What Kind Of Sewing Machine Do I Need?

[boodle]

I am trying to get into the leather business and I'm not sure what type of machine I need. I have been told that I need two machines. One to do harness work and one to do smaller jobs. I am working on a shoestring budget so I'm trying to stretch my money. I have found a singer 20 U for $300.00 and a Adler 120 - 8A Industrial / Commercial Sewing Machine for $2,250.00. There are so many different machines out there and I'm not sure what I need. Does anyone know if either of these machines would be good for me and, if so, are these good prices. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Wizcrafts]

The Singer 20U is a light duty, bottom feed zig zag machine, not suitable for leather. Is is great for light drapery and garment sewing.

[boodle]

Thank you so much for the information. This has kept me from wasting money on a machine I could not use. Can you advise me on what type of machines I need for harness sewing and for making purses and such?

[tnawrot2]

Wizcrafts wrote a great article on leather sewing machines, take time and read all the responses.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25239

[boodle]

Can you tell me anything about the Singer 97-10 sewing machine?

[tnawrot2]

You can't get needles for a Singer 97-10.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

You can run 1000 needles in a 97-10 I believe and there have been offering them for sale here.

There is always a way around needle availability.

[oltoot]

I believe that the 97-10 was developed for the military in WWII, specifically for parachute risers and heavy equipment riggings. The 97 head is found in several configurations, many different flatbed and long arm set ups. It was probably the forerunner for all the current single needle machines. Simple and rugged but increasingly rare with parts hard to find. When I was looking for and trying machines that was always one that was on my list but I never found one. I finally got tired of trading and fixing and bought a new Union Lockstitch and Singer 211 and have been pretty happy. I still would consider a Cowboy, Techsew, Artisan, Weaver or Adler cylinder arm but then would have to hustle more work to justify it so I guess I'll die happy with what I Have and not leave one for the heirs to figure out what to do with. Just my story.

[Art]

Get a 441 Clone set-up for leather, about $2600 + 250 shipping, Cobra Class 4 or Cowboy 4500. A used Singer 153w101 is an excellent mid range cylinder arm machine that you can find in decent shape for $300-$400. You might have to change out the motor for $160 additional. This machine does not have reverse, but they did without it for a lot of years. If you want a flat bed, the Singer 111w155 (or other high numbers) is comparable to the 153w101 except not a cylinder arm. Almost any imaginable foot set has been made for these machines (153 and 111) except roller feet, and are still readily available.

That seems to be in your budget vicinity.

Art

[wxp]

How about a Singer model 95-1 ... any good for leather??

[Art]

The 95 machines were high speed fabric sewing machines. Drop feed only, 3000spm.

Art

[boodle]

I have found a Singer 97-10. It is suppose to be in perfect condition. It comes with about 50 needles. The price is around $2,500.00. Can anybody give me some advise on whether or not this would be a good purchase?

[Art]

IMHO NO. I have owned one of those and it was a fine machine in it's day. In my younger days, I and a few friends would take on moving one of those, but it was a task. Parts for it will be a problem also.

For a similar amount, you can buy a 441 clone (Cobra Class 4, Cowboy 4500) that is better than the 97 in its prime. The parts for the 441 and it's clones are readily available today as the machines are still in production. Options like needle positioning motors make them truly "Dream Machines". Call Steve Tayrien at the Leather Machine Company - 866-962-9880 or Bob Kovar at Toledo to get the full scoop on their machines. I have most of the Cobra machines and they work flawlessly.

Art

[Techsew Ron]

I have found a Singer 97-10. It is suppose to be in perfect condition. It comes with about 50 needles. The price is around $2,500.00. Can anybody give me some advise on whether or not this would be a good purchase?

You're better off getting a new machine with a warranty and free tech support. All dealers on this forum will provide after-sale support. 441 clones sold by dealers sponsoring this forum include:

Techsew 5100

Cowboy 4500

Cobra Class 4

These are based on the Juki 441 and cost half the price.

Thanks,

Ron

[boodle]

The Singer 20U is a light duty, bottom feed zig zag machine, not suitable for leather. Is is great for light drapery and garment sewing.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

I believe that the 97-10 was developed for the military in WWII, specifically for parachute risers and heavy equipment riggings. The 97 head is found in several configurations, many different flatbed and long arm set ups. It was probably the forerunner for all the current single needle machines. Simple and rugged but increasingly rare with parts hard to find. When I was looking for and trying machines that was always one that was on my list but I never found one. I finally got tired of trading and fixing and bought a new Union Lockstitch and Singer 211 and have been pretty happy. I still would consider a Cowboy, Techsew, Artisan, Weaver or Adler cylinder arm but then would have to hustle more work to justify it so I guess I'll die happy with what I Have and not leave one for the heirs to figure out what to do with. Just my story.

You can't get needles for a Singer 97-10.

Thank you for this information. All of the input has helped me alot.

[boodle]

I want to thank everyone that has taken the time to respond to my questions. The information you have given me has been very helpful and has kept me from spending money on a machine I do not need. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate it.