Been asked to make simple knife sheaths. Please help..

[SUP]

LOL. @AlZilla, you hit the nail on the head! That is exactly what I was thinking! What do I really need when selecting a machine and what will be 'nice to have' in case I need it in the future. And since I have only just made my first belt today, I have a long way to go and everything is 'in case I need to make..."!

 

Edited June 4, 2023 by SUP

[mike02130]

How about just making one or two by hand with the tools you have and see how that goes, then you'll be better able to figure out a price.  If the guy's in no hurry then perhaps they can be spread out over time?  Keep in mind that if each one is different then you'll spend a lot of time making patterns.

[AlZilla]

2 minutes ago, SUP said:

LOL. @AlZilla, you hit the nail on the head! That is exactly what I was thinking! What do I really need when selecting a machine and what will be 'nice to have' in case I need it in the future. And since I have only just made my first belt today, I have a long way to go and everything is 'in case I need to make..."!

 

This is the definitive post on evaluating what sewing machine you need:

You said footwear, bags and knife sheaths. That means a cylinder arm machine like the ones I linked earlier.  There are many other cylinder arm types, but those are as good as any and easy to find knowledgeable support and reputable dealers.

[SUP]

That is very true. I have absolutely no idea about the types of knives. I think I will do that. 

[SUP]

@AlZilla, thank you for that post. It is just what I need. Will be immersed in that for a while now, I think. I will keep in mind about the cylinder arm machine as well.

[kgg]

1 hour ago, SUP said:

I gather the 3 machines you mentioned are manual ones? The motorized ones will be much more expensive.

Yes those machines are all manual machines.

1 hour ago, SUP said:

Also I believe Singer has some sturdy ones.

Singer no longer and hasn't for many years made industrial sewing machines that I'm aware of.

1 hour ago, SUP said:

I only plan to make bags, footwear, knife sheaths - simple ones. I know I will not make saddles, chaps etc.

This narrows the field down for sewing machines. If you only want one machine a sort of all rounder machine would be a cylinder arm machine with a flatbed attachment. You can do items that are best done with a flatbed sewing machine (example: wallets) as well as items done with a cylinder arm that are circular.

Then there is the dollar factor. Depending on how thick your leather will be including the seams an excellent machine would be a Juki LS -1341 or a clone machine. The Juki LS-1341 new will cost about $5200 USD while a clone of the older Juki LS-341 will cost about $2500 USD. Juki is the typical machines that the clones copy. So accessories like binding attachments and parts are readily available at reasonable prices.

Then there is the used market for both brand name and clone machines which can be had from either a dealer / repair shop or the owner directly. I would suggest getting one from a dealer that has been gone over unless you or you know someone that can properly evaluate a used machine. 

The only thing is the footwear part of what you want to make as this has a very broad range from slippers to workboots and everything in between ?????

kgg

[fredk]

Think on this; generally a sewing machine with an electric motor can be used manually, but its harder to convert a manual only sewing machine to take an electric motor

I chose the manual only Boss because it suited my needs

Also look at both the 'foot print' and the weight of the machine. One machine I fancied, could afford, needed its own table that would have taken up almost half of my living room where I do my sewing

[SUP]

@kgg, Foot wear I only plan to make moccasins and slippers. I do not have the patience or the desire right now to start with making lasts for boots and shoes. Besides, we get plenty of them that are good. It is open toed slippers that I like and want to make specific types.

So from what you and AlZilla said, an all-rounder machine  might be the way to go. I am still in two minds though.  I feel I cannot, in good conscience, spend so much until I actually am in the position to use it. Else it will join my Brother sewing machine and Rocketeer as a curio - all expensive curios - that I plan to use but never get the time. 

[SUP]

@fredk, that is a valid point! Sometimes in my enthusiasm, I forget practical aspects like space and weight of the item.  I should remember that when considering a machine. 

[kgg]

30 minutes ago, SUP said:

Foot wear I only plan to make moccasins and slippers.

The Juki LS-1341 or similar clones should fit what you want to make.

When the time is right it and you feel you can use a machine, manual or motorized, at least now you have a starting point of information.

kgg