ashleyuk Report post Posted August 21, 2012 Hello All..... I have a 29k 72 and she is a lovelely machine... doesnt miss a stitch (now I have learnt how to thread the bobbin !) I make dog collars,shotgun cartridge belts,transmitter cases ,falconry equipmentetc etc ,i would like to make a few gloves,and also some thick shooting slings (I feel its alot of hard work on the 29k and sitting there turning by hand eats into profit by spending more time sewing.) My 29k will stitch 1mm right up to around 5-6 mm . Is there such a machine out there that can handle thin leathers and real thick leathers ? Like saddle leather ? I guess I am looking for a machine to do what the 29 does, and a little thicker leather,oh and electric ! Oh and last me a lifetime ! I visited a saddlers a bit back and he had a Juki 441 which was a lovely machine and nice and powerful. Is this too heavy duty for the lighter work ? I look forward to all of your advice Thanks Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) I use my antique Singer 15-91 for everything from silk to 1/4" leather. Anything that goes under the foot it will sew and handles up to #69 thread but I've yet to need it. I don't know a lot about the Juki's but it's hard to get one of the bigger machines that will do the light and heavy work too. People here will be pleased to know I don't even have a 15-91 for sale, last one I had was mailed today, LOL. But will continue to recommend these little beasts to everyone that asks. Cheryl Edited August 21, 2012 by DoubleC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted August 21, 2012 Hello All..... I have a 29k 72 and she is a lovelely machine... doesnt miss a stitch (now I have learnt how to thread the bobbin !) I make dog collars,shotgun cartridge belts,transmitter cases ,falconry equipmentetc etc ,i would like to make a few gloves,and also some thick shooting slings (I feel its alot of hard work on the 29k and sitting there turning by hand eats into profit by spending more time sewing.) My 29k will stitch 1mm right up to around 5-6 mm . Is there such a machine out there that can handle thin leathers and real thick leathers ? Like saddle leather ? I guess I am looking for a machine to do what the 29 does, and a little thicker leather,oh and electric ! Oh and last me a lifetime ! I visited a saddlers a bit back and he had a Juki 441 which was a lovely machine and nice and powerful. Is this too heavy duty for the lighter work ? I look forward to all of your advice Thanks Ashley Hi Ashley, A Juki 441 or 441 clone machine will sew leather starting at around 6oz all the way up to approximately 22mm. For lighter weight leather you'll probably want to use your 29k. It's good to have a machine for lighter leather and one for heavier leather. Good luck in your search! Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted August 21, 2012 The 441 clone will sew anything leather up to 3/4 inch or more with size 415 thread. It will sew down to 138 or even 92 with a little adjustment. Your 29 will sew with 69 thread all day so you are covered there. All this being said, a medium weight machine will serve to minimize thread/needle changing. The 441 clone can sew most anything with what it is loaded with, but will big thread look good on a small/thin project or thin thread on heavy leather? Not usually, that is why most folks have two or more machines. Always get the bigger machine; it seems like your projects will tend to exceed your machines capabilities eventually. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ashleyuk Report post Posted August 22, 2012 Hi All, Thanks for the replies. The clone machines I am not familiar with. There are certain new and used dealers here in the UK ,they sell machines such as the Durkopps,brother,highlead etc. I do not know of any clone makers/sellers here ? Are clones as good as the real thing? I have heard good things about Durkopp Adler also. I still like that Juki I saw ! Thanks Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites