luxuryluke

I will assuredly reread this and other threads before making a purchase. I’m very new to leather stitching with a machine. But I can’t imagine needing to sew more than 5 sps for the foreseeable future. Quiet is wonderful. Torque important. Positioning a dream. At this point price is mostly irrelevant. These are not ridiculously priced. Just have to find the right combo of motor and reducer for my machine age (‘60s) and style (cylinder).

Interesting solutions to reducing the speed. Hmm. Maybe one could dip a reel to reel take up reel in plastidip and it would make for a great and aesthetically pleasing handwheel. In all seriousness, the “servo + gear ratio + machine model” modification formula for leather working is indeed a lengthy topic.

Ha! Small world, eh? Thanks, @JJN. I hope it’s everything you and I make it out to be. Thanks for the tip, @brmax. It hadn’t occurred to me that handwheels were to be modded like this. I’ll search around for something like that. I’d love to see a pic or learn more about this, @dikman! I’d love to see some pics of your work, @koreric75

This thread is both incredible and insightful. Oh, and tons of wisdom. Priceless.

Helpful rundown on motor types:

Thanks for all your comments and advice everyone. I think I've arrived at my new first machine and am talking about it here: I'll post updates there.

I've had a lot of thoughts similar to yours, @YSRASupply. I was lucky enough to recently find a nice used cylinder arm machine but have spent a lot of time looking at the Class 26 and their other similar offerings. The Artisan machines look interesting, too. Keep us updated.

Thank you, @Bugstruck. I've spoken with the seller who was wonderfully helpful and generous timewise, and am going out to purchase it in a few days (half a day's drive). Found out that this model is closest to (a clone of?) the Adler 69 and Pfaff 335 cylinder arm machines and that in fact Pfaff replacement parts work on it. Pictures of the original 335 machines look very close to this casting, indeed, at least to my eyes. The binder equipment is easily swappable when not needed, and the manual describes the process, too. I'll be setting it up with a Speed Reducer and (hopefully brushless) servo motor after inspection. I've read a few threads about these steps, but I'm curious to see if workers have thoughts on these two items being used on old cylinder machines, notes, warnings, etc. I'll certainly post as many pics and info about this machine if people are interested. Is there a section to post scanned in manuals or other reference material for machines here? Updates soon.

This is a wonderful thread.

Thanks, yeah I noticed that. These are beauts, @RockyAussie! Interesting point. I did notice that. Thanks for the feedback, everyone. It’s pretty hard finding a good cylinder arm for under $1300 around here. This one is reasonably priced and is a low enough price to get me started making prototypes at least. If I start steering more towards just veg tan I’ll swap this for a cobra or something similar. I’ll keep you updated.

Indeed. Is Pfaff the originator of this shape/type of cylinder machine or is Adler? Or even someone else?

Yes, the seller states they’ll be switching it back to regular operation. Thanks, everyone, that’s very helpful feedback! I’ll share any extra info I find about it. Until then, look at this performance:

This is part two of many posts like this until I find a machine for me and get a handle more on leather machine sin gnereal. It’s rare that a nice used cylinder arm machine becomes available around here. I’ve started prototyping bag patterns to sell. Both vegtan and chrome tanned. I've posted about Pfaff and other cylinder arm machines available on Craigslist previously. Spotted this machine available nearby. Has anyone used a Necchi cylinder arm machine for leather bag making? This is the Necchi 840-100 model. Looks brand new despite its age. It’s a lower barrier to entry for me rather than a new machine, but obviously there’s no warranty. Seller says they have spare parts and manual. Clearly I’d need to add a servo and speed reducer. Question: 1. how rare are these parts? 2. Is this a good machine for a person like me? 3. what do you think it’s worth? Any info is helpful. Thanks.

Okay, I’ve been on the fence about a flatboed vs a cylinder arm with table adapter. But then I see this and I’ve made up my mind.

Thanks for the tip, @Constabulary id not considered that possibility. Thanks!

Thanks, Wiz. Its a constant risk assessment decision, isn’t it? Budget vs dreams!

Ugh. Welp. Hmm. Your articles and knowledge are very helpful, Wiz. I think the actual availability of these parts is the solution-breaking part. Sew sad.

This is a great thread. I’m not usually good at puns, either.

Okay, sort of a short lead up. I’m new here. I’ve been looking for a used walking foot sewing machine (I know, join the club, apparently) that will work for a newbie. I think I’m looking for a machine for light to medium duty leather work for bags, and small goods in vegan and chrome tan leather. But I don’t think I’m ready to go whole hog and get a new $2-4,000 machine. Live been looking at both flatbed and cylinder arm machines such as the conservative and Juki types but I think I’d like to start on a used machine such as the Pfaff flatbed 1245, 545, or the cylinder 335. So I finally found one available for around $1000 but I think it’s missing a grease housing cover in the craigslist photos so I ended up finding a machine diagram, then a parts list, and then a website that has parts for a reasonable price. Impressive. Check out my findings for a 1245 grease housing front and back: Diagram list:: https://www.universalsewing.com/tek9.asp?pg=parts_pfaff#expanded scroll down to 1245 then the actual diagram: https://www.universalsewing.com/images2/parts_lists/all/6mdl64b0.pdf Go to page 16 to see the housing that surrounds the transfer gears that power the bobbin. Part numbers 91-141 546-05 and 91-141 545-05 So so I go searching and I find a site that apparently sells these two pieces for under a dollar. https://www.strima.com/pfaff/cat/pg-484/st-0/k-2002309/ Sure. Great find. But knowing I can replace many of these parts at all is a boon on a machine that’s likely as old as I am! I’m impressed with myself and that got me the nerve to post on this here forum in hopes it helps someone else, too. Cheers! Also, if you have additional tips for this noob I’m all ears. This forum is fantastic.

Totally agree. Although when it comes to b runs of things like Horween or W&C, I don't mind the risk as bad. cc @Maverick Leather Company Oooooh!

I just finished my first bag, a shoulder bag for the wife out of 7oz horween latigo, ritza 1.0 thread and the needle nose pliers saved my fingers. It took like 12 hours, phew! That was a stitching thrill. Here I go for more!

I was just looking at this the other night. Seemed like a good deal for 48 sq ft. Originally $249. .com/en/product/assorted-color-whole-hides Unless I reupholster my bus, I don't need 48 sq ft of random hide, either.

Wow, that roll looks wonderful. Nice work.