Singer 111w155 vs 112w139/140

[FlyingMonk]

Hello all, and Merry Christmas:

I was hoping to get some input on whether I should go for a 111w155 or a machine that is either a 112w139 or 140. I have done as much research as I can, and I know the 155 is a great first leather machine. However, the 139/140 is cheaper and possibly in better condition. Parts for the 155 seem more readily available, from what I can tell, but if the 139/140 is going to be more useful, I would consider it. The 139/140 is a dual needle, vertical hook lockstitch machine with compound feed. If it's a 139, it has alternating pressers; if 140, I'm not sure.

I would mostly be looking to use it for fairly thick belts (ideally up to about 12 oz of pretty stiff leather). If I can do a little bit of bag work as well, great; if not, that's fine. I work almost exclusively with vegtan.

At any rate, just looking for votes/tips/other considerations. Thank you all in advance.

~Lawrence

[CowboyBob]

@FlyingMonkYou'll run into problems using a 112W sewing belts as the feet will be too wide to get close to a buckle for the difference a single needle 111W will work better & there are alot of different feet available for it too.

[FlyingMonk]

1 hour ago, CowboyBob said:

@FlyingMonkYou'll run into problems using a 112W sewing belts as the feet will be too wide to get close to a buckle for the difference a single needle 111W will work better & there are alot of different feet available for it too.

Thanks, that's something I hadn't considered. Other than that, do you have a general opinion on the usefulness of a 112? I do a very low volume of work so not being able to machine sew next to the buckle is not a deal breaker necessarily. 

[AlZilla]

I'm going to be the enabler here and say "Buy them both".

I have a 111W and you'll find it's just a workhorse and quite versatile due, as Bob says, to the variety of feet. Also, I think, to the vast number of people who have experience with them and can coach you through learning and troubleshooting.

I have a 22W I need to get running, a twin needle bottom feed. If that 112W is a triple feed, I'd be fascinated by it.  How about some nice twin needle decorative stitching on a belt or holster? Woo hoo!

If the twin interests you and you HAVE to choose, it might be the one to get. After all, how often do  you see a 112 vs 155?

Somebody was using my 22W as a single needle - they had disabled the second hook.

[shoepatcher]

Basically the 112W139 was a double needle version of the 111W155.     I think the 111W might be just a bit heavier in what it can sew.  Mr. Kovar would know better than me on that one.
glenn