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??