Thanx Mark I appreciate the quick response... I currently have an old singer 128-13 which I know isn't a leather machine .... I live very close to NYC and I'm trying to find a machine to get started on leather working with out breaking the bank.... I'm a fire fighter and would like to be able to do radio cases and straps .... would it be worth investing in the 29k as opposed to attempting such work with my 128-13? I guess what I'm asking is is it capable of handling a thicker leather and just used mainly for patch work because of the speed that it produces?