Techsew Ron

GST, brokerage, duty. Overall a couple hundred to import something with approximately $2500 value.

Hi Danielle, Typically bags are sewn using a medium-weight machine however if you're sewing anything over 3/8" you'll need a more powerful machine than a Juki 1541 or Cobra 18. The most popular one would be a Juki 441 or a 441 clone that is offered by the dealers on this website. This kind of machine can sew anything from light leather up to about 7/8" thick. Ron

no piping feet exist for 441 type machines.

You should be able to find a medium-weight used machine like a pfaff 145, singer 211 etc for around $900. If you're buying locally, make sure to bring some leather with you and try the machine before buying. If you're buying online make sure the machine is tested and adjusted for sewing leather. Ron

You're in the right ballpark, both the Pfaff 335 and Adler 269 would be suitable for the items you're sewing, however they will be limited to max 207 thread with 138 on the bottom. Make sure your machine comes with a servo motor (if not you can purchase one later). Ron

Hi Tim, for sewing 2 layers of belt leather I'd recommend having us add a speed reducer onto the machine for you. The 2700 would be fine for sewing collars and leashes. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions. Ron

Very insightful post Bob, thanks for sharing!

Neither machine would really be ideal for sewing 4-7oz bags. The best for this would be a medium-weight walking foot machine that can use up to 138/207 thread and sew up to 3/8' thick. Cylinder bed is preferable so you can sew into the inner contours of the bag and into tighter areas than a flatbed would allow. Feel free to contact me with any more questions! Ron

We do not sell Tacsew machines...different company altogether. Goldblatt Sewing in Chicago is a Tacsew dealer they can probably help out.

we're a beautiful 12 hour drive north from Virginia...come visit your neighbor to the north! Ron

A basic walking foot machine for pancake holsters, wallets and other leather products will cost $875-$1200. I would recommend saving a bit more and purchasing the right machine for your needs. Here to help! Ron

Ferdco closed up shop recently. Thread, parts and accessories for the Pro 2000 are available from any of the dealers who advertise on this website.

The main considerations when you're looking for a sewing machine that can handle holsters is the sewing capacity of the machine, thread sizes it can use and needle sizes. For the most part holsters are sewn using #270 thread and #25 needles. If you're sewing 2 layers or more of 8-9oz you need a machine that has at least 7/16" sewing capacity. All of the following machines can accomplish this: Here are your options: $1300 range: Techsew 3650HD Cowboy 2500 $2000 range: Techsew 4100 Cowboy 3500 Cobra class 3 $2500 range: Techsew 5100 Cowboy 4500 Cobra class 4 You may want to contact individual dealers to see if anyone has a used machine as well. Ron

153 clone with flat bed attachment would be the best of both worlds. Ron

Techsew 2700 and Cowboy 227 are cylinder bed machines, Cobra class 18 is a flatbed machine. Some products require the use of a cylinder machine, some a flatbed machine - a cylinder machine with flatbed attachment gives you both options. Roller guides are often a custom job - sometimes they require you to tap mounting holes to install. Ron

Techsew 5100 Techsew 4100 Cheers

This sums it up. People who purchase the 3650HD use it for products where the bottom is not typically seen - recent customers have been using it for tool belts, knife sheaths, harnesses etc.. If the marking concerns you, I recommend the Techsew 4100 or 5100 which are walking foot machines that will leave a perfect finish on your products. We can ship to any address in the US, business or residence. You can also send us samples by mail and we'll test the machine for you on your leather. Ron

For sheaths, holsters and belts a short-arm 441 clone would be the right machine for you. You can also invest a bit extra for a long arm machine, not much difference in price. All the dealers on this website have them available. - Cobra Steve - Cowboy Bob - Techsew Ron

You can find a good quality, new or used flatbed walking foot machine from any of the dealers on this website: - Cobra Steve - Cowboy Bob - Techsew Ron Call around and see who has the one you want in stock. Ron

Yes this machine will be fine for auto upholstery. Add a Servo motor for increased torque and speed control. You can get these machines from any of the dealers who advertise on this site: - Cobra Steve - Cowboy Bob - Techsew Ron It will be set up for you prior to shipping and covered by a warranty and free tech support.

Agreed on this. Before anyone started selling sewing machines online (websites or otherwise), we started selling machines on ebay back in 2001 and there were maybe 10 listings for industrial sewing machines on ebay. It has become a great place to find a deal on new or used machines - people of course should do their research first and know what they're buying!

Are you sending the head only, or the entire unit?

Thanks Dave. In response to that Juki 441 short arm machine on ebay...I've personally never seen this machine made by Juki before. If it isn't on the Juki website, it's probably not legit. Ron

Welcome to the community and thanks for chiming in Chris! Nice looking bags you got there.

All of these machines will be fine sewing leather up to 3/8" thick, with up to #24 needle and 138 or 210 thread. Ron