Looking for my next machine! Best out there?

[Starwind0]

I'm looking for a new machine! I am looking for the easiest to use machine out there that gives the best result, especially for bags and such. I rather stick to the high end of machines as well I have a budget of lets say 6k.

I had a TechSew 2750 pro, and I ended up selling it.

I had a lot of issues using the machine

1) The tension was NEVER right. I'm sure this was user error but more than half my stitches had to be redone over the several years I used it. The next machine needs to need less fiddling, or difficult adjustments. 
2) the feet would mar the leather. Especially when using the ultra fine Italian leathers. Probably no avoiding this.. 
3) Still hard to get into corners. Which was the point of the machine

I'm a hobbyist, so I like to do many different projects, but mostly I use the machine for things like bags. I'll pricking iron a watch band or wallets 

Last bag I made.


 

Edited November 17, 2023 by Starwind0

[kgg]

3 hours ago, Starwind0 said:

I rather stick to the high end of machines as well I have a budget of lets say 6k.

With that budget I would suggest either Juki probably a LS-1341 and Durkopp Adler equivalent. Both are excellent brand name machines but I would go with the Juki machines if I were to invest in only one machine myself.

I would suggest before buying one machine:

i) Determine how thick the leather including the seams you are planning on sewing. The Class 341 machines will handle about 7/16" max with V138 thread. If you are constantly pushing that thickness limit you probably would be better off going to with a Class 441 and your budget is going to be about 2K low for a brand name machine.

ii) Maybe look at two machines rather then putting all your money into one machine. If the majority of your items are best done on a flatbed invest in something like a Juki DN-1541S (about $2000) or Juki LU-1508 ($3000) and get a clone Class 341 (about $2400) or Class 441 (about $3000) machine.

Remember NO one machine will best do everything. With such a large investment go to a couple dealers even if means a road trip and test drive various machines with a sample of your items in the size of thread you want to use. Get a machine or machines that meets your needs and budget from a company that you feel will provide good after sale service.

How thick of thread are you planning on using?

kgg

Edited November 17, 2023 by kgg

[Wizcrafts]

You might do better with a post machine, with walking feet. I have an old Singer post machine and it is great for sewing bags, hats, and arm holes on vests. It can sew on the bottom of a bag, which my cylinder arm machines can't do.

PS: I have a Techsew 2700, which sews perfectly. I've never had any problems I couldn't solve with a twist here, or some oil there.

I have a friend who is an industrial sewing machine dealer. If you contact him, he can recommend the best machine for your projects. He is also a Juki dealer. Mention a walking foot post bed machine.

[shoepatcher]

You have to decide if you need a flatbed or cylinder arm if buying one machine.  If buying a cylinder arm and you want the best, Juki 2342, DA669, or DA869.  If a flatbed, for the money, Juki 2810, DA867, Mauser 2625.  DA will be most expensive.   All are plain Janes, no toys.

If buying two machines, your budget probably dictates clones.     As Wiz said, post might be an option as well.  I have a DA669 Eco.  The Cadillac in that narrow cylinder arm class. The machines I mentioned are all 3rd generation machines.  The 1341,1342, 1541S are all 2nd generation machines! 

glenn

[kgg]

47 minutes ago, shoepatcher said:

The 1341,1342, 1541S are all 2nd generation machines! 

The reason I didn't mention the Juki LS-2342 line is i) the price is about $7,500 US which would be over the OP budget and ii) they have the built in drive motor, which I'm not a fawn lover of. If the motor fails you would be tied too Juki for a replacement where as on a regular drive train it would be a quick, fairly inexpensive repair from any number of motor suppliers.

kgg

[Starwind0]

I honestly didn’t think even industrial machines went that high. I can afford it, as in the move I sold my laser cutter, a few grand in exotic woods, my tech sew, dust collector. But now we are talking about the price of an epilog laser or close to a tormach starter cnc. But on the topic of Jukis I was reading somewhere that Jukis cost a lot then you need to do more to make them suitable for leather?
 

yes I agree multiple machines would be great. I just don’t have the room. I sold my 2k foot house and am currently in half the space with the same amount of stuff haha. 
 

I don’t want a flat bed. Sorry I was trying to say things like wallets I’ll just do pricking iron for anyways. I mostly just want to make bags and such. Mostly whatever I like on creative awl and the like. 
 

for thickness talking 3-5 oz once in a blue moon I’ll make a belt so that’s a rare 8oz. 
 

yeah I’m sure the techsew in the right hands is a good machine. As an engineer I wasted hours this week because I was running commands on my local machine, not the remote machine. Small things can make a big difference. Hmmm a post machine. That does look interesting. I like making more artistic things too like the creative awl face hugger mask. That would be a lot easier on a post…

 

yes I 1000% agree test driving is best. When I was in Austin I couldn’t find any dealers. But now I’m in Northern California there is surely some. I see a lot of Viking dealers. Any recommendations on finding ones that are specific to these machines?

[kgg]

8 hours ago, Starwind0 said:

I see a lot of Viking dealers.

My understanding is those machines are domestic and embroidery machines.

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

19 hours ago, Starwind0 said:

yes I 1000% agree test driving is best. When I was in Austin I couldn’t find any dealers. But now I’m in Northern California there is surely some. I see a lot of Viking dealers. Any recommendations on finding ones that are specific to these machines?

Most of the industrial sewing machine dealers in California are in and near Los Angeles, which is where the movie studios are located, as well as fashion shops. Leather Machine Company is located in Ontario, California, which is near San Bernadino.

You mentioned Viking machines. While they build some decent sewing equipment, it is 100% geared towards the cloth and embroidery fields. Most of the dealers for these machines don't cross over into industrial sewing machines field, much less leather sewing machines. Really, I would recommend that you contact Leather Machine Company and chat with them about what you want to sew. They are a reputable dealer of real leather sewing machines, as well as other leather working machinery.

[shoepatcher]

On 11/19/2023 at 10:47 AM, kgg said:

The reason I didn't mention the Juki LS-2342 line is i) the price is about $7,500 US which would be over the OP budget and ii) they have the built in drive motor, which I'm not a fawn lover of. If the motor fails you would be tied too Juki for a replacement where as on a regular drive train it would be a quick, fairly inexpensive repair from any number of motor suppliers.

kgg

If it has all the toys.  plain jane not nearly that high

glenn