Another Newbie ‘What Kind Of Machine’ Question

[Cobra Steve]

Hello 1894leverguy, thank you for your interest, and thank you for joining. I would like to suggest that you contact the sewing machine dealers and speak with them(me included), and see what they have to say. I am sure that you will have a better idea on what you will need, making your decision as easy as possible.Thanks, Steve

Edited March 17, 2011 by Cobra Steve

[TwinOaks]

A 'thank you' to the "heavies" who chimed in.

[Wizcrafts]

I would like to thank all that have responded.

It would appear that Chinese sewing machines are better than what I was expecting them to be

It would also appear there aren't too many other new machines available

　

Wizcraft quote

"Now, if the OP wants to ask about Chinese built machines, I'll be glad to discuss them."

Let the discussion begin!

Since it looks as though my machine will be Chinese built, what would be a good machine for a beginner?

Something without a big learning curve.

The work will only be what I described but I would like a machine that can easily handle it. Overbuilt for the work

Art has already mentioned the Cobra stitchers, which are based in California. They are great machines. But, nobody has mentioned Cowboy stitchers yet. Cowboy stitchers are of equal quality and similar specifications to the Cobras. The Cowboy CB2500 (10.5" arm), CB3500 (9" arm), CB4500 (16.5" arm) and CB5500 (25" arm) are sold and supported by Bob Kovar, at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines: 866-362-7397. They will sew all the holsters you can throw at them, with thread heavy enough to tie a bale of hay.

Thread size

I have no idea what would be good. Actually, I was going to ask what would be a good thread and needle size

For pancake holsters, 1/4 inch in total thickness, well molded to the shape of the gun, I would use #207 or #277 bonded nylon thread. To sew these thread sizes you need to use a #24 or #25 needle.

Lock stitch

I've seen this in the specs of the Artisan 618-1 D2. I would think a lock stitch would be necessary for sewing holsters but really don't know.

You are correct: you definitely want a lockstitch machine! Almost all sewing machines in general use are lockstitch machines.

Back tacking

Is this important on leather?

This is used to lock the starting and finishing stitches in place and prevent the work from coming undone. By sewing backwards into the same holes, for about three stitches, you lock the thread in place. You can also sew backwards, or turn the holster around, sewing a parallel stitch line for about 3/4 inch. This system is used by commercial holster manufacturers.

The three machines I mentioned are capable of sewing 1/2" (CB2500) and 7/8" (CB3500 and CB4500 models). The 2500 is bottom feed only and can leave tooth marks on the bottom. The others are compound feed, with a smooth feed dog that leaves no tooth marks. If you want to just sew holsters and belts, the 9 inch arm machines will do just fine. They all sew with very heavy thread and big needles, into dense leather, up to 7/8" thick. The CB2500 has a 10 1/2 inch long arm and the 4500 has a 16.5" arm length. If you ever sew a Western holster you will appreciate the longer arm on the CB4500. They do have table top attachments if you need a flat surface to support the work.