Techsew Ron

It's no secret that most sewing machine dealers base our designs off existing models in order to ensure parts availability. We've shipped hundreds of the Techsew GA5-1R to people making harnesses, blankets, holsters and much more. Our customers love it. Maybe you purchased your Ferdco machine for the wrong application? You should give them a call to get the proper machine for your work, I'm sure they'll be happy to assist their customers. Ron

Not sure which machine you're talking about but I'm sorry you had trouble with your previous sewing machine. We don't sell Ferdco machines. You must be confusing it with something else though, the Techsew 2700 is a compound feed, walking foot machine. Feel free to read about it on our website. Ron

Jayjay, Your info is correct. What kind of items are you sewing and what thickness? Feel free to give me call tomorrow and I'll be happy to recommend the best possible machine for your work. Ron

The difference is night and day. Our Techsew 2900 and 2900L are some of the smoothest running machines we've ever had.

Glad you were able to get it threaded it could get a little tricky. It's similar to our Techsew 2900 however ours is now completely made in Taiwan since we found the quality of patchers coming out of China not up to our standards. You can use bonded nylon thread on it if you like, should be able to handle up to a size 69 or 90. Ron

Sure do! I'll be happy to discuss your sewing machine needs with you if you'd like to give us a call this week. Cheers, Ron

We can set up the machine with a speed reducer if you prefer it. Ron

that's awesome, thanks for sharing! Ron

The Juki is a solid machine for what you're doing, as long as it's set up for sewing leather. You should make sure it comes with a servo motor of at least 550 or 600W so you have enough torque to get through 2 layers of 7/8oz. Ron

Most of our customers doing motorcycle seats either use a "medium weight" flatbed walking foot machine, or a cylinder bed walking foot with optional flatbed attachment. These machines can use up to size 210 thread, size 24 needle and can easily sew up to 3/8" thick. Are there any other items you'll be sewing? What range of leather thickness will you be working with? Ron

Great advice Chris. I get a lot of questions about how to remember tension settings and I'll definitely be directing people to this thread. Ron

Ann, I'm hesitant to recommend any particular models because I believe that's what the advertising section above is for...so I'll leave that to our resident sewing machine professionals.Wiz, Art and the rest of the community can find you the right machine for the job now that you know what you're looking for. Good luck in your search! Ron

Good advice in here so far. Also, memorize the threading process !! Our video should help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytYnOat7m00 Give me a call if you need any assistance at all. Thanks for your support! Ron

Ann, Both machines would be appropriate for upholstery and apparel, however you may be better off trying to find a cylinder bed machine for doing handbags. A cylinder arm will help you sew into narrow areas and tight corners. A cylinder walking foot with optional flatbed attachment would be ideal. In terms of presser feet you'll probably have an easier time finding feet for the Brother than the Pfaff. Good luck in your search, Ron

The 111G156 is still a great machine, not quite an old dinosaur. A servo motor will definitely improve its performance. What kind of items are you sewing? Ron

All good advice. You need a medium weight leather machine. For a good used machine you're looking at between $800 and $1100, however there are new machines available in a similar price range. If you're going the ebay route, make sure the machine is tested and set up to sew leather otherwise you'll have to spend more on getting a mechanic to do this for you,. Let me know if you need any more advice! Ron

Alicia, For sewing leather purses, clutches, handbags etc you'll need a cylinder bed, walking foot machine capable of sewing about 3/8" max thickness. A walking-foot or triple feed is needed when sewing multi layered leather to keep your materials from slipping and for feeding thicker material. The Janome machine is a home sewing machine that is not designed for sewing leather and its on-board motor is not powerful enough to withstand long term use. Visit the sewing machine forum if you need more information or feel free to give me a call for some free advice! Thanks, Ron

You'll probably want to purchase bonded nylon thread which frays a lot less. Also get yourself some diamond point needles, needle system 794D, you should be able to find some made by Grosz Beckert or Schmetz. Download and print out this chart for matching needle and thread sizes: http://raphaelsewing.com/blog/?p=11 Ron

We have a few customers sewing bear rugs and they use a flatbed walking foot machine. You'll want a walking foot with needle feed in order to sew multiple layers and keep them from slipping. Ron

go with the Juki, it's got walking foot, large bobbin, reverse. the pfaff is meant mainly for light garments.

What kind of machine are you using? Ron

Hi Andrew, this is mainly done for tension balancing. By using one size smaller on the bobbin, your machine can more easily pull up the lower thread through the material to have an even top and bottom stitch. Additionally you can fit more thread on the bobbin if it's a thinner thread. Do some experimenting and see if you notice a difference! Ron

They're called "patchers" because they were originally designed for repairing or patching shoes, or sewing leather patches onto garments. Example of a roller foot or wheel feed machine is the Techsew 810. Suitable for some medium weight work however you'll want a machine with a walking foot if you're sewing anything thicker than garment weight leather or boot uppers. Ron

This video may help (bobbin winding and threading instructions): Cheers, Ron @ TechSew

The Techsew GA5-1R is a machine with a powerful bottom feed mechanism designed for horse tack repair, harnesses, tool belts etc.. If you're looking for a machine for holsters that won't mark the underside of your leather take a look at the Techsew 4100 or Techsew 5100. Feel free to give me a call if you have any other questions. Thanks, Ron