Sewing Machine Selection Question

[rxjohn]

Hi,

Short time lurker and a first post.

I've been searching the forum and read intensely to find a suitable sewing machine for a small project. Even though I read many posts that were mostly related to my question, I felt I needed to ask more direct questions at the dismay of longtime forum members who have to constantly answer the same questions from different newbies.

I'm trying to make a couple of stachels...computer bags that can double as a camera bag. Been going over to a local Tandy shop and also bought a bunch of leather tools on the ebay. I do know I'll be using 4 to 5 oz leather to make my bags and the thickest area that needs to be sewed will have about 4 layers of it. If I do the math right, 4 layers of 4 to 5oz leather should be around 1/4"+ but I would like to be able to sew up to 1/2" or so.

The plan is to ruin large amounts of perfectly good leather and hardwares until I can proudly post a picture of the bags on here...then I'll force my kids to carry my handmade bags to college and the rest of their lives.

Here is a sample picture of the thickest area that needs to be sewen.

So, could you throw out some names and models of capable used/new sewing machines that I can pick up for $500 to $1000? I would prefer a flatbed model over cylinder arm as I don't think I can keep a straight sewing line over a cylinder arm. My mother in law who's a retired seamstress thinks I'm crazy but I plan to make my wife, who's pretty good with a sewing machine, do the bulk of the work once a needle penetrates my finger or two.

Thanks!

[Art]

High lift Pfaff 145/545/1245, but you are at the absolute limit thickness wise. You will hate yourself for getting a flat bed for sewing bags. Spend a little more and get a machine for that job.

Art

Hi,

Short time lurker and a first post.

I've been searching the forum and read intensely to find a suitable sewing machine for a small project. Even though I read many posts that were mostly related to my question, I felt I needed to ask more direct questions at the dismay of longtime forum members who have to constantly answer the same questions from different newbies.

I'm trying to make a couple of stachels...computer bags that can double as a camera bag. Been going over to a local Tandy shop and also bought a bunch of leather tools on the ebay. I do know I'll be using 4 to 5 oz leather to make my bags and the thickest area that needs to be sewed will have about 4 layers of it. If I do the math right, 4 layers of 4 to 5oz leather should be around 1/4"+ but I would like to be able to sew up to 1/2" or so.

The plan is to ruin large amounts of perfectly good leather and hardwares until I can proudly post a picture of the bags on here...then I'll force my kids to carry my handmade bags to college and the rest of their lives.

Here is a sample picture of the thickest area that needs to be sewen.

So, could you throw out some names and models of capable used/new sewing machines that I can pick up for $500 to $1000? I would prefer a flatbed model over cylinder arm as I don't think I can keep a straight sewing line over a cylinder arm. My mother in law who's a retired seamstress thinks I'm crazy but I plan to make my wife, who's pretty good with a sewing machine, do the bulk of the work once a needle penetrates my finger or two.

Thanks!

[Luke Hatley]

as Art said....."you'll hate your self if you dont get a Cylinder Arm machine"

and you need to get some more $$$$$.

Been there and done that.......

P S

then again lot of the heavy duty machines have an flat bed table as an accessory.

Edited March 7, 2011 by Luke Hatley

[rxjohn]

High lift Pfaff 145/545/1245, but you are at the absolute limit thickness wise. You will hate yourself for getting a flat bed for sewing bags. Spend a little more and get a machine for that job.

Art

Alright. I'm easily convinced. Recommend me a cylinder arm sewing machine then. Would Consew 223 work?

Thanks!

Edited March 7, 2011 by rxjohn

[rxjohn]

Ok,

I found new Techsew GA5-1 head only for $575 + $99 shipping. Where can I find the motor and table for this and how much do they cost?

Will Techsew GA5-1 do the job?

Thanks,

[dirtclod]

I just looked at that machine and it said 7/16 max.

[Art]

For what you want to do, you really need a short arm (long arm if you can afford it) 441 clone. Cobra class 3 (or 4), there are some pictures and specs here. I would make a decision shortly as the prices on most sewing machines will be going up soon.

Art

Alright. I'm easily convinced. Recommend me a cylinder arm sewing machine then. Would Consew 223 work?

Thanks!

[rxjohn]

For what you want to do, you really need a short arm (long arm if you can afford it) 441 clone. Cobra class 3 (or 4), there are some pictures and specs here. I would make a decision shortly as the prices on most sewing machines will be going up soon.

Art

Thanks Art.

It seems like Techsew GA5-1 is very capable. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDizQ60OaiQ&feature=player_embedded#at=72

So, brand new GA5-1 with motor and table shipped to my house for $823. And since it's not from Raphael (Canadian co), there's no tariff involved and much less shipping ($1,349 + shipping + Tariff).... would you think it's a farily good price?

[Art]

OK, that seems to be a good price if that's what you want. When sewing multiple layers of anything, I prefer needle feed, not sure the GA5-1 has that, or reverse either. I think the reverse model is GA5-1R. But the important thing here is servo motor, speed reducer, and smooth feet, might have to give up the smooth feet if you are just doing drop feed. I think the spec on that machine is 1/5 inch lift, which will eventually give you worries. The ideal machine for you should be needle feed, walking foot, smooth feet, and 3/4" capacity with a servo and speed reducer. I am looking at what you want to sew, and it looks like the GA5 is not enough machine. I could be wrong.

Art

Thanks Art.

It seems like Techsew GA5-1 is very capable. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDizQ60OaiQ&feature=player_embedded#at=72

So, brand new GA5-1 with motor and table shipped to my house for $823. And since it's not from Raphael (Canadian co), there's no tariff involved and much less shipping ($1,349 + shipping + Tariff).... would you think it's a farily good price?

[Techsew Ron]

Just to clarify a few things:

1) The GA5-1 machine you found for $575 (I'm assuming on ebay) is NOT a Techsew sewing machine and does not include reverse, speed reducer, servo motor, u-table, option for smooth feet, warranty, tech support etc.. We are the only ones who sell the Techsew GA5-1R which includes reverse, SmartServo motor, speed reducer, u-table, option for smooth feet, full selection of accessories, warranty, tech support and more.

2) There are no additional tariffs or taxes on top of our shipping prices (unless you live in Canada where there is GST).

3) We've been contacted by people who have purchased the knockoff GA5-1 on ebay and were very disappointed, often looking for parts, motor, feet, needles etc. The servo motor and speed reducer are important components of this machine and are necessary in order to get the machine working to its proper sewing capacity and slow speed.

I recommend that no matter who you purchase from, make sure it's from an established sewing machine dealer who can offer parts, warranty & post-sale support for whichever machine you decide on. An established dealer will also make all the necessary adjustments and inspections prior to shipping it out to make sure it works the way it should.

You can contact any of the sewing machine dealers who sponsor leatherworker.net for more information, Art and Wiz also offer great advice.

Edited March 14, 2011 by Ronnie