ChimeraKennels Report post Posted May 20, 2012 (edited) Is this machine, with their MCSCR motor and power plus wheel sufficient for regular use on a 3/8" (an occasional max of 1/2") total stack of leather? I like the control I see in their videos. Edited May 20, 2012 by ChimeraKennels Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChimeraKennels Report post Posted May 20, 2012 Heck, now I am even wondering about the LSZ1 machine. It seems to be just as capable...and would save me several hundred dollars to put towards a heavy duty machine later one for the big stuff. While neither would handle the collars (4 layers at the buckle), they both look as if they would have no problems with the nylon or 2 layers of leather...possibly 3? Anyone here familiar with these machines? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted May 20, 2012 The Sailrite 111 is a standard walking foot machine, with a maximum sewing thickness of 3/8 inch. You will not be able to sew over that, even though the feet lift higher. The feet need to be able to alternate up and down a certain distance. Plus, the needle bar must not be allowed to hit the lifted or alternating feet. Being that this machine uses a standard system 135x17 needle, it will not sew more than 3/8 inch. If you are seeking a leather sewing machine, for thicknesses up to 1/2 inch, this is not the machine for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted May 20, 2012 If you are only sewing animal collars, a CB2500 will handle 7/16 inch of leather. It has bottom feed and a solid foot (a roller foot is also available), handling thread sizes from #138 through #346. If you are going to sew webbing, you can definitely sew 1/2 inch with that machine. It has bottom feed only, which is no problem on webbing, or on dog collars, where the bottom is not normally seen. The ultimate machine would be a 441 clone, which has triple feed and can sew over 3/4 inch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChimeraKennels Report post Posted May 21, 2012 My reservation with bottom feeders isn't a concern on collars, but for the leather leashes it would be a concern. It appears as if I will need a triple feed system that has a cylinder base if I want a machine to do both the leather and nylon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChimeraKennels Report post Posted May 21, 2012 I know we are always better off getting the best machine we can afford, but the bottom line is I can't afford spending $2000 or more for the ideal machine. If I find a 441 clone, it will have to be a used one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted May 21, 2012 I know we are always better off getting the best machine we can afford, but the bottom line is I can't afford spending $2000 or more for the ideal machine. If I find a 441 clone, it will have to be a used one. Look here for used sewing machines, for sale by our members. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted May 21, 2012 Unless you want to hand sew, you can't afford not to get the proper machine for your work. If you have to save up a little longer, do it, if you need to get a loan, do it. You can lease them, you can go to the bank for a loan, or whatever you have to do. You really need to sew your collars and the machine will make it practical. Call the dealers and see what they can work out. Art I can't afford spending $2000 or more for the ideal machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChimeraKennels Report post Posted May 21, 2012 Thanks guys. The more I learn about the various machines, I see the 441 clones are the way to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
