Members Rodeo Man Posted January 3, 2012 Members Report Posted January 3, 2012 Im wanting to buy a "heavy duty" sewing machine. I don't know what brand or style, I just want a good machine. I have always had a saddle maker do my sewing, which isn't that much. If you can just tell me what you have, Ill will research it. Thank you for your time.
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 3, 2012 Moderator Report Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) Im wanting to buy a "heavy duty" sewing machine. I don't know what brand or style, I just want a good machine. I have always had a saddle maker do my sewing, which isn't that much. If you can just tell me what you have, Ill will research it. Thank you for your time. You need to define what thickness of leather you intend to sew and the size of thread you want to use. Saddle machines need to be at least 12 inches deep, on the right of the needle. Most saddlers here are using 16.5" cylinder arm machines, with triple feed. They sew with up to #415 thread. They are sold by Cowboy, Cobra, Techsew and others. Look at the banners on top and click on them to go to their websites. I have a harness machine for sale, that sews up to 3/4 inch, with any thread, with 12 inches inside the post. But, I am in Michigan and it is being sold cash and carry. Edited January 3, 2012 by Wizcrafts Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 3, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 3, 2012 You need to define what thickness of leather you intend to sew and the size of thread you want to use. Saddle machines need to be at least 12 inches deep, on the right of the needle. Most saddlers here are using 16.5" cylinder arm machines, with triple feed. They sew with up to #415 thread. They are sold by Cowboy, Cobra, Techsew and others. Look at the banners on top and click on them to go to their websites. I have a harness machine for sale, that sews up to 3/4 inch, with any thread, with 12 inches inside the post. But, I am in Michigan and it is being sold cash and carry. I know I need one with a deep pocket, so i can push chaps through. I think if it could sew 3/4 inch it would be sufficient for me. I have no idea about thread size, can you tell me what would be ideal for chaps, and farrier leggings?
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 4, 2012 Moderator Report Posted January 4, 2012 I know I need one with a deep pocket, so i can push chaps through. I think if it could sew 3/4 inch it would be sufficient for me. I have no idea about thread size, can you tell me what would be ideal for chaps, and farrier leggings? A harness stitcher like mine is of no use when sewing most chaps. Chap leather is just thick garment leather. You are probably not going to be using any thread larger than #138. Any industrial walking foot machine, whether flat bed or cylinder arm, can sew up to 3/8 inch thickness, using #138 bonded nylon thread. Look for a good walking foot machine with a large bobbin and reverse lever. You will need to get one with a servo motor, or replace the clutch motor with a servo motor, to control the machine at slow speeds. It is easier to control the work on a flat bed machine, when it is large and flat, like chaps. If you are looking to buy a new machine, a Consew 206RB-5 is a very good choice. The Chandler 406RB is its sister machine and costs a couple hundred less for basically the same machine. Both have a big bobbin and can sew 3/8 inch leather with #138 thread. Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
dirtclod Posted January 4, 2012 Report Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) Rodeo Man i would go ahead and get the bigger 16 inch arm machine. It will sew chaps and farriers aprons fine. I say that because that's what i have and have made several pair of chaps, chinks and farrier aprons with mine. The extra space makes it a lot easier to. On mine i use 277 thread on top and 207 on the bobbin for just about everthing i make. The 346 thread is to big IMO it looks like they were sewed with a piece of rope. Edited January 4, 2012 by dirtclod I'm old enough to know that i don't know everything.
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 4, 2012 Moderator Report Posted January 4, 2012 Rodeoman; Here is an example of a 16.5 inch cylinder arm leather stitcher. It has a bunch of accessories available, including a bolt on flat table. If you use a fairly small needle, say a number 22 or 23 (leather point), with #138 bonded nylon thread, it will sew chaps all day long. This type of machine sews over 3/4 inch thickness, with very thick thread (up to #415). It has large, cylinder shaped bobbins that hold a huge amount of thread. Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 4, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 4, 2012 Wow this helps a ton, you guys are great help. Should I just get a new one or take a chance on a used one? Is there any particular parts to look at when buying a used machine?
Members justken Posted January 4, 2012 Members Report Posted January 4, 2012 Hello..You could check with Panhandle Leather there in Amarillo.They carry used machines...Ken
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 4, 2012 Moderator Report Posted January 4, 2012 Wow this helps a ton, you guys are great help. Should I just get a new one or take a chance on a used one? Is there any particular parts to look at when buying a used machine? If you buy a used machine privately, you will be responsible for all repairs and adjustments. Most long time dealers will provide you with some degree of phone assistance on their used machines. All of our member-dealers warranty the new machines they sell and provide one-on-one phone or email support. If you can afford to buy a new machine, from a reputable industrial sewing machine dealer, you'll be better off. This will be especially important to you as a first time sewer. You are bound to run into issues you can't solve on your own. It will be beneficial if you can phone the dealer and ask him how to get out of your jackpot, rather than posting a question on the public forum. You outta read our Leather Sewing Machines forum. It gets really interesting there with some topics drawing all kinds of fireworks. There are members that frequent that section who have dozens of years of experience with industrial and leather sewing machines. I applaud you for coming here with your questions, and not eBay. Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members B Milla Posted January 4, 2012 Members Report Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) If you are in the Panhandle, theres a man names John Higdon in Amarillo that has a Chandler for sale. His Phone is 806-584-5099. I bought a 31-15 from him a year and a half ago, and every single problem i have ever had with it, hes been great to help. Even going as far as letting me bring it back to time etc. Super good guy. Edited January 4, 2012 by B Milla
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 5, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 5, 2012 Thank you Justken panhandle leather had a couple machines but both were out of my league. Wizcrafts your knowledge amazes me, this website is great i could look at it for days. thank you again for all your help. B Milla I was just a day to late John Higdon sold that chandler the day before. Super nice guy tho, thanks for that lead. Thanks to everyone for your help
Members B Milla Posted January 5, 2012 Members Report Posted January 5, 2012 Super nice guy and super to deal with. He trades a few machines so ya might keep his number handy. are you from up this way?
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 6, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 6, 2012 I have not been up that way in a while, but Beck makes all of our boots. I live in Greenville, about an hour North East of Dallas.
Members Ronny Posted January 7, 2012 Members Report Posted January 7, 2012 Bob Booth lives in Nocona, Tx and has a lot of used machines. Most anything you would need or want. He is an artist when it comes to rebuilding them, from awl and needle to walking foot machines. I've sent 2 people to him in the last few months and they were really satisfied. He is very reasonable on his prices and his repairs. I think bob is the rural post delivery and he and his son do this on the side. He is also a very good saddle man. I don't have his phone number handy but, I'm sure he is listed in Nocona. If you can't find his number I will try and post it later. Ronny Ronny Martin rlmartinsaddlery.com.com "Life is too short to ride ugly horses!"
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 8, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 8, 2012 Thank you Ronny I'll look him up and give him a call
Members Rodeo Man Posted January 16, 2012 Author Members Report Posted January 16, 2012 The injectors went out on my truck, so my sewing machine budget has taken a hit. I have found a Ferdco 847 for $600, can y'all tell me the pros and cons of this machine?
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