So I finally joined, been lurking for over a year. I started making knives a while back, which lead to wanting to learn to make sheaths. I would see old sewing machines and would always check this site to see if they could do leather. So appreciate all the info.
About a year ago I picked up a 111w151 head and motor/wiring for $15. The next day I brought it to a local repair guy since it was missing some small parts and a table. Tuned, cleaned, bobbins, needles, thread with a used table and motor, along with a lesson. No charge! He is a retired Navy PRC and I am an active duty Chief and we told sea stories for about 5 hours as he cleaned and tuned it up. I did insist of paying and ended up buying a new table top and some other supplies. Still haven’t made a sheath, but a lot of wallets, a few small bags and a few other small things.
Last week I stopped by my local Sewing machine repair guy again this time for a servo motor. He had this beautiful, 7-33. He said it needed a good cleaning but works, and in great mechanical shape. When he said I could have it for $300, I said yes immediately knowing nothing about it just thought it was impressive. He tuned it up a over the past few days, and he delivered it today. In addition to the motor/table/bobbins/needles he had a used servo motor for my 111! . Spent last night sewing an old seabag together.
I don’t really need this machine, I just thought it was beautiful and a spur of the moment purchase. I think I will clean it up, use it and maybe trade for something better for sheaths. What is this machine good for? Besides tents and parachutes.
So I think I have read every post on the site for 7-33, downloaded the manuals from the links provided so thanks to everyone here for all the info. I also picked up a used huge box of leather tools (stamps knives etc) but need to learn a bit more on that type of work soon.
Thom M.