is this the right machine for me?

[Art]

Ray,

If you plan to do holsters, especially the Cowboy/Western style then a bigger machine is necessary. I just measured one of mine, classic Cheyenne for a Peacemaker (.45 Colt). The welt at the largest point was just a little under 5/8 inch; and this is by no means the largest I have done, but kind of average for a double and stitched holster. The minimum machine for that is an Artisan 3000. A Pfaff 245 or 1245 or Ferdco 1245 might do it, but you are right at the edge. I like to use 277 thread or at a minimum 207 and that is the limit for those machines also. The Artisan 3000 or the Ferdco 1010 will do the job with room to spare. So will any of the bigger and more expensive machines. A used Singer 153 class will also do the job, but like I have said with used machines you have to know what you are doing, in other words, first machine should be a new machine.

Any other questions, please ask here in the forum for everyones benefit.

Art

Ray,

I'll answer this on the forum.

Art

Ray,

It is a Singer Model 29, not sure of the sub model but and early one probably a 40, circa 1920s. This is shoe patching machine and they due sell in the 300-500 range, condition is the thing. However, this is not the greatest machine for a general leatherworker, but for more of a shoe repairman. You could spend your money a lot better, but buying used machines can have its downsides if you don't have experience with sewing machines. What is your experience and what are you planning to use the machine fot.

Art

If you'll visit my web-site real quick you can get an idea of the things I've been doing as of late. But I would like to get into some larger type projects like gun holsters, horse tack, etc. where hand stitching can get pretty old fast.

I don't get along very well with sewing machines and I thought maybe a Boss Tippman would be best suited for me because of the slow moving parts.

I'm just a hobbiest and don't intend to make this like work, plus I don't have a lot of bucks to invest in machinery.

This old Singer looked like something I saw in a tack repair shop so I thought I would check it out. But if you don't think it fits me, I'll take your word for it. And I certainly don't want to get into something that is in constant need of repair.

Thanks for your help.

Rick (Rayban)

rgleather.freehomepage.com

[skipj]

I used both a 3000 and 4000 at last years Wickenburg show and liked them both. I didn't get a chance to sew bullet loops with either because I never had used a leather sewing machine before and we were trying to get everyones holster and belt done in 3 days starting from scratch. As a hobbyist I have a problem with the extra $1000 the 4000 costs. It is awkward to sew the loops with the Artisan 3000 because of the narrow throat. In fact, I don't remember for sure if belt loops were done on the 3000. I guess I should talk to Artisan and get their opinion.

SkipJ

[bcurrier]

... As a hobbyist I have a problem with the extra $1000 the 4000 costs. It is awkward to sew the loops with the Artisan 3000 because of the narrow throat ...

SkipJ

My thoughts exactly and the subject of another thread. I'm calling Artisan today for pricing on a 4000 (with accessories) today, though. I'm leaning toward Artisan, but am looking at competing machines (clones) locally also. Any of the larger industrial sewing suppliers can come up with branded, off-branded, unbranded, misc., new or used clones for any machine type. The honest ones will actually tell you what they think of them. One local dealer brings in an Adler 205-370 knock-off that he likes (and sells for about $1500 less than the Adler), for example, and often has one on the floor setup and sewn-off to try. He can also get the Seiko CH-8B for significantly less than Hoffman in Chicago or Campbell-Bosworth.

Bill

[Luke Hatley]

Bill. I have the 205-370 SEWMO that i bought from

Industial Sewing Sales in Ohio.

It is a fine machine. saddle repair, holsters and knife sheaths

and heavy duty bags. I have had no problems with it.

Don or Darrin has been very helpful with my questions

about the operations of it.

[papabear]

I've made holsters for about 25 years and I have always used an Adler harness machine (german made) I got from an auction at Weaver Leather in Ohio. They usually have an open auction once a year in the summer but have some good deals all the time. Some of the stitching on special holsters especially on compitition quick draws where you use spring steal and galvanized steel pieces stitched in can be pretty demanding. Get more machine than you need not less.

[skipj]

Luke is this the place?

http://www.sewingmachinesales.com/

Or is it the place in Toledo?

SkipJ

[Luke Hatley]

YES THAT IS THE ONE.. I DID LOOK AT A LOT OF MACHINES

BEFORE I BOUGHT. 3 SADDLEMAKERS HERE IN MEMPHIS.

TOLD ME IF I COULD NOT AFFORD AN ADLER, GO FOR A COPY.

LIKE I SAID DON OR DARRIN ARE THE BEST.......

[skipj]

Luke is this the place?

http://www.sewingmachinesales.com/

Or is it the place in Toledo?

SkipJ

[skipj]

Here is the date for the Weaver Auction 2008:

July 16-17: Weaver Auction in Mt. Hope, OH. (330) 674-7548.

SkipJ

[bcurrier]

I placed the order with Artisan today for a 4000R, including heavy duty stand, various feet, blanket set, holster plate, swing out guide, extra needles, bobbins, and some thread ... and the new needle positioning motor. Turns out I'll be the first customer out of the gate on the motor. While normally I might be a bit concerned about that, in Artisan's case I'm willing to give it a try due to their stellar reputation.

As an FYI, Artisan's current shipment is held up in customs (Homeland Security inspection) and is not expected to be released until next week. This includes their first shipment of the new needle positioning motor. The synchronizers that enable the positioning haven't been shipped yet, but the motor functions as a normal servo motor without it. The HP of the positioning motor is also slightly higher (5/8ths) vs. Artisan's standard servo motor (1/2).

I don't expect to have the machine for about 2 weeks. I'll post results when it's here!

Bill