AlZilla Report post Posted January 1 Looks like about 60 seconds to fully sew a leather belt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted January 1 You buying one? Lmao I heard they are cheap!!! Yeah I been following some of these machines on hightex channel. When your machine needs a air assisted needle cooler you are moving some material. Smoking Thread! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted January 1 wondering if there is a hand cranked version of it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cumberland Highpower Report post Posted January 1 (edited) 2 hours ago, Constabulary said: wondering if there is a hand cranked version of it I think this one has a hand crank built in :D Edited January 2 by Cumberland Highpower Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nstarleather Report post Posted January 2 These things are cool...I used one to sew velcro to patches...it's very "one use" but if you have the volume it can totally be worth it. Not nearly as expensive as you'd think, especially used. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlZilla Report post Posted January 2 37 minutes ago, nstarleather said: These things are cool...I used one to sew velcro to patches...it's very "one use" but if you have the volume it can totally be worth it. Not nearly as expensive as you'd think, especially used. I can get nice veg tan 9oz belt blanks for about $7. If I had a market for quantities of belts, I'd think about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuck123wapati Report post Posted January 2 I wonder just how many belts you would need to sell to pay for the thing. And just think you can make the same automated-looking stuff they sell in those high end Walmarts for half the price you can make it. if that is the market niche you are looking for it's certainly the ticket. Just my opinion but that's not leather work that's computer work . Just my two cents so don't beat me up first thing this year lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlZilla Report post Posted January 2 @chuck123wapati it's definitely not a handcrafted product. But it's still a product and one with a much bigger market than $300 handcrafted leather belts. There's no shame in selling to both markets. Imagine how many you could turn out in a day with pre-made, dyed belt blanks. 5 minutes punching the ends, after 1 minute of sewing. Now, to sell that many ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted January 2 (edited) I guess it is ALEXA compatible too. Alexa: sew me gun belt... no... guitar strap... no... ahm... sew both and make me a coffee... no... chai latte Answer: Yes, I will sew a strap on your Chai Latte and make a coffee colored gun belt for your guitar. Edited January 2 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted January 2 22 hours ago, AlZilla said: Looks like about 60 seconds to fully sew a leather belt. Very cool machine, definitely made for volume and consistency not as automated as some belt machines. The way I figure it there are two basic levels of handcrafted just depends on the market you are going for: i) Belt blank cut and dyed by hand, sewn by hand, belt ends cut by hand, holes punched by hand and embossed by hand. Should command the highest price for a quality belt as each one of the same style will be slightly unique and the labor / skill involved with making it. ii) Belt blank pre-dyed, cut with a strap cutter, sewn by machine, ends and holes punched with a machine and embossed by machine. Provides consistency and improves efficiency which reduces the cost per belt.The drawback is the cost of equipment. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nstarleather Report post Posted January 2 3 hours ago, chuck123wapati said: I wonder just how many belts you would need to sell to pay for the thing. And just think you can make the same automated-looking stuff they sell in those high end Walmarts for half the price you can make it. if that is the market niche you are looking for it's certainly the ticket. Just my opinion but that's not leather work that's computer work . Just my two cents so don't beat me up first thing this year lol. I agree we tens of thousands of patches but it's definitely not artisanal...I suspect you could do it in a way to come out with a high quality belt but people tend to cut corners. Brand new model with the screen and all like $10k-$15K...used with a less advanced interface $3K-$6K used. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 3 I am forever fascinated by what computer driven machines can accomplish and I am fascinated by what hand crafters can accomplish that after seventy years of doing leather off and on I am "ordinary". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cumberland Highpower Report post Posted January 7 (edited) On 1/2/2025 at 10:11 AM, AlZilla said: @chuck123wapati it's definitely not a handcrafted product. But it's still a product and one with a much bigger market than $300 handcrafted leather belts. There's no shame in selling to both markets. Imagine how many you could turn out in a day with pre-made, dyed belt blanks. 5 minutes punching the ends, after 1 minute of sewing. Now, to sell that many ... A million dollar question-Selling! LOL You can make allot of belts in a day if you put your mind to it. Even old machines can pump them out. an experienced UL operator could stitch that belt, pattern including a hand layout with templates in likely under 5 mins. (Drive you nuts though after a day?) I'd guess the max thread that machine shown could handle is probably 207. I did see a CNC leather stitcher on youtube once not too long ago (Chinese made) that actually could articulate the head/needle to follow the direction of the stitch. That would be the machine to have for better quality work with heavier threads and different needles. I'll see if i can find the link and post it here. Edited January 7 by Cumberland Highpower Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cumberland Highpower Report post Posted January 7 On 1/3/2025 at 12:11 PM, Ferg said: I am forever fascinated by what computer driven machines can accomplish and I am fascinated by what hand crafters can accomplish that after seventy years of doing leather off and on I am "ordinary". I've often thought the future of manufacturing would be divided into 2 worlds: Highly advanced, fully automated manufacturing facilities, fully tooled and powered by the latest AI controlled machinery and the other world: Humanity, squatting in the dirt, beating rusted rails and salvaged wood/scraps into useful items of this or that...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
