would like to start making hoslters

[mliebs8]

I'm new to leather and would like to start making hoslters (mostly for 1911's and glocks). I'm curious to know if the sewing machine from Neels Saddlery (model 5) would be as good as the Artisan 3000 for this purpose. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Srigs]

Welcome to the forum. You need to check that the thread you can use on the stitcher is thick enough for the type of work you are doing. I passed on the #5 and will be looking for an Artisan 3000 because it will work for the thicker stitching I'm planning on using. I'm getting sick of punching holes.

I hope this helps.

[K-Man]

I've used a number of Neel's Saddlery machines, to include the Model 5. It's a cost effective and very adequate machine to use for your intended purpose. The Artisan 3000 would be a step above the Model 5.

Edited to add:

The last time I checked, the Model 5 machine could use up to 415 thread. The Artisan 3000 only goes up to 346. So it would appear to me that the Model 5 accepts/uses the heavier thread in comparison to the Artisan 3000.

Edited December 4, 2007 by K-Man

[gunfighter48]

I am currently using a Model 5 for belts and will be doing magazine holders and holsters with it. It is not a walking foot machine, it's a bottom feed machine. It does leave tracks on the back side of the item being sewn. But they can be minimised by using the correct amount of presser foot tension and adjusting the feed dog height. I bought an extra pair of feed dogs and am going to try modifing it with slightly rounded corners on the feed dogs. Should leave less of a mark. The reason I bought it was it will sew an honest 5/8 in of leather and the price was what I could afford at this time. It does a great job for the money and Neil is a great guy to do business with, very helpful. Prices of accersories are very good and Ferdco 440R parts will also fit the Model 5 just fine.

Edited December 5, 2007 by gunfighter48

[Jordan]

I bought the 5 from Ed on this forum, have not used it yet as other stuff keeps getting in the way like remodling bathrooms and building out a shop area, but I am happy with the machine it appears to be built well and I forsee many years of use from it. I think the first few months will be just learning how to sew again. But I have alot of project ideas that I would not even have thought about if I was going to sew by hand.

[mliebs8]

Are the tracks noticable after the holsters are complete? I'm trying to stay on a budget but if the equipment is going to give me added problems I'd rather wait and buying something better. I've read some good things about the Neels machine and for the money it seems hard to beat.

[gunfighter48]

Are the tracks noticable after the holsters are complete? I'm trying to stay on a budget but if the equipment is going to give me added problems I'd rather wait and buying something better. I've read some good things about the Neels machine and for the money it seems hard to beat.

The tracks are noticable but how bad depends on your standards. I will have pictures of some of my belts on this site in a few days and you can see if they are too bad for your use. I'm not that concerned as the tracks are on the back side of belts and holsters. As I said I'm still playing with the presser foot tension and feed dog height. I'm look for the sweet spot that minimizes the tracks but still feeds reliably. I'm new to sewing machines and have a lot to learn!!!!

[mliebs8]

Believe me I have alot to learn also. Thanks for your input

[K-Man]

mliebs8:

As gunfighter pointed out, if you adjust the presser foot tension and feed dog height, that will take a great amount of the impressions away/off the back. If you also take a dremel (or similar) and "knock down" the very pointed/sharp edges on the feed dog, you'll take some additional impression off. You can then dampen the leather and take a smooth-sided tool and rub out nearly all of the rest of the impression.