Techsew Ron

Our machines do not require any technician set up before use. They are shipped pre-oiled, adjusted, tested and threaded so they're ready to sew as soon as you receive it. Ron

Hi there, we don't have a UK dealer but we ship there quite regularly. Shipping rates are about the same as shipping in Canada and US. For what you're sewing, you should consider a light/medium cylinder walking foot machine since you're not exceeding 3/8". Thanks! Ron

Solid information here. Just a minor correction - Techsew 2700 is a clone of Consew 227-R, not Pfaff 335. Ron

Hi Keith, glad to hear you were able to resolve the tension issue. Often just a couple of tension adjustments can be the difference between a perfect machine and a big headache. Also, noted your comments re-beginners using a machine for the first time. We try to give as much information as possible with our instruction manuals, youtube videos and more. We also recently began offering a free lesson for first timers where they can call and speak with one of our technicians over the phone prior to getting started. In this lesson we make sure to cover the essentials of starting out, threading, bobbin winding, basic tension adjustments, inserting/removing the material, motor speed settings and more. Feel free to give us a call if you need any more help! Ron

Great Job on the bags! Ron

For what you're sewing, the 2700 would be a great machine but we do have some other options. Take a look at the 0302 or 106. We may also have some used machines available if you want to give us a call. Thanks! Ron

Solution would be to go with a cylinder walking foot machine with flatbed table attachment. These are the most popular machines we sell for bags, wallets, belts and other general leather products. Most dealers are equipped to ship fully assembled machines anywhere in the US and will be able to provide you with a shipping quote for freight delivery. Ron

A hand operated, portable machine like a patcher could be appropriate for your lighter/more precise projects. Some of our shipping costs to Europe are comparable with shipping costs in North America. Feel free to contact us for an estimate. Ron

Correct. Don't bother with a clutch motor if you're a beginner.

I think 2 layers of 7-8oz would be pushing it a bit. That would be the maximum on a light/medium compound feed machine.

The Juki 1181N is similar to our Techsew 0302. It will be fine for sewing light and medium weight leather. Note that it is a top and bottom feed machine aka drop feed walking foot but not a compound feed machine (it lacks needle feed). I notice some teeth on the presser foot (on the Juki website) so see if your Juki dealer has smooth presser feet that won't mark your leather.

bingo.

You can probably find the original juki 441 feet around, but not as easy for the custom 441 feet that you'll find on machines sold by techsew/cobra/artisan/cowboy etc machines. Nevertheless we all have them for sale. On our website you can find photos/prices should you need them. Ron

Yes Techsew is our line of machines we've been selling since about 2001. The 106 is a clone of the Consew 206 imported from one of our factories overseas. On ebay we list a flat shipping rate - you can contact us for a shipping quote direct to your home or business address. Thanks! Ron

Consew 206 will be good for vinyl sign banners. Our version is the Techsew 106. Ron

some call this a "drop feed walking foot" because it has alternating presser feet + lower feed. It does not have needle feed so this is not a compound feed aka compound walking foot machine.

If you're just doing small leather goods like wallets, a light/medium cylinder walking foot like the Techsew 2700 Pro and Techsew 2750 Pro is the right machine for your work. As for importing to Canada from the US, sewing machines are exempt from duties however upon import you'll pay GST and a customs brokerage fee (which may or may not be pre-paid by the shipper). Thanks! Ron

Hi Kristen, you can get a good used machine for just a bit more than the price of a portable walking foot machine. For sewing wallets and bags you're better off with an industrial walking foot machine, instead of struggling with a portable walking foot's limitations when sewing thin leather. Ron

Agreed. The main benefit is to ease the machine in pulling the thread up into the hole created by the needle. Side benefit is more thread in the bobbin so you don't have to change it quite as often. Ron

Hi Carrieanna, if most of what you're sewing will be thin leather for bags, backpacks, rucksacks and wallets, you should go with a light/medium machine. Your best choice would be a cylinder walking foot machine so you can sew into the insides of bags. This kind of machine can handle up to #210 thread and needles up to size #24, though you'll probably be using #20 needles with #69/#90 thread for most of your projects. A machine like the 3200 or a 441 clone would probably be overkill and would limit you for sewing thin leather with smaller needle sizes. Your best bet is to go with the machine that will cover you for as many of the products you plan on sewing. Feel free to give us a call with any questions! Thanks, Ron

Feet for the 441 clones will fit Techsew 5100, Cobra class 4, cowboy 4500.

Hi jakeisme30, let's find out exactly what you plan on sewing in order to recommend the best machine for your needs. Further to Wiz's post, here are links to the other machines he recommended looking at: Techsew 5100 Cobra class 4 Thanks! Ron

Hi vvickyvv, the Techsew 2700 is our most popular machine for sewing leather bags and belts and would be great for your projects. If you want to keep your options open and have a machine that can also sew much thicker leather (for saddles, holsters etc) then you should consider the Techsew 4100 or 5100. The quality of all our machines is great and no matter your decision you'll be extremely happy. Feel free to give our office a call and speak with Mike (I'm currently on vacation for 2 weeks), he'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Thanks! Ron

Hi vvickyvv, how thick are you planning on sewing? The Techsew 2700 can handle up to about 3/8" thick, if you're just sewing belts, wallets and handbags you should be ok. If you want to leave your options open in case you ever plan on sewing thicker leather, you should consider the Techsew 4100 or 5100 which are more all-in-one machines. Let us know if you have any other questions! Ron

nice idea! As Wiz mentioned, a cylinder walking foot machine would be perfect for this job. The companies that sell them: Techsew 2700 or 2750, Cowboy 227, I believe Nick-O-Sewing has them too, probably Artisan as well. Best regards, Ron