Techsew Ron

medium weight cylinder machines like a Pfaff 335 or Consew 227 (or clones) will only use up to size 138/210 thread. If you want to use a larger thread size you'll need to look at a 441 clone. You can also use a Singer 132K with #350 thread and #26 needle. Happy new year! Ron

Yes it'll be fine as long as you're not sewing too thin. Minimum should be about 6-7oz. Ron

Hi David. A 441 clone would be a good choice for you since it covers a wide variety of applications and leather thickness. We have customers using ours for briefcases, belts, handbags, knife sheaths, quivers, holsters, saddles and more. The main issue with using 1 machine for all applications though is the constant adjustment you'll have to make in order to go from sewing something thin to something heavier. This is why ideally it is best to have 1 machine such as a cylinder walking foot with 3/8" sewing capacity for sewing garment weight leather, bags, belts etc..., and then you can use the 441 clone for thicker applications such as knife sheaths, holsters etc... Feel free to post any other questions you may have. Ron

A 227 clone would be a useful machine for you, very versatile for sewing anything from light leather up to 3/8" thick. Our version (Techsew 2700) is our most popular machine for leather items such as wallets, purses, notebook covers, leather garments, belts and more. This is a cylinder machine and we offer a flatbed table attachment for when you want to sew long/flat items without them falling off the edge of your cylinder arm. This kind of machine could be a good option for you if you're not ready to invest in a 441 clone yet. Good luck in your search! Ron

Hi Deb, Where did you purchase this machine? Are you sure it's a Techsew?

Nailed it

ouch!! poor machine.

What is the model number of your machine?

Some flowers go a long way...why not some leather ones?

Welcome to the forum Matt. You won't be able to do more than 1 or 2 layers of fabric or garment leather with the Singer 15-88 or 15-91. These machines are not designed for sewing leather. I recommend you read through this leather sewing machines guide written by one of our forum members, you'll find lots of valuable information in there that will help you make an informed purchase. http://leatherworker...showtopic=25239 Feel free to post any additional questions. Ron

You're better off getting a new machine with a warranty and free tech support. All dealers on this forum will provide after-sale support. 441 clones sold by dealers sponsoring this forum include: Techsew 5100 Cowboy 4500 Cobra Class 4 These are based on the Juki 441 and cost half the price. Thanks, Ron

- Make sure the machine you're buying is tested and sewn off. Too many people are selling drop shipping machines without inspecting them, and the customer is left with the headache of setting it up properly. - Get a Servo motor instead which will give you much better control of the sewing speed - The 227 would be good for purses and handbags because it is a cylinder machine, but the 206 has reverse. Ideally you want a machine with both. Ron

If it's affordable, a 441 clone would be a good choice. If not, you do not necessarily need such a heavy machine for sewing 9oz leather. A flatbed or cylinder walking foot with a 3/8" sewing capacity is used by many people for general leather work such as belts, notebook covers, motorcycle gear, chaps and lots more. Some machines can use up to #210 thread with a #24 needle. Best suggestion is calling around (there are 4 dealers advertising on this forum) and seeing who can offer you the best machine at the best price, the soonest. Ron

Hi Trox, Electricity has been restored to most of the affected areas in NJ and NY. One of our most popular machines is the Techsew 2700 which is a Singer 153 clone except ours has reverse. This one is used by many in the leather goods industry. Also we have the Techsew 2800 which is a Pfaff 335 clone with binding attachment. Let me know if you have any other questions! Takk! Ron

Support varies more by seller than by brand of machinery. You want to buy from someone who will be there for you at any given time if something goes wrong with your machine. If you're buying a used machine, make sure it's been tested, adjusted and is ready to sew when you receive it. Otherwise you may have to pay for a mechanic to do this work for you. Having said that, the Pfaff 335 is a good machine and you should have no problems using it for leather goods. The price does seem a bit high though, as you can get a brand new 335 or Singer 153 clone with servo motor for around $1600. Quality of clones varies from one person to the next, so keep in mind that just because 2 machines look the same the quality of their inner components may be completely different. Do your research and read reviews. Feel free to give us a call or email if you need any more advice! Ron

Hi Mick, We'd be happy to supply you bonded nylon thread, I'll have to check if we have natural in stock but we definitely have white. Give us a call or email - we always answer. Ron

Great picture Alex! Give me a call if you ever need anything. Ron

We have many customers who sew holsters with our Techsew 3650HD (same as the mach 1 with different table and servo motor) and they love it. Ideally you should go with a compound walking foot machine like a 441 clone to get you thicker sewing capacity however this would be a good start and you can always sell it when you're ready to upgrade. As always if you're buying a used machine, take some leather and make sure it actually works! You don't want to get stuck looking for parts replacements and mechanic fees that could run you a few hundred dollars more. EDIT: Just noticed, I'm pretty sure the machine in the picture does not have reverse. Make sure it does before you buy. Ron

Enjoy your new machine! Hope the advice you received here was helpful. Ron

Helpful post, and good suggestions. Ron

I would go take a look at that Juki 563 if I were you, you'll avoid the import fees from the US. Take some sample materials and see how it sews. Consew 206rb or a clone are good options if you want a new machine.

Simply put, flatbed walking foot machines designed for upholstery and leather work will not be able to use 270 thread. The highest you can go is #24 needle and 210 thread. There are machines that can use up to 415 thread and even higher (such as ga5 and 441 clones), however these are not really ideal for upholstery applications. Ron

Welcome to leatherworker.net, Gary! First off, replacing your clutch motor with a servo motor will definitely help you decrease the stitching speed on your Juki 8500, however this is not a walking foot machine and you need one when you're doing boat upholstery and leather work. Otherwise, sewing multiple layers will result in slipping and uneven stitching. All of the machines you mentioned on your list are compound feed aka walking foot machines. I would advise against going with something portable as you won't have the motor power, speed control or presser foot options that you will with a full-sized industrial sewing machine. Your final decision should be based on machine quality, availability, price, warrant/tech support and shipping costs. Make sure to buy from a dealer that will offer you tech support should anything ever go wrong. Good luck in your search! Ron

Yup this is the way to do it. Locks your initial stitches. Ron