Leather-working machine to gift my wife: options are: Adler 169-73, 167-GK373 or 205-64

[Sverleis]

One of the leatherworking businesses in the area (Johannesburg, South Africa), is closing shop, and auctioning off their inventory. 

My wife has been looking to get into leatherwork for a long while now, and has up until now been tinering by hand to fix various horse-related items. 

Can anyone share insights or personal opinions on these models? Which would you get, and what is a good price to pay for what should be a working second-hand model?

 

Any insights would be much appreciated.

[Dwight]

If there is a powered skiving or leather splitting device there . . . it would be the first thing I would go for.

Horse related items fall into two categories . . . plain functional . . . and decorated functional.

Thickness is not a big deal on the plain functional . . . as long as it works . . . it is good.

If she is doing decorated bridles . . . reigns . . . breast straps . . . etc . . . the thickness makes it move from good to great quality . . . and without that tool . . . her inventory of leather has to be tremendous compared to that needed for a person with the powered skiver or leather splitter.

A fellow I know picked up one at an auction years ago . . . cute little dude . . . does up to 2 inches wide . . . about 1 foot every 30 seconds . . . but it sure makes life a lot easier if you need longer pieces done.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Sverleis]

Many thanks for the reply, Dwight. It's much appreciated.

There is one leather splitter available, so we'll add that to the wishlist and see what we're up to when the auction ends!

[Tigweldor]

While the Adler 205-64 is a bottom and needle feed machine -- the 167-373 are true compound machines with a walking foot.

I would prefer either one of the 167 for sewing leather over the 205-64.

As for which one of the 167 is in better shape - a guy would have to take a close up comparison on both machines and then come to a conclusion.

Keep in mind that added extras that come with a machine are sometimes worth a lot - especially if they suit your exact intended application.

Just my opinion though

Greetings

Hans

Edited May 5 by Tigweldor

[Sverleis]

Thanks for all of the insights shared. 

One more item has come up, which is showing much lower (and thus more attainable pricing) for me, an Adler 67-73.
Condition looks quite good, which may be a good one to learn on? Current pricing is edging towards 220 USD, though.

 

[Tigweldor]

The Adler 67 is the predecessor of the Adler 167.

Both models are pretty well bullet proof built machines - definitely good to learn on.

Just oil them for all you are worth when you first get them - they will thank you for it by running smooth.

[AlZilla]

I don't know what the market is like in your part of the world, but @ $200US for a working walking foot machine, i wouldn't be posting about it, I'd be loading it in my car.

[Tigweldor]

They are actually compound machines - triple transport if you will.

I think they are up for auction - so end price is not fixed.

But even over here, their country of manufacture - you can expect to pay 300€ and rapidly up for a good working Adler 67 - for the 167 a little more, due it being of newer date.