Techsew Ron

The Techsew GA5-1R feed dogs may leave minor foot marks on the bottom side of soft leather, not always an issue for our customers who sew holsters, tool belts and harnesses where the bottom side of the work isn't showing. We barely ever receive complains about it. Wizcrafts made a post not too long ago describing a simple process to remove the marks too if one were so inclined. Many customers will go with the Techsew 5100 or Techsew 4100 instead, both of which have a 7/8" sewing capacity and a triple feed mechanism so not to leave any foot marks at all. All of these machines come standard with speed reducer and Techsew SmartServo motor and extra large 12" flywheel (5100 and 4100), we do not charge extra costs or upgrade fees. All machines are put through our 5 step inspection process and set up by a certified mechanic, ready to sew upon delivery. No need to service anything and we offer lifetime tech support too. Cheers, Ron

Let's not discriminate here - there are a number of honest, hardworking sewing machine dealers on eBay. We personally have been using eBay for 10 years, before most sewing machine companies even had an online presence. Unfortunately there are some undesirable people selling on eBay too but the same goes for anywhere else. Customers need to do their own research, ask the right questions and buy from the right companies. As for the waiting times discussed in this thread - once again it's up to the customer to shop around and ask dealers if they have a machine in stock or not. Every dealer has their own policies, some will make you wait and some will not. Ron

good heavy leather stitcher for a beginner, keep in mind this one doesn't have reverse lever for back tacking. the foot marks on the bottom aren't too bad, most of our cutomers using the Techsew GA5-1R don't mind them since they're using the machine for tool belts, holsters, tack and other items where the bottom side isn't exposed. if it's in good sewing condition, $800 is a decent price but you'd still have to buy a servo motor and speed reducer to get the most out of it, which would run you another $300 or so. At that point you may as well start looking at a new machine with reverse lever, servo motor, speed reducer, better table and most importantly a warranty. Ron

Singer 111 should be good for chaps, vests and leather garments. If you can get a good deal go for it, just make sure its in good sewing condition. You'll probably want to upgrade to a servo motor once you purchase it.

Here's a PDF version of our needle/thread chart that you can print out and keep by your machine. http://raphaelsewing.com/blogimg/techsew_ndl_thread_chart.pdf

lol, thanks Wiz ! Ron

Great story! Really nice pictures too. Feel free to contact any of the sewing machine dealers on leatherworker.net if you need any parts or accessories for your machine. Enjoy ! Ron

Many ebay sellers who aren't sewing machine dealers will offer a machine new in box meaning it won't be tested, adjusted, oiled and prepared for sewing. You'll most likely have to do this work yourself or pay a mechanic to do it for you. Most of the time, new drop shipped machines won't be working right out of the box. Just something to keep in mind! Ron

There are some basic differences between the GA5-1R and the Techsew 5100 and other 441 clones. If you're looking at sewing anything up to 7/16" thick for harnesses, knife sheaths, tool belts, heavy leather work and more, the GA5-1R is your machine. If you are exceeding the 7/16" sewing capacity, you'll need the Techsew 5100 or a 441 clone that can sew up to 7/8".

Looks like a website error. You should be able to see it now, it's in stock and ready to ship ! (no waiting list) . Ron

For sewing veg tan leather, you'll most likely need a machine with a walking foot and the ability to use larger needle and thread sizes. As mentioned earlier in this thread, please read the article written by Wizcrafts on leather sewing machines and post a message in the sewing machine forum if you have any questions. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25239

A note about machinery found on eBay: ask the seller if the machine is ready to sew or if they're simply drop shipping it. We've been selling on eBay for about 10 years now, and more and more we see people drop shipping machines without ever opening a box. Never deal with such a seller - your machine needs setting up, fine tuning and testing before being put to work. Find the right dealer, ask questions and don't settle on inferior quality in order to save a few bucks !

As far as throat clearance goes, the standard rule is buy the biggest you can afford. Not a huge difference in price between the short and long arm 441 clones and it's better to have the longer arm incase you need it than to not have it when you do need it. All dealers on this site sell a similar 16.5" stitcher with some differences in the setup, motor and accessories, your best bet is to call around and see which is the best fit for you. Good luck! Ron

LOL unfortunately this is fairly accurate.

Price decreased.

Torque usually depends on the motor, flywheel and reducer being used. Our SmartServo motor is 600W, 4/5HP with a 2" pulley on it and the size of the flywheel on the Techsew 5100 is 12".

Hey everyone, once in a while we get some used leather machines in stock , this one is a real gem and may be of interest to anyone looking for a leather stitcher. It's posted on ebay at the following link: http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item2311cbb52c German made Pfaff 335, used but in amazing shape and excellent sewing condition. Includes new U-table and adjustable speed servo motor, roller guide and lots of other accessories. Great for light and medium leather work such as handbags, purses, belts, chaps, jackets, general leather work. I'd be happy to answer any questions on here. Thanks, Ron

Hi agteachr, The Techsew GA5-1R is suitable for tack and heavy leather work projects up to 7/16" thick. It would be fine for 8-9oz leather doubled over, however the GA5-1R could leave some foot marks on the bottom side of your leather which are removable. If this is an issue for you, I recommend you check out the Techsew 5100 which is a triple feed machine that can sew up to 7/8" thick and offers various smooth presser foot options which leave no foot marks. It includes the same SmartServo motor and speed reducer as the GA5-1R. You can see more information here: http://shop.raphaels...products_id=330 You can contact us any time if you have any other questions about the machines we sell. Thanks, Ron

Wiz is right, both machines will do the work that you describe. We have lots of customers who use the Techsew 2700 for leather bike bags, satchels, purses, handbags, wallets etc... If you've used a Consew 227 and Pfaff 335 then you'll be comfortable with this machine. Also it includes the SmartServo motor so you can easily control your stitching speed and still have lots of torque for thicker leather. Feel free to call us anytime if you have any other questions.

nice job on the site design, Wiz Ron

wow nice job ! looks like a very sturdy table.

I'll take it if it comes with the plants!

I recommend you print out our needle and thread compatibility chart: http://raphaelsewing.com/blog/?p=11 Also take a look at this detailed article about nylon thread: http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TTE&Category_Code=nylon-thread-information Enjoy your new machine! Ron

Welcome to the boards! A cylinder walking foot like a Singer 153 or similar would be fine for sewing 2 5-6oz pieces of leather, and also some thinner projects as well by switching to a smaller needle/thread size. Welting feet are also available for this machine. Make sure you find something equipped with a servo motor to allow you to control the speed of your stitching. You can check some of the dealers on this site who offer this style of machine. Cheers, Ron

Same machine...don't use it for anything other than clothing or denim or garment weight leather. Ron