SDP446 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Howdy folks! My wife and I are about to start learning leathercraft, and we are trying to figure what type of starter sewing machine we would need. The primary issue for us is that we have a limited budget for both tools and a sewing machine. We have about $500 to put toward tools, but only about $400 (maybe a little more) to put towards a good used sewing machine. Our primary projects for the time being would be items such as gun holsters, wallets, belts, chaps, saddle bags, horse bridles, etc. I have been looking at the Consew 206R and the Singer 99-13 (mainly because they are affordable). I think that most of the leather we would be sewing would be thin enough for these machines, but I would like to be able to sew some thicker leather from time to time without burning up the machine. I know I am starting this on a pauper's budget, and with any luck I will be able to get a much better machine down the road. I appreciate your advice and suggestions, and thank you in advance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Bottom line is unless you minimally tripple that number you are not going to get a machine capable of doing what you want to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Most horse bridles measure about 3/8" to 1/2" at the folds over the squares and rings. 3/8 inch is the maximum sewing thickness for a Consew 206RB-5. Also, bridles, being thick and under a lot of stress, are usually sewn with bonded thread sizes 277 or 346, or 4 or 5 cord linen, run through a wax pot. These thread sizes are beyond the range handled by the Consew or Singer 99 you mentioned. Gun holsters can be sewn with #207 thread, minimum, for two layer pancake holsters. These usually max out at 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch, which is within the realm of the 206RB. You will have to use a #25 leather point needle to sew with #207 thread. Holsters with a filler welt are beyond the range of those machines and also require #277 or larger thread, which the Consew can't handle. I went through a dozen industrial sewing machines before I learned these free lessons. Save your money and the aggravation sure to come as you try to sew beyond a machine's capabilities. Prepare to spend between $1800 to $2500 for a machine that is capable of sewing heavy leather with thick thread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SDP446 Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Most horse bridles measure about 3/8" to 1/2" at the folds over the squares and rings. 3/8 inch is the maximum sewing thickness for a Consew 206RB-5. Also, bridles, being thick and under a lot of stress, are usually sewn with bonded thread sizes 277 or 346, or 4 or 5 cord linen, run through a wax pot. These thread sizes are beyond the range handled by the Consew or Singer 99 you mentioned. Gun holsters can be sewn with #207 thread, minimum, for two layer pancake holsters. These usually max out at 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch, which is within the realm of the 206RB. You will have to use a #25 leather point needle to sew with #207 thread. Holsters with a filler welt are beyond the range of those machines and also require #277 or larger thread, which the Consew can't handle. I went through a dozen industrial sewing machines before I learned these free lessons. Save your money and the aggravation sure to come as you try to sew beyond a machine's capabilities. Prepare to spend between $1800 to $2500 for a machine that is capable of sewing heavy leather with thick thread. Thanks for yall's replies! I greatly appreciate your advice! So would I need something more like a Tipman Boss or a GA5-1? Can you give me a few more models to keep my eyes out for? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 29, 2012 Thanks for yall's replies! I greatly appreciate your advice! So would I need something more like a Tipman Boss or a GA5-1? Can you give me a few more models to keep my eyes out for? Thanks! Check out the Cowboy CB2500 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 1, 2012 Thanks for yall's replies! I greatly appreciate your advice! So would I need something more like a Tipman Boss..... Read this before you invest in a Boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
catskin Report post Posted March 1, 2012 I make horse bridles and own a CB 4500,in my opinion 4500 or equivalent is minimum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
busted Report post Posted March 12, 2012 Thanks for yall's replies! I greatly appreciate your advice! So would I need something more like a Tipman Boss or a GA5-1? Can you give me a few more models to keep my eyes out for? Thanks! Don't buy a GA5-1 it is a knock off of the Singer 45 they are not a walking foot machine the lower feed dogs really mess up the bottom of your project. They will sew canvas and other heavy stuff like that but not leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
