Motor For A 31-15

[Newman]

Thanks for the input. I found a 31-15 for around $250 no motor no stand. I figure that a servo motor and pulley will set me back another $200+ and maybe $150+ for a stand? That is too close to a used Boss or something else that WILL stitch thicker leather and be controllable. More to think about... What would some one with more experience suggest? Also what is the capacity (thickness) a 31-15 will sew?

Edited March 6, 2010 by Newman

[Wizcrafts]

Thanks for the input. I found a 31-15 for around $250 no motor no stand. I figure that a servo motor and pulley will set me back another $200+ and maybe $150+ for a stand? That is too close to a used Boss or something else that WILL stitch thicker leather and be controllable. More to think about... What would some one with more experience suggest? Also what is the capacity (thickness) a 31-15 will sew?

If you want to get serious about sewing leather you'll need a motorized walking foot or jumping foot industrial sewing machine. Ask Bob Tovar about the Cowboy stitchers, which are available in flatbed and cylinder arm versions, with needle feed, some with walking feet, others with jumping feet, some capable of sewing up to 3/4" and able to use very heavy thread. You really need to define your goals, communicate them to Bob and see what you can afford and buy the best you can for the money. This usually means buying new or rebuilt, rather than plain second hand.

A Boss is a manually operated stitcher, with a pull lever. If you expect to use a manual machine to crank out chaps you better have a tough arm! Do yourself a favor and invest in a decent motorized machine that is setup to handle real leather, all day long.

Edited March 6, 2010 by Wizcrafts

[Art]

Call Steve, he will give you good advice. Eventually you end up with 2 or even 3 machines.

http://leathermachineco.com/

Art

[Kate]

Thanks for the input. I found a 31-15 for around $250 no motor no stand. I figure that a servo motor and pulley will set me back another $200+ and maybe $150+ for a stand? That is too close to a used Boss or something else that WILL stitch thicker leather and be controllable. More to think about... What would some one with more experience suggest? Also what is the capacity (thickness) a 31-15 will sew?

That had better be a PRETTY 31-15 for $250. Mostly they are fairly cheap with no table setup - a decent table with motor and clutch (or servo if you are lucky) will run you at least twice that much!

The 31 class was mainly a higher speed machine for apparel work, not really a leather stitcher per se, though as others are telling you, with a roller presser you would be good for lighter leathers. 31-15 has a larger sister the 31-20, which I have in an industrial table with motor and clutch setup. It's great for upholstery, and even horse blankets within reason, but you are limited in height under the foot. You can squeeze to layers of 8 ounce under the foot, but feedign will become an issue, and then your stitch quality will definitely suffer.

FWIW, I now have a beautiful new Cobra class 3 and I will never go back to a lesser stitcher. Still have the old 31-20, and a Singer 42-5 in a treadle for chap work, along with the inimitable Landis #1 heavy stitcher, but this new one, wow..... just wow. Never knew it could be this easy! (thanks Steve!)

Kate