Weaver 303 Thoughts

[Agarbers]

Weaver Leathercraft told me via text that their 303 machine will be part of their Black Friday sale. It appears to be everything I want for doing what I do. Do any of you own one to provide thoughts? I make rattlesnake hatbands, bolo ties, and belt buckles. I want to start making belts, guitar straps, and knife sheaths.

[kgg]

53 minutes ago, Agarbers said:

I want to start making belts, guitar straps, and knife sheaths.

I think you maybe disappointed with that machine. That machine appears to be:

i) sort of a Juki DU-1181n clone,

ii) just a walking foot (presser foot , feed dog) not a compound feed (needle, presser foot, feed dog),

iii) can handle up to 1/4" max thickness,

iv) limited to small max thread size of V92 (one size up from domestic thread),

v) can handle a max needle size of 135 X 16 size #22 (140 metric), 

vi) smaller bobbin then Juki du-1181n

vii) low presser foot lift of 10mm

viii) Weaver rates this machine as a LIGHT duty machine.

I own a Juki DU-1181N and it is a light duty walking foot machine made more for fabric. I think you really need at least a Juki DNU-1541S or clone if you want to do belts and knife sheaths.

kgg

[Agarbers]

Thank you. I will see what I can find locally for the Juki. It appears the TYPICAL GC-0605A is a clone.

Edited October 21, 2023 by Agarbers

[kgg]

2 minutes ago, Agarbers said:

I will see what I can find locally for the Juki. What closes are there?

There a lot of clones of all the Juki models but a lot of people seemed to be pleased with the Consew 206 RB-5.

kgg

 

[Agarbers]

I ordered a Juki 1541S today. Fingers crossed I make my money back.