ABO

Great information, thanks everyone for their input. I think your right Wizcraft, better to accept the limitations... I have my eyes on an old singer walking foot machine, i believe its a 111, they have it priced at $600, hows that sound for price? Best, Andrew

Hello, Well I found myself a Singer 31-15 on craigslist for $150 and picked it up. I had read Wizcrafts post on it and it seems that I should be able to sew 1/4 inch with this. I'm curious if anyone can tell me how i may be able to accomplish this? I'm currently able to sew about 3/16, but that last layer puts it over the edge... Is there any reason a roller foot would help me with this? I did get the 138 thread and #22 needles... It even seems as though the foot has the clearance for the thickness, just that the stitch won't catch. I appreciate any insight. -Andrew

Hello! I have about 3 years of experience working at a leather shop in Burlington VT on Adler sewing machines. I live in San Francisco now and am looking to begin working on my own projects. I have been sewing by hand, but it's time to get a machine. That being said, I never had much education on the sewing machine itself... I have been scouring Craig's list, let go and other various sites, and not surprisingly I've found a variety of machines many of which say "industrial" but upon further research can not do leather work. I have a few questions: what are he benefits of a cylinder machine? If I'm just working on bags, wallets, some garments, is that a good option for me? I found a singer machine at a sewing machine dealer in SF, I think it's a 111 (?). In any case, it does not have reverse, is that going to drive me nuts? Is it unreasonable to try and find a machine for less than $500? What are the best descriptive words that I'm looking for to find the right machine? Walking foot? What's the right rpm? Is there a short list of machines that I should keep my eyes out for? Thanks for any and all input/ answers/ advice! Andrew