Most useful machine?

[purplefox66]

alzilla there is no one machine that does it all. A cobra 4 is Great for saddle makers and holster makers but if you are sewing wallet interiors it is to much. So what is it that you are doing.

[AlZilla]

If you're still here, I should have asked:

If money and space were no object, what machine, besides a sewing machine, would be your next most useful machine?

I should have seen the sewing machine being the #1 answer.

[AlZilla]

2 hours ago, Goldshot Ron said:

A really good power splitter.  Left over leather could be split down to use in many projects. It has to be 14 to 18 inches wide.  My 6" Landis is fine for small pieces. But like Tim the Toolman said: "...more power,  uhg, uhg."

 

This is kind of where I'd be - or a bell skiver, maybe. I'd need to research and think.

[DieselTech]

I would want either a 12"-18" leather splitter or a giant clicker press & dies. 

[TomE]

I’ve grown fond of every machine in my shop but if I had to choose I’d keep the splitter, or maybe the power burnisher. I like to hand sew, hate to rub edges, and make lots fiddly little parts of different thicknesses. 

[Chakotay]

I'll go against the grain and say my lasers have become my most used and indispensable machines; even more so than my sewing machine! 

I do most of my cutting on them. I can create, modify, and tweak my patterns quicker and more accurately. I now also incorporate the stitch holes into my patterns. Makes saddle stitching a breeze.

[jcuk]

If it were me i would like one for edge staining its the one thing about this craft i find a chore yes i know there are machines out there but do seem pricey for me or maybe a robot or something that will clean up my workshop after i have finished working also put my tools away, don't know if it a age thing with me but i have seemed to have gotten lazy concerning this these days use be more organised a while ago, now just searching for tools i have not put away after use some that would be handy.

 

Hope this helps

JCUK

[purplefox66]

My apologies alzilla I now see what you mean sorry. A leather splitter 

[AlZilla]

Yep, I asked an incomplete question. Glad I tweaked it!

Some interesting answers and I knew someone was going to like a laser, @Chakotay!   @TomE, a burnisher is definitely on my mind after making a half dozen 3 to 5 foot straps. That's what got me wondering what else would be most helpful.

A clicker press (especially with supplies (the dies)) being thrown in, @DieselTech would be cool but I don't make multiples of the same thing to justify buying or making dies. I think the cost of the dies is what keeps the clicker off my radar.

@purplefox66, I was browsing splitters today and  think something in a smallish range may soon have shop space with me.

[AlZilla]

13 hours ago, jcuk said:

If it were me i would like one for edge staining its the one thing about this craft i find a chore yes i know there are machines out there but do seem pricey for me or maybe a robot or something that will clean up my workshop after i have finished working also put my tools away, don't know if it a age thing with me but i have seemed to have gotten lazy concerning this these days use be more organised a while ago, now just searching for tools i have not put away after use some that would be handy.

 

Hope this helps

JCUK

 

I'm surprised you find edge staining a chore.  All I ever do, if anything, is a quick swipe with a dauber. About half the time I'm happy with just a slicked edge. Mine turn somewhere close to a tan/brown color that contrasts nicely with Saddle Tan or Brown, which are my usual go-to dyes.

 

Thanks for playing, guys. Interesting thoughts on different machines.

Edited September 4, 2024 by AlZilla