Are either of these machines any good?

[timstips]

Hey, I am considering buying one of these machines. I have not looked at them yet and don't know anything about them. I would like to get something that can sew leather (belts, wallets, etc.).

I think they are asking $200 each. Assuming they work, are they something that I should consider?

[friquant]

2 hours ago, timstips said:

I think they are asking $200 each. Assuming they work, are they something that I should consider?

Don't buy these. You will want a triple feed machine. (May take some internet browsing to learn to identify triple feed)

The singer in the photo appears to be a bottom-feed lockstitch machine. (Bottom-feed won't feed sticky materials)
The Lewis is not a lockstitch machine at all. Maybe a blind hemmer?

 

[Constabulary]

top and bottom picture show a Singer 107w ZigZag machine of some kind, it can sew garment leather. I have one, nice machine but not the best option for leather work. But the one shown has a lot of milage as it seems. I would not buy it as my main / first machine.

[Wizcrafts]

17 minutes ago, Constabulary said:

top and bottom picture show a Singer 107w ZigZag machine of some kind, it can sew garment leather. I have one, nice machine but not the best option for leather work. But the one shown has a lot of milage as it seems. I would not buy it as my main / first machine.

I also have a Singer 107w in my shop. It is handy for jobs requiring a zig-zag stitch. It can sew with #69 bonded thread into 5-6 ounce chrome tanned shoe upper leather, like that tanned by S.B. Foot. But, that's not all it's good for. I also use the 107 to sew linings and cloth that would be eaten by my walking foot machines. To do this I move the stitch width selector on the back to zero throw. This places the needle on one side of the presser foot. I use the stitch length knob on the rear to get a longer stitch. The maximum throw is about 1/4 inch, or slightly wider.

While this wouldn't be a first machine to buy for a leather shop, it would be a good addition. Your first machine should be a compound feed walking foot machine. An example is the out-of-production Singer 111w155.

[timstips]

Thank you friquant, Constabulary & Wizcrafts for the help! Any recommendations for a newbie machine that is more available? I don't see any 111w155 for sale locally. I am looking to dabble in the trade a little bit to see if I like it and if I can make anything intersting.