TheHyunkel Report post Posted Monday at 04:38 AM Hey everyone, I'm looking at buying my very first sewing machine. I want to use it to make leather aprons and some upholstery. So far, I have been hand stitching, but it's not going to work for me long term as it's slow, I really dislike doing it and my arthritis really doesn't help. I'm thinking a flat bed machine would be best for what I intend to do. So far I've narrowed it down to a few machines: - Cowboy 797 - Cobra class 17 - Cobra class 18 - Techsew 1660 - Sailrite fabricator with the leather craft package. Being in Canada, I am leaning towards the Techsew 1660 as it would probably have the easiest shipping and support options. But I've also read a couple mixed opinions about some of the techsew machines, so help me out. Which one do you think I should go for and why? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted Monday at 05:13 AM 32 minutes ago, TheHyunkel said: Being in Canada, What part of Canada as there are other options. How thick do you want to sew including the thickness of any multi layers? What size of thread are you wanting to use? What is your budget? You should also read the following topic. It should answer a lot of your questions. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted Monday at 02:30 PM 9 hours ago, kgg said: What part of Canada as there are other options. According to the IP address, located in Winnipeg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheHyunkel Report post Posted Monday at 02:31 PM 9 hours ago, kgg said: What part of Canada as there are other options. I'm in Winnipeg, Manitoba 9 hours ago, kgg said: How thick do you want to sew including the thickness of any multi layers? Most of my sewing is going to be 2-3 layers of 3-5 ounces leather. Anything beyond that is going to be every once in a while. 9 hours ago, kgg said: What size of thread are you wanting to use? I'm not entirely sure, this is still very confusing to me, but I'd say probably a 92 or 138 9 hours ago, kgg said: What is your budget? Around $3k canadian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted Monday at 03:57 PM 11 hours ago, TheHyunkel said: - Cowboy 797 - Cobra class 17 - Cobra class 18 - Techsew 1660 - Sailrite fabricator with the leather craft package. In my option the best flatbed for your needs would be a compound walking foot and in this class of machine a new Brand name would be the Juki DNU-1541"S." The cost in Ontario runs around the $2500 CAD. An example would be from All About Sewing ( https://www.allaboutsewingmachines.ca/products/juki-dnu-1541-s-industrial-walking-foot-industrial-sewing-machine ). Also Japan Sewing Machine & Supply Co ( (905) 764-0100 ) who sell Juki and have their own line of clones called Kobe which would be a lot less expensive then a true Juki. I have bought a few machines from them and would suggest giving them a call they are very good to deal with. As a note: i) would be more expensive to buy a Consew 206RB-5 then it would be to purchase a Japanese made true Juki DNU-1541"S". ii) Since there is no Sailrite dealer in Canada you would have to contend with the rate of exchange / duty / brokerage / shipping costs to get a Sailrite Fabricator iii) You can get the Cobra machines through Tandy Canada iv) Cowboy machine costs would be similar to the Sailrite machines as far as importing costs. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted Monday at 05:30 PM 2 hours ago, TheHyunkel said: I'm not entirely sure, this is still very confusing to me, but I'd say probably a 92 or 138 The larger the number the thicker and stronger the thread. Thread size V69 is the cross over thread size being typically the largest thread a domestic sewing machine can handle and typically the smallest industrial sewing will handle. here is a good chart for thread size, the correct size needle and breaking strength ( https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html ). The typical needle system for upholstery class machines which the machines you listed fall into typically take a system 135 x 16 x (needle size) for leather and 135 x 17 x (needle size) for fabric. Don't cheap out buy good needles and good thread. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ljk Report post Posted Monday at 10:57 PM Buy a compound feed, horizontal axis machine with safety clutch. Buy sightly used or with little obvious wear. My experience with new machines has been has been slight clearance on hook. This resulting in thread jamming. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bikersmurf Report post Posted 20 hours ago (edited) I'd consider these machines that are in your area: https://www.facebook.com/share/12BMrPEjKdP/ https://www.facebook.com/share/18pLGURdii/ (Servo Motor) New Seiko https://sewinggold.com/product/seiko-sth-8bld-3/ About $2200 CDN + tax to your door. I have one. Made in Japan. Excelent Quality needlefeed walking foot machine. Seiko manufactured older Consew 206rb-5 machines for until the 1990s and then around 2000 Seiko started selling them in North America. Presser feet are afordable and readily availible. Tried and true machine that'll sew up to 10-12 mm of material. You should be able to find a good used machine for $800 - 1500 CDN if your somewhat patient. Many of the older machines are more reliable and will outlast newer Chinese sewing machines. Edited 20 hours ago by Bikersmurf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
