kgg

This is an overview shot of the setup showing the bobbin/vape holder on the front of the sewing table, the bobbin thread pin guide on top of the sewing machine and the thread stand at the far right rear of the sewing table. kgg

The third accessory is a newer version of a thread stand. This was to solve a couple of problems related to thread problems particularly with 8 oz cones. I have to add an over view shot of the setup showing the bobbin/vape holder, bobbin thread pin guide and the thread stand in another topic due to file upload size. 1. I always have hated the cheap two clone stand that came with the table which at best is a cheap $10 Chinese stand. There is a simple solution to fixing the two cone stand but I still hated the look. 2. Get more cones of either 8 oz or 16 oz size clones in the least amount of underutilized space on the table while freeing/ cleaning up more table space. 3. Eliminate the thread backlash problems associated with 8 oz cones. The cone stand will hold at least five 8 oz cones or two 16 oz cones with one 8 oz. The cone platform sits on the right rear side of the sewing table with the cones being pressed into a 3mm high density foam base overlay. The cones are forced into the foam base overlay by a nut. Forcing the troublesome 8 oz cones into the foam works really well in getting rid of the problem of the thread backlash causing the thread to be sucked under the base of the 8 oz cone and jamming. The top thread guides have less a severe downward angle and are more inline with the machines thread pin and also the thread tensioner guide. My previous solution of mounting the 8 oz cones horizontally did work but as the amount of thread on the come became less problems did occur requiring more tensioner adjustments then I liked. All comments, suggestions welcome, kgg

The second is a dual purpose holder that can hold up to 18 bobbins and my vape. I always hated reaching around the belt side of the table to get or place a empty bobbin and was forever knocking my vape of the table. If I still smoked I would have been knocking off the ashtray so I came up with this solution. It c clamps to the table top and has two upright pins and a bottom swivel pin all able to store 6 bobbins each as well as holding my vape.

So I decided to add a couple of new accessories to the sewing table and the Juki 1541S using the new toy a Prusa i3 which is also getting a workout with our other hobbies. I am going to have to do this in three topics due to upload file size limit. The first is a simple thread pin guide. It slips down over the original thread pin to guide the bobbin thread to the bobbin tensioner on the top of the machine. All comments or suggestions are welcome. kgg

Totally agree. When I was looking for a compound flatbed I looked at and test drove a few of the Chinese Clones in the upholstery class. Some I have to admit did a pretty good stitch others vibrated, crunched and just sounded like a bucket of bolts banging around. Needless to say I bought the Juki 1541S and have been very pleased that I bought it. Down the road when I need / want another machine I know that the Juki is going to be easier to sell and have better resale value then that of a comparable clone. If dollars are the major factor buy a good used brand name from a reputable dealer in the class you need like a Singer, Juki, Pfaff, Alder and test drive it with your stuff. kgg

I agree with Ferg, you need two machines. Another consideration that I would consider is the shank diameter of the needle as this will determine the size of the hole in the leather or fabric that the thread is going to pass through. A common needle system for upholstery type machines is the 135x16/17 with a shank diameter of 2.0 mm while for a heavy duty cylinder machine like the CB3200 it would 794 needle with a shank diameter of 2.5 mm. Doesn't seem much of a difference but could really make a difference in stitching methods and appearance. Before you buy your machine, as it is an expensive investment, go to a dealer with a sample of your stuff, compare and see what fits your needs / budget best. Buy Once, Cry Once. kgg

I have owned a Reliable Barracuda as well as used the Sailrite. I would again have no problems in choosing the Barracuda again. Maybe I got a good one but if you put the two of them side by side in a blind test I think it would be hard to tell what you were paying extra for. For someone who occasionally needs the walking foot feature, who whats to wet their feet first in the hobby or dollars are a major factor before buying a more robust machine the portable walking foot machines maybe a good option, regardless of the name on the machine. The problem is that for the price of a portable walking foot Sailrite LSZ-1 (~$1095) there are so many other options available like the Consew p1206rb (~$1095) that is a compound feed machine as an example. kgg

As the Reliable Barracuda comes it only has a small domestic motor and speed controller like the Sailrite LSZ-1 but a lot cheaper cost wise. What Tandy done was take a Sailrite LS portable (no zig zag) and mounted it in a table with a Sailrite workhorse servo motor strapped to it. If a Sailrite portable could sew through two layers of 10 oz veg tan leather then I would expect the Barracuda should be able to do the same. If you tricked out the Barracuda like the Tandy machine you could save a fair bit of cash. But you still would only have a light duty table mounted portable walking foot machine. I think you would be far better off getting a brand name walking foot machine like a Juki du-1181n for about the same cost or 1541S which are made to work day in day out. kgg

I mostly use my prescription reading glasses for threading the machines needle or when I need the extra clarity otherwise I don't wear anything. I do wear safety glasses when cutting / grinding metal or using a chainsaw where stuff is probably going to be flying everywhere but never worn or even considered wearing eye protection while sewing anything. For some eye protection may give them with a piece of mind, for me I think they would be more of hindrance and wind up in the "don't iron pants while wearing them" bin. kgg

All I use in my Juki for various thread sizes are the Schmetz needles never had any problems. kgg

For the dollars you have chosen ($400) I would suggest looking at the Reliable Barracuda it is a portable walking foot that has the zig zag feature. It can handle up to v92 if you purchase at your local Home Depot for $500 or up to V138 if you get it from Reliable. It has a decedent presser foot clearance of 10mm which is just a touch over 3/8" . Good starter machine. Then there is of course the used market.

You may want to give either Reliable a call (800- 268-1649) for a complete list of resellers in Alberta but I think Mac 1 Sewing Machines in Calgary sell the Reliable line of sewing machines. The Reliable Barracuda is a nice portable machine which can handle V138 but the presser foot can be a bit aggressive which can be easily solved. I have owned and used one with no problems what-so-ever. However if you want dependability, accessories and good resale value down the road buy a Juki. Buy Once, Cry Once. For what you are describing for it's use I would probably consider a Juki DU-11811N (approximately $1600 CA) walking foot as it should probably handle the lighter weight stuff better. I would also suggest you look at a couple of video's done by SewingGold.com for the Juki DU-1181n and the Juki DNU-1541S for their video comparisons of them sewing light, medium, and heavier materials to see which category your stuff best falls into. kgg

It maybe a good idea to give Central Sewing a call at 1-866-469-1147 Edmonton, Alberta as they are the ones selling the Titan machines, it maybe be their own branded house clone. kgg

But will it take the bite out of walking, looks snappy to me. kgg

To help you get more informed suggestions. You need to provide more info on what you plan on sewing and what is your budget. kgg

All the machines you have been looking at a mostly used in the home garment area. To do upholstery reliably you need to move up to a walking foot machine. On the lower end of the price scale look for a portable walking foot like the Reliable Barracuda which can handle up to V138 thread and can be purchased at your local Home Depot store for about $500 US. kgg

My experience with bird nesting (thread gathering on the underside) is that it has more to do with bobbin thread tension issues then the top thread tension. A lot of times it can be as simple as the bobbin being place in the bobbin holder incorrectly so the bobbin thread is unwinding in the wrong direction. Done that more then once myself. The needle size and needle could also be a culprit. Needle maybe damaged / bent / have a burr / installed incorrectly or incorrect size for thread size being used. For needle size reference I would look at the Toledo Sewing Chart ( https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html ) to see what size needle should be used for your thread. kgg

If the presser foot has to much downward tension this can easily be adjusted by the presser foot tension knob. If the presser foot is too aggressive it can either be changed to a smoother foot or the teeth be filed smoother. I think for the thickness you mentioned the the Juki 1541, will do the job and give you the option of thicker materials in the future as it is compound feed (feed dog, presser foot and needle). I have to be careful with thinner materials with my Juki1541S and do the necessary adjustments to thread tensions and presser foot tension. That said it likes thicker stuff and will sew whatever I can stuff under the presser foot. The Consew 206RB-3 is I think a compound feed machine as well. In my opinion given the choice between a Juki or a clone in the same mechanical shape I would pick the Juki. If you come across a used machine be prepared to put a servo motor on it for better sewing control, they are much quieter then a clutch motor and more energy efficient. kgg

Question AusSimon what are you or planning on making? Since you have been using a 4411 with a degree of success moving up to a basic walking foot maybe all that you need. Example would be a basic portable walking foot like a new Reliable Barracuda (~$650 CA) or a new industrial walking foot like a Juki DU 1181 (~$1400 CA). kgg

I am going to assume you are using V69 thread. My suggestion would be try a sample with the leather on top, 1/2" foam layer next and a sheet of ordinary paper on the bottom. If that works the paper can be torn off latter. Another suggestion would be to back off the presser foot tension so the material just moves rather then trying to compress it so much and use the largest leather needle you can get. kgg

To sew the thickness of leather you noted you need heavy iron which does take space. Mounting a machine on a table with wheels and having a smaller foot print may help. The only other option is maybe a one armed bandit like the Outlaw but they still will require a fair bit of working space. kgg

Just to add to the confusion when you by a servo motor you need to know if it is rated using the Metric horsepower or the Imperial horsepower rating. Imperial HP has 745.7 watts and the Metric HP is 735.5 watts. Maybe the horses in the metric countries were a touch smaller and a little less powerful. haha kgg

It I think will come down to your thread size that you want to use. The machines that you have listed are going to limit you to small thread sizes range. Have you considered a patcher like the Cowboy CB29 that will allow you to sewing in tighter spots and use up to V138 thread? kgg

My bad, you are correct. kgg

I feel your pain, there is never going to be a exact conversion between Metric and English measurements. In Canada we often buy items that are weighted in pounds but priced in kilograms, lumber is still mostly English while liquids are metric (1 litre = 1.057 US quarts or 0.88 Imperial quarts). Can get a bit confusing. The best you can hope for are approximate conversion values. The easiest thing is to get a good metric ruler / tape /meter stick (.9144 yards) and forget about trying convert, it will just drive you crazy. Personally I prefer the Imperial measurements. kgg