Need Some To Recoment A Sewing Machine To A Beginner Saddle Maker.

[D.A. Kabatoff]

I'd agree with Steve about the needle and awl machine. The price of a reconditioned machine from Campbell is going to shock you, but if you are serious about saddlemaking and want the nicest stitch that can be made, that would come from a needle and awl machine. If you can't afford one from Campbell-Randall, keep your eyes out for a used Campbell, Randall, or Landis machine... it'll still cost you a fair amount more than a new Boss, but if your intent is to make top notch saddles, it'll show in your final results.

Darcy

[jbird]

JW are you using a campbell for your saddles?

Josh

I am also wondering what mr Andy Knight is using.

[Steve Brewer]

How do i find out about the cambell machine? Thanks for the help.

www.campbell-bosworth.com

[RMB Custom Leather]

I own both machines. I bought the first Cobra 3 shipped right when Steve started last year; I have been well pleased with the machine and customer service. I bought a used Tippman Boss at a steal manly for a back up and show machine and it's pretty good but it really made me feel good that I spent the little extra for an automatic machine. For the cost I would without a doubt get a Cobra.

[AndyKnight]

JW are you using a campbell for your saddles?

Josh

I am also wondering what mr Andy Knight is using.

I use a Nakajima.. 440. I like my reverse etc. ( Japanese) bought it new in 1988. I prefer modern although i will concede that the old hook and awl machines make a nice stitch. Been there done that got a mechanics ticket to show for it.

The chinese machines that I have tried can.t be compared to one like mine but maybe thay have improved the last few years.

Edited March 24, 2010 by AndyKnight

[Kevinjohnson]

I agree w/ Steve and Darc that there is nothing like the stitch that a needle and awl machine makes. I used an Adler 205-370 for nearly 10 yrs. before buying a Campbell. While the Adler is more versitile, for saddle work, a Campbell/Randall or Landis 3 or 16 is the way to go. Most people never realize how much better a needle and awl stitch looks until you've compared the two side by side. An awl machine can make 346 thread look like 277 just because it makes such a tight, neat stitch. Don't get me wrong, I'll never get rid of my Adler but I'll never be without a needle and awl machine for saddle work. If a person is patient, good, used awl machines can be found for close to the price of a better knock-off. I know of where there is a nice Landis 3 for $3500 and a Randall for a little more. I would be more than happy to pass on the contact info.

[jwwright]

Josh.............my Artisan is my only machine currently..........other than an old Singer I picked up to use for building leggins, but I have not taken the time to get that one in usable shape just yet. The needle /awl machines do make the best looking stitch, in my opinion...........I hope to get a Campbell or Landis 3 sometime in the near future, but I will keep the Artisan machine always for the sake of versatility and reliability. JW

[Kate]

Dang, but that is a good lookin' grey horse in your avatar, JW.

I got a Cobra class 3 from Steve, and am VERY!!!! happy with it. It replaced a Landis #1 that is still in the shop - and once in a while if I have something really heavy I'll turn up the old Landis, just so I don't have to change out threads and needles etc on the Cobra.

There is no contest, though - the Cobra does everything I throw at it, stitch quality is really good for a threaded needle machine, and it's dead easy to operate. Customer service is SUPERB from Steve, which of itself is worth the price of admission. If the OP is new to heavy stitchers, I'd advise going with a Cobra.

A needle and awl machine takes a person who understands the machine to keep them happy - there's a learning curve to them, as with most things worth learning.

If I could afford one, I'd have one though!

Kate

[OWP Saddery]

Thanks to every one fot the help, i just about have my mind made up.