Techsew Ron

Hi Spencer, - The left pedal is the one that operates the machine. You do not need to use the pedal on the right while you are sewing, this pedal operates the presser foot lift and is used only to lift the foot so you can move your leather in and out before/after sewing. - If thread is bunching up around the shuttle, you need to make sure you're threading the machine properly before continuing to sew. In the following video, you will see step-by-step instructions on how to thread the Techsew GA5-1R, follow it carefully. - If the thread is fraying, make sure you are using bonded nylon thread and the right combination of needle size and thread size. Click on the following link for a chart of the proper needle/thread size combinations. http://raphaelsewing.com/blog/?p=11 . And remember, practice practice practice! Grab some leather scraps and practice sewing on them to get a good feel for your new Techsew machine. If you have any other questions or need more help with the basics of the machine, feel free to give us a call anytime toll-free at 1-866-415-8223 and we'd be more than happy to help you out. Thanks, Ron

Here's our table with needle and thread sizes (in pdf format), you can download and print it out: http://raphaelsewing.com/blogimg/techsew_ndl_thread_chart.pdf As for parts, there are a number of posters on these boards that should have them. Ron

How are you liking your GA5-1? Give us a call if you ever need anything. Ron

congrats on the new machine Russ! let me know if you ever need any needles, bobbins, parts or have any questions about the mach 1, we sell the same machine (Techsew GA5-1). cheers, Ron

Hi JLSleather, I've made a number of videos on some of the basics of an industrial machine such as filling the bobbin, threading etc... Here's 2 of the videos: You can find the rest at our youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/raphaelsewingVIDEO Enjoy and good luck! Ron

Hi Spencer, Thanks for the mention. We have very reasonably priced machines that are perfect for sewing holsters, featuring speed reducers and smooth feet that won't mark your leather. Give us a call and we'd be more than happy to direct you to the right machine. Ron 1-866-415-8223

Not a problem at all, the GA5-1 can easily sew 2-3 layers of 7/8oz with #277 thread. What will you be sewing? Ron

Correct. This is a Bonis fur sewing machine, we sell a similar one. Great machine for fur, sheepskin, boots, gloves and more. Definitely worth fixing up! Ron

The Techsew GA5-1 is a medium-heavy weight machine that can do about 3 layers of 9oz. The Techsew 2603 is great for chaps, upholstery grade leather, wallets, boots, belts etc.. To sew 3 pieces of 12oz you'll need the Techsew 180-2 heavy duty long arm machine with servo motor & speed reducer. For the sole bends, what thickness are they? Feel free to give us a call toll free at 1-866-415-8223 for more information. Thanks, Ron

If you're looking for a motorized machine in the same price range as the Tippmann Boss check out our website, the Techsew GA5-1 and Techsew 2603 are popular machines for hobbyists and serious leather workers as well. Good luck in your search! Ron

IndianaGeo, Take a look at our Youtube page, we have a number of tutorial videos there covering some basic functions of the sewing machine such as threading, winding the bobbin, bringing up the thread and more. Ron

Canoeguy, I can e-mail you a digital version (.pdf) of the Pfaff 545 manual, just send me a PM with your email address. Enjoy your new machine, Ron

wow, heck of a job! cheers, Ron

For any beginners that follow our videos on youtube and beyond...I just uploaded a quick instructional video on how to wind a bobbin, insert it into the bobbin case, thread the machine and bring up the lower thread on a flatbed walking foot machine. Feel free to leave comments about videos you'd like to see in the future ! Have a great day, Ron

Good advice in this thread so far. Some important things you should mention to a dealer when looking for a machine: - Thickness you are looking to sew - Type of material you will be sewing on (leather, canvas, vinyl etc) - Applications (saddles, belts, chaps, upholstery etc) - Budget - Your skill level with industrial sewing machines I actually just got off the phone with a customer and the conversation began with previous 5 points. Good luck in your search!

Hi Ganonymous, If you are looking to deal with a company in Canada, feel free to give us a call toll free at 1-866-415-8223. We offer free tech support for the life of any machine you buy from us. We've been in business since 1974 (our main office is in Montreal) and have shipped thousands of machines around our great country . Ron Raphael Sewing

Hi Mooshi, Nice to see someone else with a video editing background here! I work with Raphael Sewing Machines Inc. / Techsew, all of our machines have video demonstrations up on youtube. Feel free to browse around our page! http://www.youtube.com/user/raphaelsewingVIDEO Ron

congrats, Barra!

Hi Kevin, We offer an upgrade to a Servo motor which can be adjusted anywhere from 0-3300RPM for doing precision leather work. Give us a call at 1-866-415-8223 if you need any more info and we'd be glad to help you out! Thanks, Ron, Raphael Sewing Machines Inc. / Techsew 1-866-415-8223 info@raphaelsewing.com www.raphaelsewing.com www.techsew.com

For the month of May, the Techsew model 0302 drop-feed walking foot industrial sewing machine is on sale. The Techsew 0302 sews light to medium-heavyweight materials such as leather, vinyl, synthetics, canvas and various coated and laminated products. Features: Drop-Feed Walking Foot Reverse Top and bottom feed mechanism Large Bobbin Large Hook Sews 5/16" thick, presser foot lifts 7/16" Uses 135x17 needle system, thread sizes 46, 69, 90, 138 Easy Adjustment of Length of Stitch Plenty of accessories to get you started right away! (Bobbins, needles, oil, screw drivers) New 110V motor (1/2 HP) Includes table, motor, threadstand, lamp and all accessories (Includes oil, bobbins, screwdrivers, needles, instruction manual, oil pan, and more...) Check out videos of this machine in operation: Price: $739 plus shipping (7% off) Includes 6 month warranty with our FREE lifetime tech support. Machine can be shipped by freight ($150-$250 depending on location) fully set-up on a skid, or if you prefer fully insured in 4 boxes with UPS ($140-$190 depending on location - includes full setup instructions). For more information, call us TOLL-FREE at 1-866-415-8223 (ask for Mike) or visit www.techsew.com / www.raphaelsewing.com to see our full line of leather and saddle machinery. Also, for those of you who subscribe to ShopTalk magazine, check out the feature on us in the April issue! Yours truly, Ron, Raphael Sewing Machines Inc. / Techsew 1-866-415-8223 info@raphaelsewing.com www.raphaelsewing.com www.techsew.com

Here's a chart to help you determine which thread to use with which needle size: Happy sewing! Ron, Raphaelsewing.com / Techsew 866-415-823

Bree, thanks for your interest in Techsew machines. The GB6-180-2 is not an exact clone of the Juki 441, it is closer to the Juki 471 which is a top and bottom feed machine, not a compound feed machine. The body and specifications of the GB6-180-2 are closest to those of the Consew 2050. It features 16.5" workspace and 22mm foot lift, and about 4" bed diameter, all like the Consew 2050. We ship 80% of our machines to the US (we're located just north of the border) so service/shipping is never a concern, also we provide full tech support to all customers. In response to Bob, the feet from the 441 will not fit the GB6-180-2, however we stock ALL replacement parts and accessories for this machine as well as all of our machines, such as bobbins, hooks, feet (inside and outside), shuttles, needles, upper and lower tension assemblies and plenty more. Anyways, didn't mean to dig up an old topic but just wanted to answer some questions as I just noticed the post. Thanks! Ron RaphaelSewing 866-415-8223