What Machine Do I Need to Sew 12 mm Leather

[OscarRush]

Hi, (uk based)

Looking for used sewing machine advice, I almost exclusively sew 3 layers of ~3mm thick veg tan leather (Sometimes 4 layers) for tool sheaths.
I’ve got my head around some of the advice on here, in regards to walking feet and needle size. 

wondered if I could get some advice on Exact models to look out for that would handle this work with ease. 
 

any help is greatly appreciated, 

Oscar. 

Edited 58 minutes ago by Northmount
Revised title

[AlZilla]

Others will be along, but 12mm is pretty close to a half inch. I'd be looking at something like a Cowboy CB 4500. I'd think you're using pretty thick thread. I think the CB3500 is the same machine just with a shorter arm.

Known genetically as a 441 clone, if that brand isn't available in the UK, something just like it is.

Plenty of other capable machines but that's the one I'm most familiar with.

[Wizcrafts]

@OscarRush

Sewing those thicknesses of veg-tan leather are beyond the scope of upholstery class walking foot machines. You'll need to buy a machine that's built to sew holsters, saddles and horse harnesses. Most of these machines can sew at least a half inch of hard leather. Some, like the cb3500 and 4500 that AlZilla mentioned, can sew 7/8 inch of saddle skirting. I have the 4500 and a bunch of walking foot machines, so I know what I'm talking about. My walking foot machines can sew up to 3/8 inch of chap or garment leather, using #138 bonded thread. My Cowboy cb4500 can sew from just under 8 ounces, up to 52 ounces thickness with very heavy thread, like #441. I personally never go beyond #346, but I could if I needed to.