Older Singer Machine Lineup and Capabilities

[IH460]

New to the Forum and machine sewing. Been hand stitching for awhile now and slowly moving to machines for some items to speed things up a bit. I recently completed a rebuild on a mid 30's model Singer 29K58 which is working out very nicely for thinner leather and smaller thread diameters. From the patchers moving up, what cylinder arm models would be recommended to look at to dedicate to thicker work? While I like the older machines, I'm also aware that modern used machines can be picked up somewhat reasonably, are there any distinct advantages on any of the older machines to consider? Most of my work is in Belts, holsters, tack, sheaths, wallets and bags/totes.

 

Thanks 

[kgg]

4 hours ago, IH460 said:

Most of my work is in Belts, holsters, tack, sheaths, wallets and bags/totes.

I would advise rethinking the Singer machines as they are getting a bit long in the tooth and for some models parts are difficult or impossible to get. I would recommend looking for Juki machines or their clones as parts, accessories are relatively inexpensive and in a lot of cases easier to source.

I would recommend for the range of items you listed:

i) Wallets and belts can be done on flatbed like a Juki DNU-1541S or cylinder bed machine with a flatbed attachment like a Juki LS-1341 typical max thread is around V138 and about 3/8" max material thickness

ii) Bags / totes are best done on cylinder bed machines like Juki LS-1341

iii) Holsters and Sheaths need heavy iron in the Class 441 machines so you would be looking at Juki TSC-441 (real expensive, 10k) or clones like the Cowboy 4500 machines typical max thread is around V415 and about 7/8" max material thickness.

If your budget allows get a flatbed for the wallet type items and a Class 441 machine for the holsters and bag items. If the budget will not allow, you can't or don't want more then one machine I would probably going for a Class 441 with a table top attachment and the new needle plates that allow for sewing with those machines thinner items with thinner thread.

Remember No one machine will do everything.

Which country are you in so someone could recommend machines and dealers?

Buy Once, Cry Once

kgg

[IH460]

@kgg Thanks for the info. I certainly agree with the buy once philosophy and suspected that the older singers may be tough to keep up and running as time goes on with parts availability. I've looked at the CB4500 and Cobra Class 4 in the past on the heavier side of things and will have to check into the other recommendations for flat work and other cylinder machines you mentioned. 

 In USA

Edited April 3, 2023 by IH460

[Wizcrafts]

5 hours ago, IH460 said:

@kgg Thanks for the info. I certainly agree with the buy once philosophy and suspected that the older singers may be tough to keep up and running as time goes on with parts availability. I've looked at the CB4500 and Cobra Class 4 in the past on the heavier side of things and will have to check into the other recommendations for flat work and other cylinder machines you mentioned. 

 In USA

I have a Cowboy CB4500 with an aftermarket narrow feed dog and throat plate from Australia. Using these narrowed down parts allows the machine to handle lighter work that can be sewn with #92 bonded thread, using a #19 needle. I also have a set from another member here who makes very narrow feed dog/throat plate sets for use with #69 thread and a #18 needle. This truly extends an otherwise heavy duty only machine down to the territory normally only available in upholstery class machines. This is something to consider if you really plan to sew holsters. Those need to be sewn with very thick thread that is beyond the capacity of the upholstery class machines.

[IH460]

14 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

I have a Cowboy CB4500 with an aftermarket narrow feed dog and throat plate from Australia. Using these narrowed down parts allows the machine to handle lighter work that can be sewn with #92 bonded thread, using a #19 needle. I also have a set from another member here who makes very narrow feed dog/throat plate sets for use with #69 thread and a #18 needle. This truly extends an otherwise heavy duty only machine down to the territory normally only available in upholstery class machines. This is something to consider if you really plan to sew holsters. Those need to be sewn with very thick thread that is beyond the capacity of the upholstery class machines.

Excellent option here. I wasn't aware of the narrow feed dog/throat plate options. I know there's really not a "one size fits all" solution but this sounds about as close as it can get. I had planned to run the 29k58 for thin work on bags, etc and leave it set up with #69, but must admit that if the CB4500 has this kind of adaptability, it may sit more than run. I enjoy hand stitching smaller projects, but needed to speed up the long runs of finer stitching, and would love to save some of what's left in my hands and let a machine tackle the real thick work on the holsters and sheaths. What would the budget look like on these upgrades for the CB4500? 

[Wizcrafts]

8 hours ago, IH460 said:

What would the budget look like on these upgrades for the CB4500? 

You can check out HE&P for accessories for Juki 441 and clones sewing machines. The prices for the various parts are on the website. He makes very narrow feed dog/throat plate sets and narrow presser and alternating feet. I got my first narrow set from our member @RockyAussie. Contact him through the forum messaging system for his current pricing.