Start-up machines on a small business budget?

[chrisash]

As a example, for many bags, wallets etc in both chrome and veg tan I tend to use V46,69, or 92 thread which is strong enough, mostly v69, I also go against most of the posters on here and match the colour to the material and not ther

contrast method

[RockyAussie]

I am having a suspicion that the Techsew 2600 may be getting over looked here and I believe it would save you some $ as well. I am in Australia and about the only stuff that goes into the states from me is some sewing machine needle plates and stuff. If that means you can show me in a pm what it is you want to make I would be happy to advise what machine type I think would be best. I make a broad range of products with a broad range of different sewing machines. Little things like the cylinder arm diameter (51mm on the 2600 and 76 on the 27500 and the distance the needle sits from the end are all important things to know before you buy. Do you need a full open table or just the standard U shape table?

The size of the hole in the feed dog can make a fairly big difference, on thin soft stuff a small hole will give you less trouble and the 2750 is not all that small. Ignore the needle plate in the first picture that is just one I am working on for a special job.

This video shows off the cowboy CB246 in action (at around 1.5 minutes in) which is pretty much the same machine as the Techsew 2600.

 

 

Edited May 24, 2022 by RockyAussie

[Northmount]

A Techsew 2700 or 2750 maximum as stated above is 3/8" thickness.  You'll find it difficult to sew 3 layers of 8 oz leather.  Hard going, presser feet leaves marks, difficult to adjust the presser foot pressure, so you wouldn't want to do it very often.  Just did an axe sheath a few days ago.  3 layers 8 oz leather including the welt.  Machine wasn't happy!  1/4" is much easier going.

Maximum thread size 210 on the top and 138 on the bobbin.

Regardless of what machine you buy, every time you change thicknesses and thread sizes, you will have to spend some time adjusting the thread tension.  As mentioned, no one machine does everything.