Sixer Report post Posted March 2, 2011 I hate to sound helpless here... but I've been getting more holster orders than I can handle if I continue to sew by hand (which is a good thing!) It's time to invest in a sewing machine However, I have become completely confused on what to look for. I'm on a limited budget (probably $500 max) and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. To stay in my price range, I will probably be looking at older models and used machines. I need something that can handle at least 2 layers of 7/8 oz Herman Oak leather. Can anyone give me an idea (list of makes / or models of machines) that I should keep an eye out for? Any help is greatly appriciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 2, 2011 If a flat bed is not a problem, the Pfaff 545 is a great old machine in your price range. Leave a $200 budget to change the motor over to a gear reduction servo. If you have to have a cylinder arm, then a Consew 277 or 223 might be what you want. Art I hate to sound helpless here... but I've been getting more holster orders than I can handle if I continue to sew by hand (which is a good thing!) It's time to invest in a sewing machine However, I have become completely confused on what to look for. I'm on a limited budget (probably $500 max) and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. To stay in my price range, I will probably be looking at older models and used machines. I need something that can handle at least 2 layers of 7/8 oz Herman Oak leather. Can anyone give me an idea (list of makes / or models of machines) that I should keep an eye out for? Any help is greatly appriciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixer Report post Posted March 3, 2011 Thanks for the info Art! As far as needing a flat bed or a cylinder arm... what are the advantages or disadvantages of the two? I honestly have no idea what I would need for holsters... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAYAK45 Report post Posted March 3, 2011 Why buy a machine? If you are "TOO BUSY" could it be your quality exceeds your price! Why not raise your price to match the demand and keep making the same quality product.??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sixer Report post Posted March 3, 2011 Good point Kayak, Right now I'm just using word of mouth and a Facebook account. No "real" website, so nearly all of my customers are local. I don't really feel like there is a huge market where I live for holsters outside a certain price range. Plus, with a sewing machine I could venture into belt-making and other projects that I would rather not hand stitch. If I can find something at a reasonable price... my fingers would thank me Why buy a machine? If you are "TOO BUSY" could it be your quality exceeds your price! Why not raise your price to match the demand and keep making the same quality product.??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted March 3, 2011 Why buy a machine? If you are "TOO BUSY" could it be your quality exceeds your price! Why not raise your price to match the demand and keep making the same quality product.??? Why did you buy a machine Kayak ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
particle Report post Posted March 3, 2011 Sixer - I know exactly where you are at. I was in the exact same situation just over a year ago. My finger tips were going numb from hand sewing, and 2-4 hours to hand sew an item simply makes it unrealistic if you want to make a profit. I agree - there is a limit to what the market will bear, especially for someone starting out with little following and name recognition. I debated adding an option for hand-stitched on my order form, but in the end, I'd rather save my fingers and work less! Personally, I use the Tippmann Boss. It's a great little machine. I didn't have a lot to spend on a sewing machine for a "hobby" a year ago. As it stood, I was already spending more than I could really justify for the Boss - it was a roll of the dice since I had no idea if my holster "business" would really catch on. However, had I known I'd have a consistent backorder for my holsters, I'd have opted for a powered machine for "just a little bit more". You might try looking up some local saddle shops - swing by and see if they might have any old machines they'd like to get rid of. Times are tough for everyone - someone might be happy to let an unused machine collecting dust in the corner of their shop go for a good price to an entrepreneur. Maybe not quite $500, but ya' never know! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
