Is an Adler 30-1 the right machine?

[arich]

I came across an Adler 30-1 that I’m planning to take a look at it over the weekend. I’m fairly new to patch machines & have a few questions- 

I plan on using this machine to stitch painted leather pieces (5-7 oz veg tan) onto shoes (like Vans & Converse -on the toes & sides) 

Do you think this is the right machine for the job or would another machine be better suited? Would I need to make any modifications? 

Should I be concerned about being able to find parts for this machine if needed in the future? 

It’s a long arm machine with the wheel on the side -I know these machines are big, do you think it will be an uncomfortable reach when stitching? Do you find yourself using the hand crank to stitch or mostly just the pedal?

Does the motor look correct? Should I be concerned about that little foot pedal? 

It was $1600, now $1250 does this seem fair?

And finally are there any questions I should ask before driving out to look at it? & what should I do to test out the machine?

thanks guys! 

 

Edited February 17, 2023 by arich

[ljk]

I will cover 3 machines  I have and my opinions.  Any shoe patcher should be test sewn with a pc. of fabric under the leather because of surface tension.  I glue a pc. of teflon 1m onto the toe .  I've done this for 25 years.

30-1  Great build quality, stupid parts prices small bobbin.

Singer 29-4  Primitive, cheap.  Relatively easy  to refurbish including stitch length and lifting height. 

CLSP Chinese shoe patcher.  Cheap including parts, stitch length up to 1/4", high lift only one a of the 3 with adjustable needle bar. Adjustable arm for centering needle and easy hook timing.  Larger bobbin than the above.

Any of three will work in your application.

Attached photo is a insole stitcher that I intend to buy  for insole and side  stitching.  

[Wizcrafts]

17 hours ago, ljk said:

Attached photo is a insole stitcher that I intend to buy  for insole and side  stitching.

I was looking into a sidewall stitcher a couple years ago. As I recall it was from an outfit calling themselves Robin. A friend almost bought one, but decided to get out of shoe making. Fascinating machine!