Coho Report post Posted October 31, 2012 (edited) Hi guys, I am new to leather working but have been making holsters, knife & axe sheaths & belts & business is booming (I am turning people away as I just don't have the time to make it all). As such, I want to buy a machine to drop my time per piece & start some larger projects (I am not looking forward to hand stitching full rifle scabbards !). I have been doing my reading here and searching the net for months for a good machine at a VERY decent price (as the recession hits everyone). I would love to spend the cash one time for a 'do everything' machine, but I don't have the spare $2500 + dollars right now , but I have found what seems like an ok deal to start sewing. Here is what I found : Leighton's Mach 1 Industrial sewing machine, $1000 local sale (save the shipping costs - BONUS), this one DOES have Reverse ! & comes with extra bobbins, table made for it, a few other extra's, and it has been set up to stitch saddlery & harnesses - so I know it will handle heavier leather for my holsters, thick sheaths, etc. What I WANT is a jump foot machine with a Needle pull through - one time buy, never need another machine. I am aware it's not the BEST machine for holsters, scabbards & sheaths as read on other posts here : http://leatherworker...?showtopic=9019 My QUESTION is whether I should buy it even though the needle and feed aren't ideal for holster work, and try to sell later or just hold off and buy the big one - ONE time maybe a year from now (ugg - I really want to get into the stitching and more projects to sell). I have to make my savings go as far as I can, so if compromise ISN'T worth it, I will wait, but if it is a great start I will consider and likely buy it. >>> Some of my stuff so far <<< You can see my hand stitching is good & getting better, but time wise... This is the actual machine here : Edited October 31, 2012 by Coho Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 31, 2012 (edited) We have many customers who sew holsters with our Techsew 3650HD (same as the mach 1 with different table and servo motor) and they love it. Ideally you should go with a compound walking foot machine like a 441 clone to get you thicker sewing capacity however this would be a good start and you can always sell it when you're ready to upgrade. As always if you're buying a used machine, take some leather and make sure it actually works! You don't want to get stuck looking for parts replacements and mechanic fees that could run you a few hundred dollars more. EDIT: Just noticed, I'm pretty sure the machine in the picture does not have reverse. Make sure it does before you buy. Ron Edited October 31, 2012 by Ronnie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 31, 2012 If you don't have the cash for a 441 clone, but you do have the work, buy the 441 on time and pay as you go. You can expense the payments. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted October 31, 2012 Hi Cojo. We offer time payments Please contact us for more info. Thanks, Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sylvia Report post Posted November 2, 2012 +100 for Cobra Steve. He's been mighty good to me and worked within my budget. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted November 5, 2012 $1000 for a second hand machine that the seller has already fibbed about (reverse) or about $1500 for a new machine with reverse and servo motor from a reputable dealer? All of the dealers hare have great reputations for backup and service - it is their interest to look after customers - and you can be sure that free advice will still be there long after the warranty runs out because they want to sell you your next machine as you move up. All you need do is look through these pages to see how much free advice they give to other peoples customers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
