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.

[Wizcrafts]

8 hours ago, timstips said:

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.

All upholstery shops have walking foot machines. Every now and then they buy a new machine and retire an older one. Call around to any upholstery shops to see if or what they have available to sell. If a walking foot machine is still in good working condition, it may sell for between $500 and $800. Anything less means the machine is in questionable condition. 

A bonus of buying a used upholstery machine is that they seller knows how to thread, oil and adjust the machine. They can demo the machine for you, and may even teach you how to take care of it yourself. This is worth a lot of good karma, and will save you headaches down the road. A lot of new members on LWN ask basic operating questions because the bought a machine from somebody that didn't know anything about it, and couldn't demo or explain its operation.

Another option is to try to locate an industrial sewing machines dealer near you, go there in person, and buy a new or used machine after getting hands-on instructions.

[Zol]

17 hours ago, friquant said:

The singer in the photo appears to be a bottom-feed lockstitch machine. (Bottom-feed won't feed sticky materials)

It depends on which Singer 107W you have, not all have bottom feed only.

 

 

Edited 42 minutes ago by Zol