Members jman Posted October 22, 2009 Members Report Posted October 22, 2009 (edited) Hilly Needle & Awl * made in America * designed to stitch leather * an awl at the top punch a hole and advance the work a hooked needle comes trough the bottom and grab the top thread * makes a very tight stitch and stitches are always the same length * no reverse * tracks very straight * last forever Artisan 3000 * made in China * designed to sew woven materials * have reverse * stitch lengths will deviate when turning corners * compound feed * does not track straight * needle is large with an eye for the thread Edited October 22, 2009 by jman
Hilly Posted October 22, 2009 Report Posted October 22, 2009 Hilly Needle & Awl * made in America * designed to stitch leather * an awl at the top punch a hole and advance the work a hooked needle comes trough the bottom and grab the top thread * makes a very tight stitch and stitches are always the same length * no reverse * tracks very straight * last forever Artisan 3000 * made in China * designed to sew woven materials * have reverse * stitch lengths will deviate when turning corners * compound feed * does not track straight * needle is large with an eye for the thread Thanks Jman, for satisfying my curiosity. There seems to be quite a difference in the stitching!
Members cumberlandhighpower Posted December 3, 2009 Members Report Posted December 3, 2009 I have a randall/Campbell, But it's not for sale. I am just making a post. I paid 1200 for mine, and when I decided to buy one, i advertised on leatherworker australia, and a few other boards. Within a month I had several leads, and 3 good machines at 3 good prices. 1200, 1500 and 1850. This was in 2006. You'd be surprised how often you come across a good deal on a randall or campbell. I have seen a few sell cheaply on Ebay, although they're somewhat rare. Ebay generally brings 1100-2000 or so for nice clean machines. 4000 for a used machine from Campbell-Randall is too high, they're just selling the same used machine you'll find anywhere else. If you opt for a rebuilt one, you'll be much happier, rebuilt machines will last a lifetime without failure. The Randall I have gets used about 20 hrs a week, for the past 3 years. Just be patient and advertise, you'll eventually get a reasonable offer from someone. (And be prepared to drive). -CS
Members ryano Posted December 11, 2009 Author Members Report Posted December 11, 2009 I have a randall/Campbell, But it's not for sale. I am just making a post. I paid 1200 for mine, and when I decided to buy one, i advertised on leatherworker australia, and a few other boards. Within a month I had several leads, and 3 good machines at 3 good prices. 1200, 1500 and 1850. This was in 2006. You'd be surprised how often you come across a good deal on a randall or campbell. I have seen a few sell cheaply on Ebay, although they're somewhat rare. Ebay generally brings 1100-2000 or so for nice clean machines. 4000 for a used machine from Campbell-Randall is too high, they're just selling the same used machine you'll find anywhere else. If you opt for a rebuilt one, you'll be much happier, rebuilt machines will last a lifetime without failure. The Randall I have gets used about 20 hrs a week, for the past 3 years. Just be patient and advertise, you'll eventually get a reasonable offer from someone. (And be prepared to drive). -CS Thanks CS. I am still looking.
Members cumberlandhighpower Posted December 28, 2009 Members Report Posted December 28, 2009 I forgot to ask Ryano, What kind of stitching do you do? What kind of items do you plan to make? The Randall/Campbell machines the premier machine for stitching certain heavy leather articles, but have many limitations outside of precision stitching small leather goods... They have a narrow throat (about 8 inches) and cannot sew woven synthetics...And no reverse. If you plan to sew any techical textle or vinyl, you may be better off with a standard Unison Feed Threaded Needle Machine like the Adler 205 or the Seiko/Juke Clones... Randall/Campbell Machines do not sew with Nylon thread well either, they have all kind of tension problems with it....(Some may have success in limited areas). You pretty much have to stick to Polyester or Linen on one..... They are not fast machines either, I have read claims of 300 stitches a min on a Campbell/Randall, I simply do not believe it. More like 120/ min if you want your machine to last any time at all. Back tacking is for all purposes impossible as well. I do it on mine, but i have a special set of needle/awl that I've modified for a special job. They are without equal on small leather goods, but have many limiations on anything else. If you're really looking for a universal machine, I would buy an adler 205 or a Seiko style machine....
Members ryano Posted January 5, 2010 Author Members Report Posted January 5, 2010 (edited) I forgot to ask Ryano, What kind of stitching do you do? What kind of items do you plan to make? The Randall/Campbell machines the premier machine for stitching certain heavy leather articles, but have many limitations outside of precision stitching small leather goods... They have a narrow throat (about 8 inches) and cannot sew woven synthetics...And no reverse. If you plan to sew any techical textle or vinyl, you may be better off with a standard Unison Feed Threaded Needle Machine like the Adler 205 or the Seiko/Juke Clones... Randall/Campbell Machines do not sew with Nylon thread well either, they have all kind of tension problems with it....(Some may have success in limited areas). You pretty much have to stick to Polyester or Linen on one..... They are not fast machines either, I have read claims of 300 stitches a min on a Campbell/Randall, I simply do not believe it. More like 120/ min if you want your machine to last any time at all. Back tacking is for all purposes impossible as well. I do it on mine, but i have a special set of needle/awl that I've modified for a special job. They are without equal on small leather goods, but have many limiations on anything else. If you're really looking for a universal machine, I would buy an adler 205 or a Seiko style machine.... Thanks for the reply! I am looking to sew complete leather carriage harness including the blinds, rounds, tugs. Like I said all of it. I sew it all now with a 97-10. I made my own rein round attachment. I also made an adapter and use Randall/Campbell feet. I did that because I have about 25 different styles of Randall feet and I also needed to use the knife foot for my rounds. The Randall/Campbell is the best for this and I want to use the best. Thanks again! Edited January 5, 2010 by ryano
Members Kevin Posted January 5, 2010 Members Report Posted January 5, 2010 I used to backstitch on my Campbell all the time, no prob, just put the awl in next to the thread and it will go into the same hole and make a stitch in the same hole without cutting the thread already there. Kevin
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