SOSHorses Report post Posted March 29, 2009 Hey guys, Just thought I would pop in and tell you about my new sewing machine. I have been using a light industrial, and a Singer 29-4 machine for almost a year now but neither was really big enough to do halter and breast collar overlays on the thicker nylon. I had been looking around and had decided that I would purchase the Artisan machine. I was doing a bit more searching hoping that I might find one that was used as I really couldn't afford a new one. Then I stumbled on Neel's Saddlery. They had a machine listed on eBay and while reading through the description I became more interested. It uses the same bobbin system as the old Adler 105 and a 328 Needle system. This machine came complete with the motor, table, AND a 7 day money back trial period. My big thing was I needed a machine that could sew the 3/4 of an inch thick material. This one was supposed to do that with ease. So I called and spoke with the the people and after about a 30 min conversation about the types of sewing projects I do and the ability of the machine I bought it with the understanding that I could return it should it now work out for me. When I received the machine of course I had to put it all together. LOL But when I finally got it all finished I oiled the machine and started testing it out. My first test was the cheek piece of a halter. No problem at all. I had room to spare! I was very pleasantly surprised and decided I would dig around and see what else I could sew with it. After about 30 minutes I was hooked. This machine is amazing! So besides the fact that it easily sews through three pieces of 8 to 10 oz leather, wait for it (building anticipation).... It was only $1,195!!! You have to check out this machine! I know that 2300 dollars is a lot of money to spend and most of us just can't but this machine is a god send. I am posting the link to the auction I purchased it from. Neel hasn't yet got his website up and going completely so I can't send you there. I am telling you it is worth checking out. Neel's Saddlery Machine Model 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tkleather1 Report post Posted March 29, 2009 what is the feed system on this machine? They dont say on the site. is it just a feed dawg system or is it a compound needle feed? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOSHorses Report post Posted March 29, 2009 You know I am not sure what a compound needle feed is, but this machine has feed dogs only. It is not a walking foot but they are aggressive and I have not had any trouble with the materials feeding through properly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tkleather1 Report post Posted March 29, 2009 apparently they are not selling this on ebay anymore. I am looking for a walking foot machine, do they make one? and if so what is the cost? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOSHorses Report post Posted March 29, 2009 I don't know if they do or not but I know they also sell other brands so you can check with them. The website is Neels Saddlery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 30, 2009 Hi Tk, It appears to be a kind of clone of the Singer 45k which was a very good drop feed machine, except it seems to have reverse, which the 45k did not. A good machine the 45k, a lot of bootmakers use them, the dogs will mark the reverse side if doing multiple layers, grain out on both sides (D&S or Doubled and Stitched). Art what is the feed system on this machine? They dont say on the site. is it just a feed dawg system or is it a compound needle feed? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveBrambley Report post Posted March 30, 2009 You know I am not sure what a compound needle feed is, but this machine has feed dogs only. It is not a walking foot but they are aggressive and I have not had any trouble with the materials feeding through properly. Hi, Just for your information: 'Compound Feed' means that the machine is fitted with both 'Drop Feed' (bottom feed with dogs) and 'Needle Feed' (The needle moves back and forth, pulling the work through). Therefore, this type of machine has a more positive feed action and will work on many surfaces (rough or smooth). Many machines have 'Compound Feed' and 'Alternating Presser Feet' which allows the machine to climb over variable thicknesses of leather. Drop feed is a good all round system, for most leather applications. The only disadvantage is, as Art says, the dogs can mark the underside of the leather. The only answer is a pure, 'Needle Feed' machine that has no drop dogs. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
neelsaddlery Report post Posted March 30, 2009 Hello all: A compound feed machine is a machine that is also called a "Triple Feed". It has a feed dog, a walking foot, and a needle feed. At least, this is the commonly accepted definition in the modern age. Machines that are compound feed machines will feed leather and sheep's wool better and more consistent, but they are also a LOT more money. Also, the use of a compound feed machine does not preclude the possibility of leaving marks on the leather either. Because the presser foot will walk across the top of the material, it can leave markings on the top side of the leather. Some compound feed machines can also leave feed dog marks on the bottom side of the leather as well if left in their stock form. However, you can get smooth feed dogs and also slotted flat needle plates to alleviate the markings on the bottom side. A drop feed only machine like our Model 5 will leave marks on the bottom side, but not the top side of the leather. My personal opinion is that a compound feed machine is a better overall choice, but if funds are limited and you need a machine to sew heavy leather, then a drop feed machine like the Model 5 or Ferdo Pro 440 can work fine. We also stock the compound feed machines similar to the Toro 3000 and Juki 441 as well. They are very good machines, but also they cost more by virtue of their design. The decision of which machine is better for an individual will depend on the nature of the work they are doing, as well as the money that they have to spend. It's all up to personal preference. Just my two cents worth. Ryan O. Neel Neel's Saddlery and Harness Cowboy Sewing Machines Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K-Man Report post Posted March 30, 2009 I used a Model 5 from Ryan's shop for a couple of years, along with a couple of his other machines. He helped me get started in this madhouse of making holsters with respect to sewing machines. The Model 5 will do a whole heck of a lot for you, and it's a machine I would highly recommend for someone to use whose unable to acquire the Toro 3000 or similar style of machine. Here's a couple of things I did with the Model 5: We made the belts, holsters, rifle sling, and most of the stuff on the young girl (on the right) for the Star War convention approx 3 years ago in Indianapolis. She won first place in the costume contest. We made up a couple of these styles of fantasy knife sheaths for the customer. Not exactly my cup of tea, as they say, but the results made the customer happy. These were a couple of cowboy rigs that we made. The point to posting the pics is to show what the Model 5 machine is capable of producing, and IMO should not be discounted as a viable choice for a craftsman getting started in the industry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveBrambley Report post Posted March 30, 2009 Hi, Can't say that I've ever heard of a compound feed machine being referred to as 'Triple Feed', not in the UK anyhow. However, sometimes, compound feed with alternating pressers is called 'Triple-Transport' at least it is over here. I agree that compound feed does also have a kind of walking foot, but I always assumed this was part of the needle feed mechanism, but then I'm not really a sewing machine expert! Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
