowboy!! And again funds are limited. I can always keep poking myself and buy a gross of bandaids but would rather have a machine... Thanks in advance for all help offered, Bubba the Axe Man