HELP!! Wanting to buy a sewing machine!

[cowsandcans]

HI to all! I have a question, what kind of sewing machine do I need? I have just recently decided that I would like to take a go at building some tack, like headstalls, bronc halters, breast collars & the like. BUT, I started lookin around on the web for a sewing machine & I am totally overwhelmed with all the different machines. Anybody have any suggestions? I would like to stay under $2000.

One other question, I found a used Juki DDL 555 w/ table & 110v clutch motor for $500 is this even close to something I can use? Sorry but I know absolutely nothing about leather sewing machines.

All info is greatly appreciated!!

[Art]

It would be good to just go back as far as you can and read the posts here in the leather sewing machines forum. Then you need to attend one of the leather shows where they will be displayed and demoed. Where are you located?

Art

HI to all! I have a question, what kind of sewing machine do I need? I have just recently decided that I would like to take a go at building some tack, like headstalls, bronc halters, breast collars & the like. BUT, I started lookin around on the web for a sewing machine & I am totally overwhelmed with all the different machines. Anybody have any suggestions? I would like to stay under $2000.

One other question, I found a used Juki DDL 555 w/ table & 110v clutch motor for $500 is this even close to something I can use? Sorry but I know absolutely nothing about leather sewing machines.

All info is greatly appreciated!!

[cowsandcans]

Okay thanks I will keep reading! I am in N.E. Oklahoma.

[Art]

There is a show, Boot and Saddlemakers Roundup in Wichita Falls Tx in October, and also one in Indiana (IFoLG show) in October. There is one in Wickenburg AZ in March and in Sheridan WY in May. You are within driving distance of a couple of them. If you are new to leatherworking, any of these will put you in sensory overload, especially Sheridan. They are great opportunities to spend money and to find things you never knew existed.

If you read this forum, a lot of question will be answered, but don't be afraid to ask if you have specific questions.

Art

Okay thanks I will keep reading! I am in N.E. Oklahoma.

[Randy Cornelius]

I was like you about 4 years ago, I was wanting a machine and just did not know what to buy, I went to Sheridan that year and tried all of them out. I kept coming back to the Artisen booth, I don't know what it was but Steve and Jerry seemed to know alot about what they were talking about. I bough a Toro 3000 soon after that show and have not regreted it once. Steve and Jerry are the best when it comes to support after the sale. I called them often right after I got the machine. Any problems I had were taken care of in a very fast mannor. I see them at all the shows and push Artisen Machines any time I can. I keep thinking one of these days they will put me to work but I have a job now. The 3000 will sew anything from light leathers like chaps to heavy harnes and saddle skirts. There is a video posted here somewhere that is very informative.

Randy

[2MadJacks]

Where in NE Oklahoma, I live in Sapulpa just south of Tulsa. Have a Toro 3000 I bought this last summer and absolutely can tell you it is well worth spending the money. I am also new and went the wrong direction in buying two used machines first. What a disaster that was. But if you are ever near Sapulpa, your more than welcome to come by and check out my machine.

James

[cowsandcans]

Thanks to everybody, I will definately be trying to make it to some shows. And thank you James for the invite! I live east of Tulsa near Pryor so we are not that far apart. It seems most everyone I have talked to lately suggest the Toro 3000 so I will check into them for sure. Thanks again!!

[Bree]

HI to all! I have a question, what kind of sewing machine do I need? I have just recently decided that I would like to take a go at building some tack, like headstalls, bronc halters, breast collars & the like. BUT, I started lookin around on the web for a sewing machine & I am totally overwhelmed with all the different machines. Anybody have any suggestions? I would like to stay under $2000.

One other question, I found a used Juki DDL 555 w/ table & 110v clutch motor for $500 is this even close to something I can use? Sorry but I know absolutely nothing about leather sewing machines.

All info is greatly appreciated!!

The formula for unhappiness is light-medium weight machine for heavy weight sewing. The DDL 555 is not going to be good for the purposes you state. You need something like a Toro 3000 or Toro 4000. You can't sew through thick layers of heavy leather with a cheap machine. The two things just don't go together.

[cowsandcans]

The formula for unhappiness is light-medium weight machine for heavy weight sewing. The DDL 555 is not going to be good for the purposes you state. You need something like a Toro 3000 or Toro 4000. You can't sew through thick layers of heavy leather with a cheap machine. The two things just don't go together.

Bree, thanks for the info, I will keep looking.

[carver]

HI to all! I have a question, what kind of sewing machine do I need? I have just recently decided that I would like to take a go at building some tack, like headstalls, bronc halters, breast collars & the like. BUT, I started lookin around on the web for a sewing machine & I am totally overwhelmed with all the different machines. Anybody have any suggestions? I would like to stay under $2000.

One other question, I found a used Juki DDL 555 w/ table & 110v clutch motor for $500 is this even close to something I can use? Sorry but I know absolutely nothing about leather sewing machines.

All info is greatly appreciated!!