swh3 Report post Posted December 12, 2009 Going to begin using a machine to sew my gun holsters. I would like some comments and opinions on the better machines before I invest in a purchase. All opinions are welcome. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted December 31, 2009 Hi there, You've posted your thread in the "for sale" section of this site. You will probably get more responses if you'll re-post it in either "sewing leather", or the "sewing machines" sub-forums. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barra Report post Posted December 31, 2009 Moved from for sale. Barra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) Going to begin using a machine to sew my gun holsters. I would like some comments and opinions on the better machines before I invest in a purchase. All opinions are welcome. Thanks If your holsters are only two layers of flat 8-9 oz vegtan leather, any geared down industrial walking foot machine that can handle thread size #207 - with a number 180/24 needle, or #277 - with a 200/25 needle will work. If they are going to be sewn after you shape them to a gun you will need a cylinder arm machine that allows you to sew right up to the nose of the machine (to the bobbin case cover). The Cowboy 2500, Techsew GA5-1 and Singer 45 Class machines all have 1/2" maximum lift of the pressor foot and can sew just a tish over 3/8". Expect to pay up to $1200 for one of these machines. If the holsters have a 1/4" side filler the equation gets more complicated. For that you'll need a geared down machine capable of sewing 1/2" of hard leather. You'll most likely want to use #346 nylon thread, run through a silicon lube pot. The needle needed to sew these threads is either a #230 or #250. This brings you into the realm of the large cylinder arm harness stitchers, like: Adler 205-370, Cowboy 3500/4500, Cobra Class 3 or 4, Artisan Toro 3000/3200, Techsew 180-2 and Juki 441 types. These very heavy duty machines sell for prices ranging from about $1800, up the $4000. The average selling price is about $2200 to $2500, fully equipped, with needles and accessories. When you begin sewing with heavier threads you need to be prepared to pay around $18 a pound, up, for nylon thread. I use Linhanyl and Weaver bonded nylon thread, in sizes ranging from 69 through 277. Here is a picture of a recent acquisition of mine, an Adler 204 Class, that will sew up to 3/4" of anything you can get under the feet... Edited January 1, 2010 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
