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 .

Do any of the major dealers (Cobra, Cowboy, Toro, Techsew, etc) offer sales or promotions in the US during the fall season?? Im getting close to pulling the trigger on a cylinder arm that sews 1/2- 7/8". As always, open to a deal on a used or re'furbished machine

Thanks for the info Mark - I better understand. Will dies other than Weavers fit on it?

I see that unit everywhere. What makes it worth twice the price of others? Do they have an annual sale, or a leather business price?

Where do you buy the dies for this machine? Have you happened to use buckleguy dies, or rivets/snaps? Just wondering about compatibility...I don't think there is a universal size.

I understand Buckleguys snaps, rivets, etc are excellent quality and consistent so I'm waiting another month or so for their setter which is currently out of stock. They also recently introduced free shipping on orders over $100. I enjoyed doing business with them even before the new shipping policy@

Can you experts compare the less covered HD leather sewing machines? Ive pretty much determined that a heavy duty machine that will sew 30 ounces (1/2") in vegtan will meet my needs. I also have a real space problem - thesmaller the footprint the better. Trying to compare the Cobra Class 26, the Cowboy 3200 portable and the TECHSEW 3650HD. Recently have seen the larger machines and they are too humungous for my space, and overkill for my needs. Appreciate all input. Thanks Jeff .

I'm making my first bag. The bottom piece is 4" deep x 9" wide. I'm using a single piece of leather for the front and both sides. the width of which would be (4+4+9), or 17". If I round the front corners of the bottom piece, what is the easiest and most accurate way to determine the new, shorter width of my front panel? For instance, If I use a 1" diameter rounded corner cut, is there a formula for adjusting the width of my front panel? Or do I use a cloth tape measure? Or is it just trial and error? Thanks, Jeff

I've read many good things about the snap setter, and as importantly, tha rivets and snaps sold by Buckle Guy. I've done lots of business with them and plan to do even more since they offered free shipping. Unfortunately they are out of stock for their Rivet Press until at least November. Can folks recommend a good alternative source for a press with quality compatible dies and rivet/snaps? Also looking for a 1 ton arbor press that's already set up for leather ie a flat plate, a hole drilled with set-screws and/or a magnetized arbor.

All that is pretty scary esp since I just downloaded all Stohlmans books for free. If theres a class action lawsuit pls cut me in.

Great point...that makes alot of sense! Thank you