cathy3145 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 I make leather totes and handbags. I have also made a few pair of outsewn shoes. I want to buy a machine mainly for the handbags. I currently use my home machine and it does okay with upholstery weight seams but cannot handle too many layers. Juki? Chandler? Cowboy? Techsew? I wish I knew what I needed so I could just buy it. I know I need a walking foot but do not know I need a flatbed or a post bed. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) I make leather totes and handbags. I have also made a few pair of outsewn shoes. I want to buy a machine mainly for the handbags. I currently use my home machine and it does okay with upholstery weight seams but cannot handle too many layers. Juki? Chandler? Cowboy? Techsew? I wish I knew what I needed so I could just buy it. I know I need a walking foot but do not know I need a flatbed or a post bed. Any help would be appreciated. Hi Cathy. Please go to our website and click on the instructional video button. Scroll down to the youtube video's and you will see a lady by the name of Hedley Pepper. She is a maker of handbags. You will have more info regarding your request. Thanks, Steve Edited May 31, 2012 by Cobra Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cathy3145 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Hi Cathy. Please go to our website and click on the instructional video button. Scroll down to the youtube video's and you will see a lady by the name of Hedley Pepper. She is a maker of handbags. You will have more info regarding your request. Thanks, Steve Which Cobra 4 is she using? Does it come with an optional flatbed piece? What are the price ranges? Thank you much Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cathy3145 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Which Cobra 4 is she using? Does it come with an optional flatbed piece? What are the price ranges? Thank you much Also, it says it sews 6 oz and up. What does one do if they are also using a 3 oz leather? Is there a good option for a companion machine? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) For leather totes and handbags the most popular choice is a walking foot machine with a 10.5" long cylinder bed and about 3/8" sewing capacity. Flatbed table attachment is a good idea when sewing longer/flat items. These machines are good for sewing 3oz thin garment leather all the way up to about 2 layers of 8oz leather. Thanks, Ron Edited May 31, 2012 by Ronnie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAYAK45 Report post Posted June 4, 2012 I wish I knew what I needed so I could just buy it. I know I need a walking foot but do not know I need a flatbed or a post bed. Any help would be appreciated. Call ALLLLLLLLLL the headliners on this site. THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted June 4, 2012 I suggest looking at a cylinder arm machine. It can have a flat bed attachment, OR can be used as the cylinder arm. If you need to sew gussets or inside seams, a flatbed has a hard time reaching in there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spinner Report post Posted June 5, 2012 If it helps any, this bag was sewn on a Techsew 2700. The leather thickness ranges from 3-10oz and thread sizes from 69 to 138 were used on various parts. Should give you a pretty good idea of what's possible on a cylinder arm with a flat bed attachment. The motorcycle tank bib and side cover inlay were also sewn on the TS2700, 6oz cowhide & 2oz lambda using 207/138 thread combo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cathy3145 Report post Posted June 6, 2012 Certainly appreciate all the suggestions. cathy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cathy3145 Report post Posted June 6, 2012 Someone has offered me this machine. I believe it is similar to the techsew 2800. Any thoughts? e this machine: With attachment! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites