C E W Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Let me start by saying that I have tried to ask this question on another forum and I can't even get the question posted. My question is this: I need a sewing machine that can go through 1/4" to 1/2" of leather. do i need somthing like a tippman or can i us a older industrial singer or other makes of sewing machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Double U Leather Report post Posted October 23, 2009 First, I'm no expert in this area at all. There are some real good sewing machine gurus on this board that may be better able to answer your question. That being said, I'll give you my $.03 (factoring in inflation and the economic stimulus package we should all be receiving soon). There's alot of machines that claim to be "industrial". Without knowing what model # you are referring to, limits the accuracy of the advice. I've got a Singer (that of course off the top of my head I don't know the model # of) that can handled 1/4" leather relatively easy. I use it to sew 8-9 oz. Herman Oak tooling leather onto 3-4 oz. chap leather. I has no issues with that. However, anything much thicker causes it to have some hiccups. If I'm going to sew something 1/2" or thicker, I'll go to my Singer 45K which is a cylinder arm machine. That machine will sew up to 3/4" with no problems. A simple answer, in my opinion, is that it's very hard to have one machine that can do it all. If you have more questions, let me know. I would also suggest talking to Art or Cobra Steve (those are the only two I can think of right off hand) on this forum. They've probably forgotten more about sewing machines than I'll ever hope to know. I'll also check the model number of my flat bed Singer later this morning when I go to the shop. I hope this hekps. I think you'll find the people on this forum more than happy to help in anyway they can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted October 23, 2009 First, I'm no expert in this area at all. There are some real good sewing machine gurus on this board that may be better able to answer your question. That being said, I'll give you my $.03 (factoring in inflation and the economic stimulus package we should all be receiving soon). There's alot of machines that claim to be "industrial". Without knowing what model # you are referring to, limits the accuracy of the advice. I've got a Singer (that of course off the top of my head I don't know the model # of) that can handled 1/4" leather relatively easy. I use it to sew 8-9 oz. Herman Oak tooling leather onto 3-4 oz. chap leather. I has no issues with that. However, anything much thicker causes it to have some hiccups. If I'm going to sew something 1/2" or thicker, I'll go to my Singer 45K which is a cylinder arm machine. That machine will sew up to 3/4" with no problems. A simple answer, in my opinion, is that it's very hard to have one machine that can do it all. If you have more questions, let me know. I would also suggest talking to Art or Cobra Steve (those are the only two I can think of right off hand) on this forum. They've probably forgotten more about sewing machines than I'll ever hope to know. I'll also check the model number of my flat bed Singer later this morning when I go to the shop. I hope this hekps. I think you'll find the people on this forum more than happy to help in anyway they can. leatherrookie, thanks for the plug. C E W, there are a few sewing machine companies that offer what you need. I suggest that you call each one(including myself), and get all of the info that is offered. You will then be able to choose the right machine and company to do business with. Thanks, Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Whatever you buy, you will need something that sews SLOW. This kind of lets out the used machines. Most are from industrial shops where they sew fast, real fast. Also, don't ever buy anything without the Table/stand, there are just too many variations, particularly the holes and the hinges. Take Steve's advice and call and talk to him, there aren't many dealers out there, but Steve can give you the names of most of them, if he can't, I will, just PM me. Service is extremely important and you want a dealer who can and will hold your hand over the phone to work through any problems. Art Let me start by saying that I have tried to ask this question on another forum and I can't even get the question posted. My question is this: I need a sewing machine that can go through 1/4" to 1/2" of leather. do i need somthing like a tippman or can i us a older industrial singer or other makes of sewing machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barra Report post Posted October 23, 2009 CEW. Good advice has been offered thus far. When you do contact the companies don't merely ask for a machine that will sew 1/4 to 1/2". You will need to inform them of the range of products you largely intend to make. This will give the company the info needed to steer you toward a flat bed or cylinder/free arm machine. To my mind a reputable company should be able to determine whether they are speaking to a rookie or seasoned vet and if rookie they should ask you the type of products you want to sew if you the rookie don't have the experience or knowledge to know there is a difference. Barra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 23, 2009 (edited) Let me start by saying that I have tried to ask this question on another forum and I can't even get the question posted. My question is this: I need a sewing machine that can go through 1/4" to 1/2" of leather. do i need somthing like a tippman or can i us a older industrial singer or other makes of sewing machines. Good advice in this thread so far. Some important things you should mention to a dealer when looking for a machine: - Thickness you are looking to sew - Type of material you will be sewing on (leather, canvas, vinyl etc) - Applications (saddles, belts, chaps, upholstery etc) - Budget - Your skill level with industrial sewing machines I actually just got off the phone with a customer and the conversation began with previous 5 points. Good luck in your search! Edited October 23, 2009 by Ronnie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
