help choosing first leather sewing machine

[TakashiOkada]

I've been researching a lot on which sewing machine to buy and I came to the conclusion that my first machine has to be a cylinder arm machine if I want the closest thing to a sewing machine that does it all (since I can only afford one atm). I've been watching videos and lurking this forum and reddit but still unsure since some people warn against getting a 335 model for leatherwork, but then again you mostly talk about sewing thicker veg tan leather. all I'm going to sew is thin to medium thickness chrome tan leather bags, briefcases, wallets and accessories with it.

I went to the sewing machine store and they only have these two:

 

typical tw3-p335vb is about 1.500 us$ converting from my local currency. 650w servo motor is 100$ more. the non-binding needle plate and feed dog is an extra 30$

this one is for binding but I've seen some people use it for leather too

user manual: https://www.supsew.com/download/typical/Typical TW3-P335 Parts and Instruction Manual.pdf

 

 

typical tw3-18bl (about 2.300 us$) 650w servo is 100$ more.

this one is a proper machine made for leather. idk if it's gonna be able to handle thin leather though. 

user manual https://www.supsew.com/download/typical/Typical TW3-18BL-28BL.pdf

 

the difference in price is huge for me, in fact the typical tw3-18bl is a bit over my budget but if you guys tell me it's the right tool for the job I'm willing to save up a little more to get it. 

 

 

Edited July 3 by TakashiOkada

[DieselTech]

What kinda leather projects will you be wanting to sew? 

[TakashiOkada]

4 minutes ago, DieselTech said:

What kinda leather projects will you be wanting to sew? 

thin to medium thickness chrome tan leather bags, purses, briefcases, wallets and accessories

[Digit]

44 minutes ago, TakashiOkada said:

thin to medium thickness chrome tan leather bags, purses, briefcases, wallets and accessories

That's exactly what we're doing at school and for that you need a cylinder arm triple transport machine.

We use Global WF1335 machines at school and I bought a second hand Adler 69. Both have a pretty basic triple transport system (bottom transport is just a back-and-forth moving plate) but they're up to the job so far.

[RockyAussie]

I believe that neither of those machines would be ideal for the work you are wanting to do. Check out this video I did awhile ago as it will point out some of the features for you to consider. I do not know what machines you have there in your world but a google search for a 246 cylinder arm machine should bring up a few to pick from. Note that they are generally not very expensive normally. 

 

[TakashiOkada]

1 hour ago, Digit said:

That's exactly what we're doing at school and for that you need a cylinder arm triple transport machine.

We use Global WF1335 machines at school and I bought a second hand Adler 69. Both have a pretty basic triple transport system (bottom transport is just a back-and-forth moving plate) but they're up to the job so far.

that's good to hear (or read in this case). thank you! 

 

34 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

I believe that neither of those machines would be ideal for the work you are wanting to do. Check out this video I did awhile ago as it will point out some of the features for you to consider. I do not know what machines you have there in your world but a google search for a 246 cylinder arm machine should bring up a few to pick from. Note that they are generally not very expensive normally. 

 

ohh yeah I've seen that video before, it's a beautiful machine and I would love to get one but sadly they don't sell it over here. I only have those two typical machines available to purchase

Edited July 3 by TakashiOkada

[Digit]

That Typical TW3-P335 looks exactly like the Global WF1335. Probably from the same OEM factory but differently branded. It's a good basic machine to get started on. Be sure to have it on a removable table so that you have room to manipulate larger work underneath the arm.
Depending on which leather you'd want to stitch, have some spare feet at the ready without knurls/teeth that might leave patterns on your leather (or simply put some tape over the knurls, that's what I do).

47 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

I believe that neither of those machines would be ideal for the work you are wanting to do.

I never mentioned ideal. You need some starting point and it's best you learn to work with what's available in your market and what's affordable to you. Experience will guide you to a better machine (or not if the machine you buy does cover your needs in the end).

I learned a lot about cars by buying five cheap ones over the past 15 years and working on them to keep them running, while I could have borrowed money to buy a single shiny 'ideal' car and just drive it and never learn anything...

[AlZilla]

I'd agree that neither of those machines seems ideal. Several members here have purchased machines from overseas (to their country). I wonder if that would be an option for you? I've never imported anything large and expensive, so I don't know.

[kgg]

4 hours ago, TakashiOkada said:

the difference in price is huge for me, in fact the typical tw3-18bl is a bit over my budget but if you guys tell me it's the right tool for the job I'm willing to save up a little more to get it.

From the information I have seen:

The p335vb is a binding machine that has a max thread size of V69 which is the cross over thread size from domestic sewing thread to industrial with a breaking strength of 11lbs.

The 18L can take a max thread size of V138 with a breaking strength of 22lbs.

I agree with @RockyAussie neither are the right machine. If you have only one source for new machines the one I would suggest looking at is their Typical TW3-341 which by the looks of it is a clone of the Juki LS-341. Also consider a used brand name like Juki in the Class 341 / 1341 or import a Juki LS-341 / 1341 clone from China. 

Buy Once, Cry Once

kgg

 

 

 

[TakashiOkada]

6 hours ago, AlZilla said:

I'd agree that neither of those machines seems ideal. Several members here have purchased machines from overseas (to their country). I wonder if that would be an option for you? I've never imported anything large and expensive, so I don't know.

I've asked the store and they told me they can import a machine for me! thanks for the idea!

6 hours ago, kgg said:

From the information I have seen:

The p335vb is a binding machine that has a max thread size of V69 which is the cross over thread size from domestic sewing thread to industrial with a breaking strength of 11lbs.

The 18L can take a max thread size of V138 with a breaking strength of 22lbs.

I agree with @RockyAussie neither are the right machine. If you have only one source for new machines the one I would suggest looking at is their Typical TW3-341 which by the looks of it is a clone of the Juki LS-341. Also consider a used brand name like Juki in the Class 341 / 1341 or import a Juki LS-341 / 1341 clone from China. 

Buy Once, Cry Once

kgg

 

 

 

the store said they can import this machine for me. it's the typical tw3-341 😄they haven't given me a price yet but I hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg haha. fingers crossed!

Edited July 3 by TakashiOkada