Vermontleatherworks

Thanks for the replies. I am reading them all carefully. I am not interested in a manual stitching (non motorized) machine because I want to have both hands available for all the other aspects of moving material, alignment and such. I need reverse mode to backstitch at start and ending runs of stitches. I think the super slow servo motor which is geared down will help me be more accurate in stitching. I don't think I will ever require anything over 1/2" material stitching. Likely 3/8" or less? Also, these projects are not heavy duty working items. Rather, they are short term use with low strength requirements for the thread. I don't expect to use super heavy threads at all. I'm guessing a medium thread on the chart you referenced would be fine. My original post asks about the Techsew 2750 Pro... does it sound appropriate? There are so many other machines out there, can anybody tell me what used Consew or other machine would be similar but less expensive? As I had mentioned I would also like to buy a skiving machine. Are they available used very often? What should I look for? It is looking like the finer materials will be stitched on my regular machine so I don't think i need to factor that in. I was wondering if the Techsew could do that but I am hearing that I should not expect that to work out. J

Thank you MtlBiker for your quick response. I am considering the cylinder arm because there is a bag component and sewing inside tunnels is likely going to be happening. I think the newest (aluminum) table for the 2750 slides on/off quickly for the rest of the flatbed work? I just dont know enough about thread thicknesses to say what I am looking at yet. The leather thicknesses will range from quite thin and pliable to much thicker stampable work. It likely goes without say that the fine material work will be done by a home machine that I already have, but my point was that I would like to buy a machine that straight stitches soft fine leather all the way up to fire department helmet shield type leather which I believe is 10-12oz? I am thinking a lift foot of 1/2" is all that I will require? Sorry to post while ignorant but this crowd seems fairly safe for that.... although I expect some laughter an mocking here : ) I have to start somewhere right? j

First post Here.... Hello my NEW friends! I am in the fire/rescue service and retiring in less than 2 months - I am currently retooling my shop for leatherwork. As of now I have procured most of the hand tools I need but I still have not decided how to approach the machinery that will help me in bulk production. A strange situation at this post is that I am entirely hesitant to say exactly what I am planning on marketing but I have a feeling I may be overwhelmed with work once I start up in earnest. I am afraid to mention the product for fear others will take the idea and run with it and since I have only hand stitched a few items in my entire life I would never catch up to those with more experience who might take my idea and run with it. Once i have a business established and built a customer base I will be more than happy to post about the adventures and products while starting up. Question: Over the past months I have studied sewing machines and am about to pull the trigger and purchase a new Techsew 2750 pro. The products I hope to be sewing would range in thickness from fire department helmet shields to all things of less thickness - right down to lacey racey lingerie materials. For the record I will not be building standard fire department products and will not be competing in that market.... and I am sure I caught your attention with the "lacey racey" language! So my ultimate concern at this point is should I buy this new machine? It occurs to me that I would also like to purchase a Skiving machine and I just dont have the funds to purchase both new. My past careers include yacht building and high end furniture making which taught me the value of machines that work well. When I hear of the Techsew 2750 stitching thick leather "like it was butter" makes me think I can purchase new with a dealers warranty that will perform in an enjoyable way, but then I have very little money for the skiving machine. The most important thing to me is that the machines work flawlessly. I don't give a hoot what they look like? I have woodworking machines in my shop with original tags sales tags on them from the '50's and I would not trade that old iron for anything new. Please would you all chime in on your thoughts as to how I might think about this? Does anybody know of machines that work perfectly that I could purchase together? I live in Vermont, USA. I am so excited about this project and since all my friends at the fire house are tired of hearing about my new start up ideas I am very happy to have found a new audience to share and learn from! Jay If it comes through the attached photo is an example of my furniture work...