help choosing first leather sewing machine

[AlZilla]

Well, here it is on Alibaba. I've never bought anything big from them:

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/typical-tw3-341-heavydutysewing-machine-cylinder_1600595645634.html

And here's a video that shows a clutch motor, Most will want a servo:

 

[TakashiOkada]

2 hours ago, AlZilla said:

Well, here it is on Alibaba. I've never bought anything big from them:

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/typical-tw3-341-heavydutysewing-machine-cylinder_1600595645634.html

And here's a video that shows a clutch motor, Most will want a servo:

 

it says in the video that it can use size #14 to #24 needles, some other places say the smallest needle it can use is #18. I often use size #12 for very thin straps or watch bands and leather accessories with my father's old seiko TF-5. will this machine be able to handle such material/needle?

something like this 

 

Edited July 3 by TakashiOkada

[AlZilla]

1 hour ago, TakashiOkada said:

it says in the video that it can use size #14 to #24 needles, some other places say the smallest needle it can use is #18. I often use size #12 for very thin straps or watch bands and leather accessories with my father's old seiko TF-5. will this machine be able to handle such material/needle?

It's really hard to tell what the specifications are. I'd lay that responsibility off on your dealer, since you have one. I saw someplace that it could handle thread size 20/3 ... whatever in the world that is! It should specify a range.

[kgg]

 

4 hours ago, TakashiOkada said:

I often use size #12 for very thin straps or watch bands and leather accessories with my father's old seiko TF-5. will this machine be able to handle such material/needle?

The thread size for a #12 needle would be probably something like V33 (M80, Tex 30) range. Most of the Juki LS-341 clones will handle down to V46 (M60, Tex 45). True Juki's will handle down to V33 (M80, Tex 30). That said they are not going to be happy and will require a lot of adjustments as V33 has such a low a breaking strength of less then 2 lbs (.9kg). My opinion is that the Juki LS-341 and clones are better suited for a minimum thread size of V69 but prefer V138. 

kgg

[TakashiOkada]

@RockyAussie I've been browsing alibaba and found a seemingly reputable factory selling a 246 model at a price I can actually afford! what do you think.. should I get this one?

the product video shows that the feed dog moves in a circular motion, not just front to back like the 335

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/HK-246-Single-Needle-Cylinder-Bed_62558318957.html

Edited July 4 by TakashiOkada

[toxo]

1 hour ago, TakashiOkada said:

@RockyAussie I've been browsing alibaba and found a seemingly reputable factory selling a 246 model at a price I can actually afford! what do you think.. should I get this one?

the product video shows that the feed dog moves in a circular motion, not just front to back like the 335

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/HK-246-Single-Needle-Cylinder-Bed_62558318957.html

I think we're getting to the point where all the clones are merging into the same machine. Don't know the specs re needle/thread size but be aware that this price is for head only. Table, motor etc will be extra as will the shipping. 

[Digit]

2 hours ago, TakashiOkada said:

@RockyAussie I've been browsing alibaba and found a seemingly reputable factory selling a 246 model at a price I can actually afford! what do you think.. should I get this one?

the product video shows that the feed dog moves in a circular motion, not just front to back like the 335

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/HK-246-Single-Needle-Cylinder-Bed_62558318957.html

I don't see a reverse lever on that machine. It might be a button inside that dial, I'm not sure.

Make sure that the machine you buy has a reverse (you can work without, but it's way more easier if your machine can reverse stitch).

[AlZilla]

Looks like a reverse lever half way up on the right hand side, to me. US shipping is listed a $123.

Your tag for @RockyAussie didn't work right. Start with the "@" followed by the users name and select them from the drop down. I'll be interested in his thoughts, too.

[Digit]

1 hour ago, AlZilla said:

Looks like a reverse lever half way up on the right hand side,

Ah yes indeed. My cursory glance failed to notice the white lever on white background

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 7/3/2025 at 1:47 AM, TakashiOkada said:

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. 

I'd probably just buy this machine.   I like the Singer/Seiko clones and this one has a reverse that's maybe easier to use (opinion).   Don't know what size bobbin that "Typical" uses....So I'm guessing it's the "Typical" bobbin?  Wonder if you have a little ability to negotiate with the merchant on price?

When you ask for advice everyone has a different idea of what a machine should be used for.  It's also pretty easy to spend someone else's money....

You can sew allot of various things on this machine.   You can sew handbags and wallets on this machine no problem. watch bands also. A smaller diameter cylinder arm would be a plus on maybe an infrequent occasion, but this might be all you need?  Heavy saddle work? No, but sounds like that's not your thing anyway.

The 341 clones are a good choice but not necessary if it is more expensive.   It's kinda like asking a farmer what tractor you should get to move hay?  One would say a Ford, one a Deere and another a Kubota.  The Deere and Kubota may have wet brakes and better hydraulics, but the Ford will move the hay bales around just the same-And for less money.

Edited July 5 by Cumberland Highpower