machines with and without tables

[Sjm1027]

Steve - I live in CT and let me tell you - your shite out of luck in terms of getting some machines to demo unless you plan on getting on a plane. There are no "leather shows" near us and even fewer suppliers. Bruce, owner of Tandy in Hartford doesnt have any machines to try and Pilgrim - which is near you - supplies parts for older machines.

You could come down to my shop and try my Boss, my Econosew table machine or my Singer 29K patcher, if you'd like. I live in Southern CT.

steveb

Hi Steve,

Really nice of you to offer. Your right, not to much going on around here as far as leather. I really can't believe it. Lets keep each other informed if we hear of anything. As far as me coming over to test drive those machines, sounds very good to me. If you don't mind, lets talk again after the holidays. That will also give me some time to do some research too. I am leaning towards that 3000 but won't be ready for that for a few months.

Appreciate your help and maybe we could think about a Leather workers group some time. Really be nice if a few of us could get together to see how others do the craft.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Steve

[K-Man]

If I could add a couple of pennies worth of info here. I have two Artisan 3000's and one of the 618's. I use the 618 for the lighter weight stuff. I use 207 thread on the top and 138 on the bobbin - runs like a champ with no issues/hangups. I use one of the 3000's for the next step up in material. I use 277 on the top and 207 on the bobbin. No issues there either. I use the second 3000 for the next step up from there in material. I use 346 on the top and 277 on the bobbin. Yep, you guessed it, no issues there either.

With the variance of work/material thickness that I do, it's much more efficient to run the three machines as I do. That way I'm not having to stop and change out needles, thread, bobbins, and make any adjustments on tension. In addition, if one of the 3000's were to malfunction in some way, I would not have a work stoppage. I would simply move that work to the other machine while the first one was being fixed. (I learned to do that a long time ago when I was down for a week waiting for machinery critical to the biz I had at the time to be fixed.)

I've had one of the 3000's for over 2 years, the second one for nearly 2 years, and the 618 for about a year and a half. Have only had one minor issue with one of the bobbin adjustment screws. I've made a significant number of product with those three machines and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering such a purchase. I've had other sewing machines prior to these that while they did acceptable work, the Artisan's took it to the next level.

If you're serious about wanting to make a quality product, whether it be for resale or as a gift to a family member, then IMO it's a no-brainer in purchasing the proper machinery to do so. If you're limited on funds (as most of us are), then as mentioned above, and if at all possible, purchase a machine that will allow you to expand with the type/style of item you make/want to make. In other words, the 618 is going to limit you in what you can sew. The 3000 will give you greater opportunity.

Hope this information helps, and good luck in your search.

[Sjm1027]

If I could add a couple of pennies worth of info here. I have two Artisan 3000's and one of the 618's. I use the 618 for the lighter weight stuff. I use 207 thread on the top and 138 on the bobbin - runs like a champ with no issues/hangups. I use one of the 3000's for the next step up in material. I use 277 on the top and 207 on the bobbin. No issues there either. I use the second 3000 for the next step up from there in material. I use 346 on the top and 277 on the bobbin. Yep, you guessed it, no issues there either.

With the variance of work/material thickness that I do, it's much more efficient to run the three machines as I do. That way I'm not having to stop and change out needles, thread, bobbins, and make any adjustments on tension. In addition, if one of the 3000's were to malfunction in some way, I would not have a work stoppage. I would simply move that work to the other machine while the first one was being fixed. (I learned to do that a long time ago when I was down for a week waiting for machinery critical to the biz I had at the time to be fixed.)

I've had one of the 3000's for over 2 years, the second one for nearly 2 years, and the 618 for about a year and a half. Have only had one minor issue with one of the bobbin adjustment screws. I've made a significant number of product with those three machines and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering such a purchase. I've had other sewing machines prior to these that while they did acceptable work, the Artisan's took it to the next level.

If you're serious about wanting to make a quality product, whether it be for resale or as a gift to a family member, then IMO it's a no-brainer in purchasing the proper machinery to do so. If you're limited on funds (as most of us are), then as mentioned above, and if at all possible, purchase a machine that will allow you to expand with the type/style of item you make/want to make. In other words, the 618 is going to limit you in what you can sew. The 3000 will give you greater opportunity.

Hope this information helps, and good luck in your search.

Thanks K-Man,

I appreciate your taking the time to help.

This is strictly a hobby for me but your right, expansion is key... I want to make this purchase knowing I can expand. I will call the sales rep soon to chat about the future plans for this machine, accessories and what ever else they can tell me.

I know one thing, guys like steveb and the rest of the people in this forum have helped me grow so quickly. This forum has been the best source of help for anyone interested in leather. Steveb and I are from the east and we both know there is nothing here for us to go to or learn from.

I thank you all for the help

Steve