What Machine Do You Use For Belts, Bags And Wallets

[Dallas Cowboy]

Thanks for all the input fellas. Right now i think i will start with a machine that i can do smaller stuff with like belts, book covers, chaps and such. Man are there a ton of options out there. LOL

I would get a Consew 277 style machine with a flat bed attachment. In fact that's going to be my next machine.

What do you like about this machine?

What size leather will it sew?

Edited July 27, 2012 by Dallas Cowboy

[Rayban]

I have a Cowboy 3500 and recently "discovered" that with 138 thread and #21 needle, and with the machine set for 7 stitches per inch, I'm able to sew two layers of upholstery leather very nicely......I've been making soft pouches....

Then with just changing thread and needle back to 207/#23 for belts, holsters, sheaths, etc.....I'm off and running without having to make any tension adjustment. Sweet deal.

[Dallas Cowboy]

That sounds really sweet

[Kustom]

I like it because it's compound feed cylinder arm machine that sews the right thickness of leather for bags, wallets and belts. There are lots of clones of the 277 around, having said that for all I know the 277 is a knock off of something else.

Thanks for all the input fellas. Right now i think i will start with a machine that i can do smaller stuff with like belts, book covers, chaps and such. Man are there a ton of options out there. LOL

What do you like about this machine?

What size leather will it sew?

[Dallas Cowboy]

most saddle shops I have ever been in have at least 2 sewing machines. A heavy stitcher and a flat bed walking foot sewing machine. I have a Luberto's Classic that will sew 2 layers of 3 oz and will do an honest inch of skirting also. It just takes a lot of time when going between the two to get it adjusted just right. That is why I bought my first "chap" machine and would not be without a heavy sitcher and a chap machine both. My 2 cents worth. Ken

Ken-What machine do you have for a chap machine?

[Russ]

I use my Artisan 3000 for holsters, heavier journals or binders, belts, and most chaps/chinks.

I use a Juki DNU-1541 for most purses, journals and wallets, and any other type of material I need (such as canvas).

There's really no way to have one machine for all leather. Between these two machines, I can do almost everything I want. I say "almost" because I use a regular sewing machine to sew cloth liners for the purses.

Note: there may be a better machine for wallets than the Juki, but I bought mine because I saw it worked for Kevin King. Not saying I wouldn't recommend the Juki, because it works great. Just sayin'. )

[Ken Nelson]

Ken-What machine do you have for a chap machine?

Walking foot, compound feed, currently 3 of them as I swap on sewing machines as a hobby. I would look for one that will sew a minimum of 3/8", have reverse although you can live without it. Servo motor is nice and a speed reducer behind it is extra-nice. Wiz seems to really like the servo with the built in speed reducer but I have never used one so I cannot in good faith comment on it. I have a like new 31-20 Singer that is a bottom feed with roller foot that is super good on light weight stuff. Also, if I only had one sewing machine, I would like it to go 207 on top and 138 on bottom. I don't know much about the lighter weight cylinder arms as I have never used one. In an ideal world, you would be able to try different machines before you purchase. If there had been Leatherworker when I started, I would not have made several expensive mistakes buying sewing machines I did make. Hope this helps. Ken