Looking For My First Sewing Machine In/Around Portland, OR

[Radam]

Hi y'all,

Long time reader, first time poster. I've been exploring leather crafting over the last couple years and have found a lot of joy in making things. One thing that has NOT brought me joy, however, is hand stitching, especially when it comes to belts, straps, etc. To that end, and because I want to make things at a more rapid pace for selling, I'm looking into getting my first leather sewing machine.

Uses:
I'm wanting to find a machine that can effectively sew belts, watch straps, guitar straps, bags, sheaths, keychains, and wallets. I imagine I'll most often be working with two or three layers of 8oz veg tan, but I'd like the option to sew thinner/thicker options. Of course one machine can't do it all, but versatility is very desirable to me at the moment. I imagine 3/8" or 1/2" clearance would likely be enough for me.

Dealers:
I'm located in the Portland, OR area, and would love to visit a dealership to try out some machines (vs. a relatively blind online buy). I've been looking on FB Marketplace for some used options, and it seems like there's a very knowledgeable mechanic/dealer in Vancouver, WA just over the river, but if you have any suggestions of persons/companies to look into locally (or even a little further away) I'd love to hear them. I'm open to buying used from a reputable seller, but don't trust my own knowledge to not get a lemon from someone random.

Budget/Machines of Interest:
My ideal budget would be about $2000 or less, though there's a little flexibility there.
Currently, some machines I've focused on/looked into include:

- Cowboy 3200

- Juki DNU-1541S

- Cobra Class 4

Do any of y'all have any feedback on either those machines being well-suited for my needs, or other suggestions beyond those I've mentioned? From what I've read, it sounds like a triple feed machine would be ideal for my needs, but if that's incorrect, I'd love to hear other thoughts. I'd also prefer to have a servo motor, though I know many options with a clutch motor can be upgraded.

To be honest, I'm a bit uneducated on the universes of sewing machines in general/machine needles/thread, but I've been very grateful for the information folks have shared on this site in all regards. I'd love to learn from more of your experience/wisdom.

Best wishes,

Adam

[kgg]

10 hours ago, Radam said:

I imagine I'll most often be working with two or three layers of 8oz veg tan

At the max of 3 layers of 8oz the leather would be approximately 3/8" thick.

i) That means if you purchase a upholstery class machine and depending on the toughness of the leather you would be at the max sewing capacity. Another factor that you did not mention is the max size of thread you want to use. If you hand sewing chances are you are using a thread larger then V138 probably closer to V415 or higher.

ii) Typically upholstery class machines at max sewing capacity will handle up to V138 thread.

10 hours ago, Radam said:

Currently, some machines I've focused on/looked into include:

- Cowboy 3200

- Juki DNU-1541S

- Cobra Class 4

The Juki DNU-1541 S is compound feed ( needle/ presser foot / feed dog moving the material ) ans is an upholstery class flatbed machine. Costing new about $1800 USD plus shipping.

The Cowboy 3200 is a compound feed ( needle/ presser foot / feed dog moving the material) 10.5" cylinder arm Class 441 machine which is rated for up to V346 thread and up to a 1/2" thickness. Costing new about $2200 USD plus shipping.

The Cobra Class 4 is a compound feed ( needle/ presser foot / feed dog moving the material) 16.5" cylinder arm machine Class 441 machine which is rated for up to V415 thread and up to a 7/8" thickness. Costing new about $2900 to $3900 USD depending on the accessory package and shipping.

Another alternative would be a Class 441 that can handle V415 thread but is a manually operated one arm bandit like the Tippman Boss (~$1000 to $1200 USD), Cowboy Outlaw (~$1400 USD) or the Master Tool Cub (~$2000 USD) plus shipping.

Another thing to take into account is the needle system as the class 441 machines use 794 needles while the uphosterly class machines typically use 135 x 16 needles. A rough comparison between the two needle system would be the 135 x 16 would be a 1 1/2" finishing nail versus a 794 would be similar to a 3 1/2" finishing nail meaning there is going quite a difference in the hole size in the leather.

kgg