FIRST LEATHER SEWING MACHINE QUESTION.

[SCOUTER]

Hi, As a scout leader and hobby NUT I have always wanted a sewing machine to make cool knife sheaths, axe sheaths, pen holders, tool covers and more. I have done my share of hand stitching but nothing makes a project look more professional then a nice machine stitch job. Ok so I have the Jones for a leather sewing machine. I have read most of the posts here and see that the artisan Toro 3000 is the best machine for the money. Is it me or does $2000 seem like a hefty price. It's amazing that for $200 you can buy a "material" machine that will do fifty different stitches. I have been buying machinery for some time and I thought for 2k I would be looking at big Cast Iron machines with chrome trim and pinstripe but what I see is something that looks like a heavy duty home machine. My questions are 1-Is this machine really worth it? and 2-I live on the East Coast (New York). Where is the best place to buy a machine like this? If there is a problem a year down the road and I have to ship it a few thousand miles will I go broke or should I buy it local? Thanks very much for any imput you might have!

[bcurrier]

Go take a look at a 3000, if you can find someone with one locally. I think you're going to be surprised at its size ...

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

SCOUTER, I spent $200 more than the machine should have cost just to buy local. It was a good thing I did because the servo motor died out in about two weeks. They took care of it right away. Anyhow, to answer your question, the only regret I have about buying my Artisan Toro 3000 is that I didn't do it sooner. If you can handle the purchase price, I can't think of a better first machine to learn on.

[Russ]

The only regret I have about buying my Artisan Toro 3000 is that I didn't do it sooner. If you can handle the purchase price, I can't think of a better first machine to learn on.

I have to echo this. It's my first machine, and it's very forgiving yet does everything you'll need to do. I've sewn saddle skirting, sheaths, and belts with no adjustments. Stretch your $ a little and buy it, I doubt you'll ever regret it.

[esantoro]

I have to echo this. It's my first machine, and it's very forgiving yet does everything you'll need to do. I've sewn saddle skirting, sheaths, and belts with no adjustments. Stretch your $ a little and buy it, I doubt you'll ever regret it.

Hi Russ,

What's the thinnest leather you've ever sewn with your 3000 and the stock blanket foot the machine comes with?

ed

[Art]

Hi Scouter,

Yes, it is worth $2K. Those home machines won't sew leather that well, and can't handle the thread and needle sizes we use. The small machines run way too fast for leatherwork and will burn the motor out eventually.

Leather machines are relatively simple except for the presser foot lift and needle feed, however they are mechanical, no servos or electronic programming or timing. A lot of the price is in setup and service.

Artisan and Ferdco provide excellent service over the phone and through the mail. Rarely you may have to send a part back, but that is handled expeditiously. Artisan will spend the time required to get your machine running over the phone. This is also a good learning experience should you need it. Artisan also keeps an eye here for any problems. Steve has told me he will assist with ANY machine if a list member has trouble, now that's customer service.

The Artisan is a big cast iron machine, no chrome, but plenty heavy. It is considerably bigger than a home machine, sometimes the pictures don't have anything in them for size reference.

There is only one stitch in leatherwork (excluding shoes), the straight stitch, however different needles can give a little different look.

I don't think you have to buy something like this local, especially with Artisan Service, but I am sure they can hook you up with a local dealer if you want to go that way.

Art

Hi, As a scout leader and hobby NUT I have always wanted a sewing machine to make cool knife sheaths, axe sheaths, pen holders, tool covers and more. I have done my share of hand stitching but nothing makes a project look more professional then a nice machine stitch job. Ok so I have the Jones for a leather sewing machine. I have read most of the posts here and see that the artisan Toro 3000 is the best machine for the money. Is it me or does $2000 seem like a hefty price. It's amazing that for $200 you can buy a "material" machine that will do fifty different stitches. I have been buying machinery for some time and I thought for 2k I would be looking at big Cast Iron machines with chrome trim and pinstripe but what I see is something that looks like a heavy duty home machine. My questions are 1-Is this machine really worth it? and 2-I live on the East Coast (New York). Where is the best place to buy a machine like this? If there is a problem a year down the road and I have to ship it a few thousand miles will I go broke or should I buy it local? Thanks very much for any imput you might have!

[Russ]

Ed;I've had not trouble at all lining 7/8 oz belts with calf skin and/or Tandy's "mission grade" leather. I've lined 7/8 oz sheaths also (no inlays, yet, I haven't figured out how the pro's do that!). I sewed 4 of those Tandy CD cases with the inserts for Christmas presents, I imagine they are about 7/8 or so. I also used the machine to put in a decorative stitch for a couple Christmas cards I made, and they were thin, probably 4/5 or 5/6 oz. Some folks may have felt the needle was too big for that size leather, plus the 277 thread, but I was just playin' and in a hurry to get something done. So for me, I'd say 7/8. All of it has been done with no changes to the initial setup for saddle skirting, except for some minor tweaking of the main thread tension, just to get the stitches buried nicely on the backside.Russ

Hi Russ,What's the thinnest leather you've ever sewn with your 3000 and the stock blanket foot the machine comes with? ed

Geez, Art, do you EVER sleep? :D

[Phil]

Scouter

The price may seem expensive to you but this will possibly change your mind. Art has hit the nail on the head as I have a shoe repair which requires a different type of machine. I own a Claes Model 20 (made in Germany) which will sew very fine thread through up to 1/2" leather like it's butter (I also own a 70 year old Landis Model "K" and a Landis Model 88 McKay for resoleing work). The price for a 5 year old used Claes machine, $3500.00 ($5200.00 new) and worth every penny. We simply have to use this machine on a daily basis or we can not repair seams. I used to own an old Adler Model 10 which skipped thread every 10th stitch, very aggravating and parts are no longer available. Invest you money now as they aren't getting any cheaper. I purchased a used Tippman Boss recently for $800.00 and took it back to Tippman for factory adjustment, charge $30.00 and the service was terrific as they went through my machine while I watched and learned! Just my two cents worth, hope this helps.

[bcurrier]

... 3000 and the stock blanket foot the machine comes with?

Just as an FYI, Artisan may ship the machine with another foot in place of the blanket foot, if you would prefer that. Worth asking.

Bill

[BruceGibson]

Don't hesitate to buy the Toro 3000 from Artisan. It's worth every penny. And their service is second to none. The machine will outlive you.