Is Overkill a Bad Thing

[Webicons]

Hello Folks - continuing my journey to find a sewing machine as the deal I was working on fell through. 
So now I am looking at a Seiko CH-8B with specifications that are perfect for some items that I make (belts, wallets, binder and covers) but overkill for the purpose that I am actually considering purchasing a machine for (shoe uppers).  
Questions: being that the CH is overpowered for the relatively thin leathers of shoe uppers, will it still do an adequate job or is there some drawback?  The CH will handle the beautifully thick threads but can I handle the thin as easily?  
The specifications states the maximum stitch length but not the minimum.  Is it infinity adjustable down from the max? 
Can I purchase a roller foot for the Seiko CH-8B? 
I have a feeling that there is no one machine that is “perfect” for everything and that’s why machine users are notorious for buying tons of machines!  What I am looking for is a good all around machine with a slight tilt towards shoe/sneaker uppers.

Thanks! 

[kgg]

3 hours ago, Webicons said:

I have a feeling that there is no one machine that is “perfect” for everything and that’s why machine users are notorious for buying tons of machines!  What I am looking for is a good all around machine with a slight tilt towards shoe/sneaker uppers.

I am not familiar with the Seiko machines as in my neck of the woods they are not a common machine. Looking at the spec it takes a 793 / 794 needle so the needle has a large diameter and will punch large holes which maybe not want you want. I would put the Seiko CH-8B in the 441 class of machines based on it being rated for threads sizes from V138 to V346. This machines is a compound feed so I don't think a roller foot is going to work as I think you need a drop feed machine for the roller foot to work. I would suggest looking at other machines better suited to handling the thinner leathers of shoe uppers, wallets and with smaller diameter needles like 135 x 17 for fabric or 135 x 16 for leather. Yes you can sew thinner items and close to the edge if you can get the proper needle plates. They are available for the Juki TSC441 and clones but I don't know if they are available for the Seiko.

As for an all rounder I would suggest a Juki LS-1341 or clone, there are a lot of them, when combined with a table top attachment can be very versatile. The drawback is V207 would be the largest thread you would be able to use.

kgg

 

 

[Quade]

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I am not familiar with the Seiko machines

Seiko is the actual builder of many of the older Consews out there.  I have a Consew 224 which is actually a Seiko. 

I'm reducing my collection, I have a Juki 1541 now and a Juki DDL 5500.  One for heavier work and one for light duty stuff.   Not sure what  I'm going to do with my 211. It seems about equivalent of the Juki 1508. 

[Tastech]

Webicons. I am a shoe maker as are you . Although i have various machines the one i use for just about all shoe uppers is a roller foot post bed machine . The advantages are to many to name but mainly accessibility it also does curves really well where as a walking foot does not   . When it comes to desired features i would go for a modern one with a servo motor that may have to have a reduction wheel fitted , Must have reverse and knee lift not a foot lift . Must be compatible with the fitting of a side guide ( the drop down roller wheel type ). The size needle i use is a size 16 with a T70 (# 30) thread  . As for models .well they all seem to be clones of older machines with a couple of extra features . Go for quality rather than price . Consider buying local from someone who knows the machine and has the skill to service it as well . You may get lucky and find a second hand machine with all the feature you need close by .

The seiko model machine you mention is to me a bag machine not really a shoe upper machine . The compound walking foot tends to leave footprints on the leather  where a roller foot leaves minimum track marks that can be ironed out anyway . Maybe watch a few YOUTUBE videos of people using a post bead machine and it will dawn on you that it will do those tricky closing maneuvers that can cause you grief some times . There is still technique involved and you have to follow an order of process as in you do certain things in a particular order . You soon enough work it out and. then it becomes a no brainer  .

Cowboy might be able to better recommend a machine to suit you as he is in the machine game and in your neck of the woods.