FDC

I have a Techsew SK4 as well and the feet certainly did need polishing! As delivered they had no nicks but were likely at about a 220 grit which is brushed. I took them up to a mirror polish and that is an improvement.

I looked at that connectors on my servo motor and the the connector on a AliExpress NPS and they were compatible so I bought the NPS for about $40 CDN delivered and installed it. Works a treat, just need your servo motor manual to get it sorted and understand how to program it. If I can do it you can too!

That looks like a very nice addition to your DA! The bamboo will likely wear like iron!

I agree with Tom, first thing is to get your knife razor sharp! Then adjust the feed wheel and presser foot to suite.

This is a clone that is the predominant skiver available today. The Chinese pump them outta a factory or two. Mine is a Chinese clone branded "Techsew". They may all need more, less or nothing to get up and running.

This machine would definitely do the job for you. The learning curve on my skiver was a bit steep but patience and lots of trial work. I'd label each control on the machine as soon as you get it as this helps when tweaking it!

I wanted a post bed machine for years but the price of a new 810 was a bit over the top for my usage/needs. Constant serching on used on-line apps finally coughed up a little gem - A Singer 51W59 withing 20kms of me. It was mine for $300.00 CDN. It took over 2 years but there it was! I threw away the table and set aside the clutch motor, bought a servo motor and controller and built a new compact table for the head. The head got torn down to the last screw and restored. It is a lovely little machine to use and look at and it lays down perfect stitches. I bet that you can find one as well, it just takes time!

That is a masterpiece! Beautiful design and execution!

Thank you!

Apologies for my deplorable spelling in my response above. Skiver, skiving. 🙄

I would tackle this problem with a munltimeter...

Well you don't mess around! I too bought an 801 skiver a couple of years ago and it has been challenging to get comfortable with. I would suggest the following to climb up the learning curve faster: Go to YouTube and watch videos about adjusting and using an 801 skiver Label all of the adjustments on your skiver so that you know exactly what they do! Indicate feed direction as well. I just used a fine Sharpie. Make sure that your bell knife is sharp! Make sure that your bell knife is ALWAYS sharp! Set up your machine with each new type of material that you're skiving, it's NOT a "set it and forget it" machine! Using cheap ABS or PVC plumbing parts from a home center make your own vacuum system if your machine doesn't have one already. Dead simple, inexpensive and prevents offcuts from messing up your skiving. Be patient and expect some frustration as you get it figured out!

Techsew has a Black Friday sale!

I have a Juki 441 cyliner bed clone by Techsew and a restored Singer 51W59 post bed. If I had to have only one it would be the Techsew. The post bed will earn it's keep on my service boot project. I think most leatherworkers would find a cylinder bed to be most useful most of the time compared to a post bed. The 441 clone is a beast and may not be necessary, in fact it may be abit much depending on what work you intend to do!

Nice work! Inspiring me to start my tooled belt project! Beautiful work!

You're where I want to be! Ive been getting ready to make service boots by restoring some machines and equipment and doing other leather projects to get some skills. Did you make your own lasts or use commercial ones? Very nice boots, I'd be happy with them too, excellent workmanship!

Have you adjusted the thread tension in the bobin shuttle? Is the spool oriented correctly in the bobbin?

If it works it's a winner! I just like to start from fresh on some equipment and this Singer certainly deserved the refresh. It is a great machine as you point out!

For the table I laminated Baltic birch for the core. I cut out the necessary features and tweaked to satisfaction. Then I contact cemented Formica to both sides. I bought the plastic edging on Amazon. I welded up the base with 2" square structural tubing and re-used the pedals and mounting plate from the old table. The casters were also Amazon. A little spray gun work and final assembly. Space is always limited so I wanted a smaller than normal table that was ready to roll. I'm happy with the results and table size. I'm not always happy with project outcomes!

I have a "thing" for these old Landis machines. Now I need a 16... I like the safety sandals, they say "This will work out perfectly..." and it sure looks like it did! Nice machine and space!

A beautiful holster for a great side arm!

Hand sewing is another level for sure! I bought it from Tandy, 4 oz "Crazy Horse". It’s interesting and nice to work with. The vinyl lining gives it some body when the bag is done.

After finishing a Singer post bed restoration I wanted to make a Dopp kit bag. I bumbled around on-line and took ideas from a few places but took the time to make my own pattern. First attempt never saw the light of day, second attempt suggested a partially glued in lining instead of floating fabric. So this one has a marine vinyl interior to make cleaning up my exploded toothpaste/shampoo/ shaving cream mishaps easier. Naturally I sewed the loop in upside down with the raw edge up...4.0 required!

I'm not sure what you mean by motor pulley, are you referring to the pulley on the servo motor? If so its stock, 45 or 50 mm I think.

Those are called "levelling casters" and I bought them from an outfit in Chicago many years ago. They come in several sizes, always go as big as you can is my advice. I just checked and Amazon carries them so they are a day away if your use Amazon!