filluptieu Report post Posted April 11, 2009 okie dokie i am basically only need this machine to sew a zipper on a 3 - 4 oz leather. and its only a single piece of leather. and its a regualr zipper. I dont have alot of money and would honestly only need a machine that can do a simple stich, nothiing fancy. should i get one of those cheap omegas on ebay? and also what thread size should i be looking for? ive been using a hand stiching awl from tandy leather and want that same size, im sorry for the stupid questions but i have not idea where to start. please help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hilly Report post Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) If you're only installing a zipper in that one piece, you might try taking it to someone who does auto upholstery, and have them install the zipper. It would be Waaaaaaaay cheaper than buying a machine just for that. Buying a machine off eBay..... Nope, wouldn't do it myself. I'd look around and see if someone had a used leather machine they wanted to sell. I think there's some available off LW.... It would cost less than new, and you KNOW it would be able to do what you want. If you don't have a lot to spend, you might consider saving up a little more because leather machines are HEAVY and bulky, and shipping is gonna cost quite a bit. Just a little food for thought. Good luck, Hilly Edited April 11, 2009 by Hilly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) If you don't need to sew anything more than a single zipper on a single piece of leather.....you don't need a machine. You'd be better off checking with an upholsterer like Hilly suggested, or perhaps a shoe repair shop. If nothing else, do a search on this forum for leatherworkers who might be close to you. Knowing this group of people, if someone is close enough to drive to....they'd probably just sew it up and offer you a cup of coffee- no charge. If they're farther away than that, well, ask how much they'll charge and offer shipping both ways. To answer the question- No, don't buy one of the Omega machines on Ebay. Edited April 11, 2009 by TwinOaks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevinhopkins Report post Posted April 13, 2009 Hi... I agree with everyone on not buying a machine on ebay... I think ebay has generated more customers for me by selling machines to folks that think they're getting a bargain because it's cheap. I'd have someone that has a machine sew your zipper for you, and if you are thinking about getting a machine, call someone that has a good reputation, like Steve with Cobra, Zach White, Springfield Leather, or any number of others, and communicate exactly what you'd like to do. They'll try to find a source that's close to you, and the least you'll get is a lot smarter! Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim L. Report post Posted April 13, 2009 okie dokie i am basically only need this machine to sew a zipper on a 3 - 4 oz leather. and its only a single piece of leather. and its a regualr zipper. A regular sewing machine will do light leather (3-4) but not with real heavy thread, maybe up to a 60 range, but that will work for a lot of things. You need to get a leather needle but most common sewing shops have those for standard machines. For leather you really should be able to sew with a 92 thread. I bought a Tippman and use it for heavy work but for most light stuff and flatgoods I use an Artisan with mostly 138 thread. My original commercial power machine was an old Singer made in 1941 with no reverse, I asked at every boot and shoe repair shop around until I got a line on one and table, motor, and all bought it for $200. It had a roller foot which I finally changed out but I used it a lot. A friend now has it and does lots of motorcycle stuff with it. If you have a commercial sewing supply go there and see what they have? JL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
