Multiple Machines?

[nervjiggy]

I'm looking to purchase a leather sewing machine. Thing is I'm not sure what I actually need. I will be sewing knife sheaths. belt loop, inlay, and welt. So the first two are fairly thin, however sewing around the sheath could be over the 1/2" of the machines ive been eyeballing. So, would a machine with more clearance still sew the thinner stuff well? would two machines be ideal? Then there's price. The 1/2" machines (under 1500) are at my limit. What say you?

[KAYAK45]

Go down from where you posted to LEATHER SEWING MACHINES. There is a pinned post on choosing a/more leather sewing machine(s) that will answer most of your questions.

As you will see most"1/2" machines will only sew 3/8 materials. The 1/2 refers to the total clearance of the foot above the table.

It will also be related to the total thickness of the leather you want to use, as to whether a bigger machine will sew lighter weights.

Welts are another story, but hand sewing is not quite that hard. Several craftsmen here make all there sheaths that way.

Good luck and keep searching for THE ANSWER!

Kevin

[Techsew Ron]

I'm looking to purchase a leather sewing machine. Thing is I'm not sure what I actually need. I will be sewing knife sheaths. belt loop, inlay, and welt. So the first two are fairly thin, however sewing around the sheath could be over the 1/2" of the machines ive been eyeballing. So, would a machine with more clearance still sew the thinner stuff well? would two machines be ideal? Then there's price. The 1/2" machines (under 1500) are at my limit. What say you?

If you want a machine that can sew thin (down to 6oz) all the way up to thick (7/8" thick) you'll need a 441 clone. These are capable of sewing a very wide range of applications.

Otherwise you can use a flatbed or cylinder walking foot machine with a 3/8" sewing capacity for belts, wallets, notebook covers etc....this covers most general leather work but nothing exceeding 3/8".

Feel free to give me a call if you need some more advice!

Cheers,

Ron

[15mules]

I am no expert on this matter by no means, but I will give you my opinion for what it is worth (which is not much) I had been hand sewing and doing some repairs. I limited the work I did because of the time and effort involved, fact is i just did not have the time to stitch larger projects. I knew I would be doing thicker leather so I opted for the Largest Artesian made the Toro machine. This machine easily sews the thickest leather I incounter in my saddle and holster work. I have sewed as thin as 10oz. cotton duct on it, however 3 layers would not feed properly, 4 layers did ok as long as I was paying attention. I quickly seen what I believe is true. There is no one perfect size machine. If a person is going to do different types of leather work and not be limited 2 machines I believe is the way to go. The folks at Springfield Leather were honest with me when they said this machine probably would not be good for the chaps and thinner projects I wanted to do, and they were right. I see now after using my Toro that I will gretly increase my production by having a 2nd flatbed machine for the thinner leathers. Not only will it do a better job of sewing, but I will not be spending all that time changing back and forth between needles and thread sizes on the big machine. I too was on a limited budget and hoped for the best, but the truth is there is just no one machine that does it all well. At least not in my limited experience.

[sheathmaker]

I am no expert on this matter by no means, but I will give you my opinion for what it is worth (which is not much) I had been hand sewing and doing some repairs. I limited the work I did because of the time and effort involved, fact is i just did not have the time to stitch larger projects. I knew I would be doing thicker leather so I opted for the Largest Artesian made the Toro machine. This machine easily sews the thickest leather I incounter in my saddle and holster work. I have sewed as thin as 10oz. cotton duct on it, however 3 layers would not feed properly, 4 layers did ok as long as I was paying attention. I quickly seen what I believe is true. There is no one perfect size machine. If a person is going to do different types of leather work and not be limited 2 machines I believe is the way to go. The folks at Springfield Leather were honest with me when they said this machine probably would not be good for the chaps and thinner projects I wanted to do, and they were right. I see now after using my Toro that I will gretly increase my production by having a 2nd flatbed machine for the thinner leathers. Not only will it do a better job of sewing, but I will not be spending all that time changing back and forth between needles and thread sizes on the big machine. I too was on a limited budget and hoped for the best, but the truth is there is just no one machine that does it all well. At least not in my limited experience.

Experience is truly a great teacher. I agree with you on the necessity and the convenience of two machines for multiple weight leather work. The heavier Artisans and the Cobra (class 4 etc) heavy stitchers are great of the thicker work, but a smaller flat bed machine is by far better for the 3/8" and under work. Smaller needles, lighter thread and better and more professional look all around. All my knife sheaths have work by both machines.

Paul

Edited October 13, 2012 by sheathmaker

[Northmount]

For 3/8" and under, also look at Techsew 2700 or Cowboy CB227R along with the flatbed attachment. Gives you both open arm when you need it and flat bed when you need it. My 2700 is doing a good job for me.

Tom