jrprottas

The tiny wire filament bends, gets clogged up with melted thread and breaks too often Does the zapper 2 have a sturdier heating element?

I give up. I've used a bic lighter but seem to get carbon stains on the leather, and have used 2 of the thread zappers that are too fragile and pour thru batteries. Does anyone use a soldering iron or wood burning tool to singe their thread ends? Are there any other worthwhile alternatives??

I have a 180 degree rounded backpack flap in 6 oz Dublin and would like to add detail, and weight, to the rounded edge by adding a folded edge. Ive found videos showing rounded corners on 2oz bible covers but nothing closer to my issue. My main question is whether I'll need to cut pie-shaped slits on the backside to accomplish this, or can I simply make tiny creases with a bone folder on the backside? What are the variables? Thank you

I'm also in the process of learning about my new Cobra Class 4. It takes quite a bit of force to pull my workpiece out of the machine. Videos make it look very smooth and easy. What am I doing wrong? Which tension points might be the culprit? Also, do schmetz needles have some size identification on the needle itself? Thanks, Jeff

In what way is hand stitching different than machine stitching in terms of how the turned seam looks when turned out?

Thank you. I can rule them out!

Thank you. This is great information and gives me new ideas to look for. Is there a model or 2 of the Pfaff machines that might fall into this category? There are so many listed on CL in my area.

Searching Los Angeles Craigslist every day. Thanks to this post, I've added a couple of Juki models (notably the 1508NH) to my lookout list. There seem to be alot of Singer and Pfaff machines. Older Union machines. Econosew, Consew, etc Can you folks suggest a couple of model numbers of older machines that I should be the lookout for that meet the 1/2" requirement? Actually I wish Wiz and others would construct a list of the top 12 or 24 older models that leatherworkers use in the lightweight thread range, and also in the heavier weight class. So far my list includes current model clones: CB3200 Pro, CLASS 3/4 Cobras, Techsew 3650,/4100, Toro3200 Ped, Juki 1508NH, etc. Are there other old standbys in this spec category that I can be considering?

Located in Southern Cal

Hello. I live in Indio. Is this machine still available?

Great info thank you. Where does the 1541 fit into the Juki lineup? I've been looking at craigslist in LA county and there are lots of used industrial cylinder arm machines by Juki, Pfaff, Consew, Atlas, etc. but I dont know what I'm looking for. Eg is the juki 1541 worth looking at? Are there other older models, or manufacturers, like Atlas with a good reputation? What Pfaff model should I look for? I know about the consew 206: are there other models that might meet my needs,? Again, just looking for reliable brand to sew 1/2" thickness with #92-210 thread

Can you suggest some Juki models that can do 1/2+" depth and cover a thread range of 92-207. Since your post I've been looking at the 1508 used and the 1541 but can find the depth or thread specs. I'd like the servo motor, speed reducer and a cylinder arm which attachable flatbed table. Is there a site that compares Juki models to the clones?

I'm already stretching my wife's limit buying a clone and havnt educated myself about the originals. Can you outline the Juki model numbers that correspond to the specs of the machines above? I would probably need to buy an older Juki workhorse to get into this class. Can you suggest a few of the classics? Buying the very best has always been my MO so I could definately justify if fairly reasonable. Thanks

Actually this would be my first machine. I like your term "middle of the road" as it describes what I'd like to get if its possible. Something that I could I initially use for wallets and small bags until I find a niche. I realize I cant do saddle work or fine stitching with such a machine. I realize it would represent compromise: 1/2" depth rather than 7/8", a 277 thread weight rather than 415, etc And I definately don't want a compromise that doesnt do anything very well, and end up buying 3 machines.

After months of the excitement and aggravation of reading things on this forum and elsewhere in an attempt to figure out which first machine is best, I'm still lost. I realize that projects range from sewing dainty silk lingerie to saddles and asbestos suits. All I want is a machine that will do card cases/wallets (6OZ), but which can also do wilderness strength small back packs (up to 30oz total). Is #69 thread ok for card cases and billfolds? Is #210 on the weak side for bags and small backpacks? Is #210 thread at 32 pounds of strength enough for most bags? When a company claims a thread range of #69-210 can this range be accomplished without the hour+ long process of dumbing it down? Several machines claim this range of thread sizes, and 7/16 to 5/8" depths. Cobra Class 26, Techsew 3650, Techsew 2750, CB341, ETC. The more I think this thru the more I think a sub-441 class will meet my needs. Am I missing something else? Thanks in advance for your patience and for sharing your experiences .