Search the Community

I'm looking for my first sewing machine. I've read a lot of threads here (including the pinned ones), watched a lot of videos, and I know just enough to confuse myself. I know (I think?) I need a cylinder arm with flatbed attachment, compound feed, walking foot, be able to sew .5" of leather, with servo motor & speed reducer, must do reverse, have an edge guide, and preferably have an additional flat, slotted throat plate for use with softer or thinner leather. Like everyone, I want to be able to sew everything from wallets and purses, portfolios and notebooks, to knife sheaths, chrome tan and veg, backpacks and briefcases. One of the questions asked is what thickness of thread to you want to sew, and I don't know the thread number, but I want to be able to sew a backpack or duffel bag and fill it with 50 pounds of gear and throw it down the driveway, kick it through the airport (or send it through as checked luggage), or drag it through the dirt and not have to worry about it coming apart. What thread number is right for that? (I know a lot of strength comes from leather thickness, construction methods, rivets, and double stitching stress points) (I will not be making saddles or horse gear) I prefer making gear that's more rugged than refined. I hand stitch wallets using 1mm thread at 5spi. (I know the machine will use much thinner thread, but it's a reference point for the way I like to construct/overbuild gear) This is just a hobby for me so the machine might only get used for a few hours per week. If I'll max out at 1/2", what is the least expensive machine that would work? I would prefer to stay under $2K, max $2.5K including shipping, table/stand, and whatever extra components are necessary. Failing that, what's the best I can get in that price range? If there's not a machine, or not one I can afford, that will do it all, then I'd rather sew watch straps by hand and backpacks on the machine than the other way around, so which machine to do the heavy stuff? Does anybody know of a dealer for these types of machines in Oregon?