Modified presser feet

[akraven]

I picked up a used Singer 11-20 sewing machine awhile ago for making knife sheaths and maybe some holsters. In learning to use it I find that the width of the presser foot is so wide that I can't get close to any bulge in the leather. In searching the site I see multiple mentions of differient type of feet and of people grinding feet to make them work better. Unfortunatly somewhere in the past someone had brazed the current foot on the machine. So I have to decide if trimming or removing on side of the foot will work as a fulltime thing or do I need to sell this machine off and get a machine better suited to what I want to do and allow more flexability in use. Here is a pic of the current foot setup. What do you all think. Is it a good idea to grind one side down or off?

Thank you for any thoughts you can offer.

akraven

[SteveBrambley]

Hi,

Grinding off the right side of the presser foot might well help with your problem, however, it will reduce the efficiency of the feed as the right half of the feed dog will cease to have much effect. This, in it's self, may not matter as the remaining half is probably sufficient.

The only other thing I should mention is that this class of machine was actually intended for cloth, quilting bed covers and binding, so, I don't know how well it will stitch leathers.

Steve

[akraven]

Thank you Steve

When I bought this machine (from a sewing shop) they said this would be the machine for what I wanted. I now question that statement! I have sewn through 3 layers of leather without much problem but it certainly isn't as nice/smooth as a friend's Artisan machine. I am really leaning toward selling it and getting something closer to my needs. I live in Alaska and finding any leather machine is almost impossible so I took his word and grabbed this one. This was a last gasp at seeing if maybe I could modify this to suit me versus ordering something and paying the shipping to get it here. Thank you. akraven

Hi,

Grinding off the right side of the presser foot might well help with your problem, however, it will reduce the efficiency of the feed as the right half of the feed dog will cease to have much effect. This, in it's self, may not matter as the remaining half is probably sufficient.

The only other thing I should mention is that this class of machine was actually intended for cloth, quilting bed covers and binding, so, I don't know how well it will stitch leathers.

Steve

[Cobra Steve]

Hi AK Raven, the presser feet that come with the COBRA Class 3 & Class 4 have been modified to do many different applications, from skirting, to bullet loops, to strapped goods and just about everything in between. Go to our website to see if these are the type of feet that you are needing. Look at the new ad. Thanks, Steve

[akraven]

Thank you Steve I will check it out. akraven

Hi AK Raven, the presser feet that come with the COBRA Class 3 & Class 4 have been modified to do many different applications, from skirting, to bullet loops, to strapped goods and just about everything in between. Go to our website to see if these are the type of feet that you are needing. Look at the new ad. Thanks, Steve

[akraven]

Thank you Steve I will check it out. akraven

Hi AK Raven, the presser feet that come with the COBRA Class 3 & Class 4 have been modified to do many different applications, from skirting, to bullet loops, to strapped goods and just about everything in between. Go to our website to see if these are the type of feet that you are needing. Look at the new ad. Thanks, Steve

[CowboyBob]

The feet for this machine only fit the 11 & 7 class,it'll still work ok if you grind off on side as long as your sewing heavier leather that won't lift with the foot (like chap weight)

We do have standard feet like your in stock if you ever need the double toe.

I have sold alot of these machines over the years & know they aren't as smooth as the newer ones but they'll still get the job done.

Bob Kovar

Toledo Ind.Sewing Machine Sales

[UKRay]

This isn't a direct answer to your question, merely an observation, but IMHO using the right presser foot will definitely improve the experience you have of a sewing machine. A machine with a fixed - and therefore unchangeable - presser foot simply isn't going to do the job as well as one that is equipped correctly.

I can understand your reason for hanging on the the machine but, in the fullness of time (and I suspect you already know what I'm going to say) you will need to replace the machine if you want to do a wide range of top quality work. If you are happy working to the machine's limitations then hang in there.

Just my opinion and worth rather less than you paid for it!

Ray

[akraven]

Hi Bob

Thank you very much for the info!!! I sent you a PM. akraven

[akraven]

Thank you UKRay I have debated replacing the arm the foot mounts to with an orgiinal/copy that would allow me to be able to change feet at will. I am checking on the cost. akraven

This isn't a direct answer to your question, merely an observation, but IMHO using the right presser foot will definitely improve the experience you have of a sewing machine. A machine with a fixed - and therefore unchangeable - presser foot simply isn't going to do the job as well as one that is equipped correctly.

I can understand your reason for hanging on the the machine but, in the fullness of time (and I suspect you already know what I'm going to say) you will need to replace the machine if you want to do a wide range of top quality work. If you are happy working to the machine's limitations then hang in there.

Just my opinion and worth rather less than you paid for it!

Ray