chap machine

[steve mason]

I am thinking that I need a new machine for making chaps, I want something that I can sew from the zippers in shotguns to sewing a 7-8 oz carved belt on two layers of chap. I looked at the artisan 618-1 SC LTHR at Sheridan this year. Wondering what you all sew your chaps on and what machines you like for this job. kind of an opinion poll.

thanks much

Steve

[Dually]

Hi Steve, I bought the Artison 618-1 sc LTHR this past year, and trully like it. My last machine struggled with yokes and side panels on chaps, where this one never hesitates. The servo motor with the reducer has lots of torque, but as slow as I need to be. It even makes my stitching look good. LOL

Randy

[Doug C]

Steve,

Great to meet you in Sheridan. I have had the Artison 618-1 sc LTHR for a couple of years. Sews slow enough for me. I really like it and would buy one again. And oh--the service is great. I have been able to solve any issues over the phone.

Doug

[greg gomersall]

1245 Pfaff for the simple reason you cannot wear a Pfaff out. The 145 Pfaff is a graet chap machine that uses the 135 needle system while the 545 and 1245 use the longer 190 system and we all know how much better a longer stroke is. Greg

[barra]

Steve. I have to agree with Greg. The Pfaff 1245 is an outstanding machine which you could not kill with an axe. I have 6 at work and not one has ever skipped a beat. It will definately do what you want and then some. The 1245 can be fitted with numerous different feet eg piping, zipper as well as a binding attachment. It would be a great machine for items like your gear bags as well.

Barra

[kseidel]

Steve, I bought one of the Artisan 618 SC that you mentioned about 18 months ago as a second belt and chap machine. I have not yet been satiisfied with the quality of the stitching. I have sent it back to the factory for troubleshooting, but still does not stitch properly. My Juki LU 563 works well. Keith

[andystevens]

Steve,

I bought a Consew 226R 10 years and since then have bought 2 more for belts and chaps, They sew the real fine stitch that I like. These machines are pretty simple to work on and fine tune.

[mulefool]

I have a Chandler 305-64. I've had it for over 20years with very few problems. I don't have any problem at all sewing the yokes on the chaps, it's plenty stout enough for that. I also use it for sewing heavy canvas and leather alforjas bags and half breeds for Deckers and I don't need to adjust between projects, other than change needles of course for the lighter thread on the chaps.

[Lamplog]

Steve, I been running a Artisan 797ab, paid 300 for it used and threw a servo on it. It seems to do a pretty good job. I can go thru 3-4 layers of 5 oz ok. I have sewn 5 layers on it, so far I am happy. It will go through 8-9oz and 2 layer of chap no problem. The servo really makes a difference. The folks at Artisan are great to deal with. I would like to move up to the 3000 or 4000 to do saddles. I will keep the 797 though.

Regards,

Tom

[kseidel]

Steve,

Artisan has offered to replace my 618 at their expense. Apparantly I had not made it clear to them that I was not satisfied with the machine and they are willing to do everything possible to make me happy to the extent of replacing the machine if necessary; and all at my disgretion. One cannot ask for better service.

Keith