Pfaff 335 Vs Reliable Vs Highlead For Binding

[chknpicker]

Wondering if anyone can chime in on the pros and cons of these machines. Would be using them to bind briefcases and handbags with 3/4" or 1" leather binding approx. 2 oz. thick, raw edge. Will be binding approx. 8 to 10 oz. thick leather edges. Looking for the best binding machine with compound feed and synchronized binding attachment capability. Price is a consideration as is reliability and ease of finding parts.

Pfaff 335

Reiable MSK-335B

Highlead GC2698-1 (least expensive- any good?)

Seiko LSC-8BV-1

My understanding is that the Pfaff parts are more expensive to replace. Are the other machines (reliable and highlead) just clones and are they any different from each other? There is a Seiko that has a synchronized mechanism that is also a possibility.

It's also not easy to find guys who know much about the binder attachments themselves anymore.

Thanks!

[seweng]

I have experience with the Highlead model; it's well built and very similar to the Pfaff.

The Highlead model is fitted with a Japanese hook and I understand the Pfaff is fitted with a European Hook. Many of the standard sewing parts are interchangeable, so it easy to fit different feet etc.

Highlead do make a dedicating binding model here:

http://www.highlead....ead-GC2698.html

Edited September 3, 2012 by seweng

[coryleif]

Consew also has a couple machines with synchro binders...the 227 and 277: http://consew.margin...ts/cylinder.htm

There are still a few US companies making/fitting binding attachments...I don't have a full list at hand, but here are a couple:

http://www.atlatt.co...rs/binding.html

http://www.chholderb...strial-binders/

http://www.jesseheap...attachments.htm

http://www.kaplansew...ttachments.html

http://www.nysmac.com/attachments.cfm

http://www.tennattachment.com/

I haven't worked with any of the above companies...just what Google told me.

Gregg at Keystone Sewing can also get custom attachments.

See also this post: http://leatherworker...showtopic=35749

I have a 335...very well-built machine. I haven't got it up and running for binding yet as there are some clearance issues with my attachment and the needle plate. Still need to do a bit more grinding. Fortunately there are some generic parts for the 335 out there, a needle plate being one of them. Genuine parts, as you well know, are mega $$.

Good luck!