AlZilla

Well, without a lot of context to go on, I'll relate a similar experience with my 111W class machines. I was having on and off problems where the bottom stitches would get tangled and the workpiece would pull out from under the needle hard. There would be 2 or 3 strands of thread coming out of the needle plate. Finally I noticed that when that happened, my needle thread was split on the hook. It turned out I was holding my threads back way too hard when I was starting to sew. I only hold back lightly now and haven't had a problem since. You'll see advice here to "hold the threads back hard". But I think that applies to larger machines, like the CB4500 and such. Maybe someone else will comment.

I moved this over to Suppliers since it seems like you're trying to create a resource list of people and companies that repair leather items. If I got it wrong, let me know and we can figure out where you might get the best response. Leather Sewing Machines wasn't it.

Assuming you want the band permanently attached to the hat ... How you attach the concho strap kind of depends on how it all comes together in the back. Some options are to use Chicago screws or hand sew. Is it going to join between conchos, or under one of them? You could butt the ends of the band and use an X stitch or a corset stitch. You could skive the ends to a taper and overlap them. Maybe all the parts could join at center/back between conchos, everything could butt together and use about 3 rivets on each side of the joint to join it to the hat. It you want it removable, I would skive the ends of everything to a taper, glue and sew them. You could look at how bullet loops are made on gun belts for how those conchos might attach.

I'd be much more inclined to listen to Wiz and KGG than any of my ramblings... Those guys have been there, done that and have a closet full of t-shirts to prove it.

@Bobcustom, moved you to the For Sale area. We require shipping info and pictures on this type of ad. Thanks.

@lehmanjack945, I merged the 2 topics together so we can keep all the discussion in one place. You can re-add the original photos in a new reply. The edit button only stays for an hour or so. You'll get the hang of it. KGG has given you pretty much definitive info on the factory machine question. Good luck with your purchase decision.

You don't need or want a 441 class machine. It won't sew the light thread you want. Why not take a look at this one: https://tolindsewmach.com/cb341.html It's got your thread range and thickness covered. You'll need to dig in to the safety clutch, etc. The 206RB meets your spec, too, if you can live with the flatbed. The big dogs will no doubt be along with more and better advice.

You should make the effort to host your pictures here. Those imgur pics won't be there forever, then we have potholes in the forum for future users. And there are people who just aren't going to click that 3rd party link. You'll maybe need to reduce your images to get under our size requirements. 800 pixels in the longest dimension works pretty well. I've not been hands on with any of those particular machines so I can't offer any specific advice. That LS 1341 gets a lot of good press around here, though.

Letters ... Such a hard thing to get right. Stamped or carved, doesn't matter. You got a great job on them. A friend of mine carves beautiful letters. No matter how I do them, it looks like Mrs. Applebottom's kindergarten art class.

Very nice, very sleek looking. How do you like that aluminum table? I have an aluminum table for my 441 clone. My work space is not well heated in winter and it makes my hands cold.

Pictures are really required to give any kind of opinion. But your boyfriend is the best one to ask. Welding can cause distortion that might lead to misalignment of previously machined parts. Cast iron can also be it's own particular challenge.

@SkullzandHides CowboyBob is the proprietor at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine and you can find his number at https://tolindsewmach.com/

@KathySemi, I'd be interested in how this turns/turned out, if you don't mind. I couldn't decide if it had some kind of finish stripped away or if it needed oil or what. If you solve it, the solution might help someone in the future.

Wow. You've really got me squinting at the details on that one. Congrats on a creative approach.

@JodiG, I moved you to Leather Sewing Machines because it seems like you're asking for a recommendation. If you're asking to buy a machine, we'll bump you over to Wanted To Buy.