Highlead GC2698-1 questions

[Harrybagpipes]

I’m new to sewing machines regarding leather work. I found a Highlead GC2698-1 locally for sale. They say that it is in good working order and just needs the bobbin tension adjusted. They’re asking $900 for it. Should I go for it or stay away from it? Thanks in advance from a noob. 

[Wizcrafts]

19 minutes ago, Harrybagpipes said:

I’m new to sewing machines regarding leather work. I found a Highlead GC2698-1 locally for sale. They say that it is in good working order and just needs the bobbin tension adjusted. They’re asking $900 for it. Should I go for it or stay away from it? Thanks in advance from a noob. 

I looked up one of these machines for sale and read the specs. It is strictly a light duty machine that specs out at a #18 needle (V69 thread). This is not a good machine for general leather sewing, It is more useful for hemming pants and cloth jackets.

[Harrybagpipes]

Thank you. That’s the information I was looking for. What machine would you recommend for a new person that does this for fun but would like to expand a bit? 

[Wizcrafts]

6 hours ago, Harrybagpipes said:

Thank you. That’s the information I was looking for. What machine would you recommend for a new person that does this for fun but would like to expand a bit? 

What do you want to sew on a sewing machine? Define your parameters first so the recommendations meet them.

[Harrybagpipes]

I would like to sew through multiple layers of 2-3 oz leather. I’m getting into making some holsters and wallets for myself and belts and bags for my wife. 

[Wizcrafts]

On 1/30/2023 at 8:26 PM, Harrybagpipes said:

I would like to sew through multiple layers of 2-3 oz leather. I’m getting into making some holsters and wallets for myself and belts and bags for my wife. 

Most upholstery class compound feed walking foot machines can sew through at least 5/16 inch of leather. Some can sew 3/8 of an inch. On the face of it, you'd think any walking foot machine will do everything I just mentioned, and then some. I hate to tell you but it isn't necessarily so! Poking a thin needle through a stack of leather is one thing. Doing so with large enough size of thread to secure that stack is another thing.

Wallet interiors can be sewn with #69 (aka: T70) bonded thread, using a #18 needle. It has about 10.7 pounds breaking strength if its good quality and not old and dried out.

Wallet backs can be sewn to interiors with #92 (T90) bonded thread, using a #19 or #20 needle. It has about 15 pounds breaking strength.

Bags vary in thickness. Assuming you want to make one that is about 8 ounces thick at the seams, you would use #138 bonded thread and a #23 needle. It has 22 pounds strength.

Most walking foot machines can handle these three sizes of thread. They usually max out at #138, top and bottom, with a #23 needle.

Holsters are a whole nuther story. They have to hold a heavy firearm and not fall apart under the stress of holstering the weapon or moving around while carrying it. They need stronger thread than most walking foot machines can handle. I wouldn't recommend using anything under #207 (T210) bonded thread on a holster or sheath, using a #24 needle. The thicker the stack, the heavier the thread required to hold it together. I routinely use #277 thread (#25 needle) on 3/8 inch thick holsters and #346 (#26 needle) at 1/2 inch. These thread/needle combinations are outside the capability of most walking foot machines. You need a harness and holster class machine to sew these things properly. This usually translates into a 441 class machine, based on the Juki TSC-441 design.

Thus, your journey begins!

 

[Harrybagpipes]

Wow thank you so much for all that information. It’s folks like you that make getting into a new hobby less intimidating.