martin bros Report post Posted November 21, 2012 I'm learning leather work and am interested to buy a skiving machine. I've looked at many online- Chinese, Italian, etc. What is the difference between bottom feed vs. top and bottom feed? I'm doing mostly bags and belts but want a machine that can grow with my skill set and interests. Does a heavy duty machine do lightweight to mid-weight material as well as a medium duty machine? Heavy duty machines seem to cost more. Do I pony up for a heavy duty machine so that I have that range in the future even though I don't need it now? What would you all buy? Is there a big difference between a Consew, Econosew or Cobra at $1,200 or thereabouts and a new Fortuna SM-50 or FAV AV2 for 4-5k? I'm interested to get a good machine and am willing to pay the price but wonder if it is necessary. What would you all buy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martin bros Report post Posted November 21, 2012 I'm learning leather work and am interested to buy a skiving machine. I've looked at many online- Chinese, Italian, etc. What is the difference between bottom feed vs. top and bottom feed? I'm doing mostly bags and belts but want a machine that can grow with my skill set and interests. Does a heavy duty machine do lightweight to mid-weight material as well as a medium duty machine? Heavy duty machines seem to cost more. Do I pony up for a heavy duty machine so that I have that range in the future even though I don't need it now? What would you all buy? Is there a big difference between a Consew, Econosew or Cobra at $1,200 or thereabouts and a new Fortuna SM-50 or FAV AV2 for 4-5k? I'm interested to get a good machine and am willing to pay the price but wonder if it is necessary. What would you all buy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toddunn Report post Posted November 21, 2012 I want to have a zipper wallet made like Ralph Lauren's zipper wallet. https://www.google.com/search?q=RRL+ZIPPER+WALLET&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ZFasUK7EGoKmqQGmkoDoDQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=356#i= Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted November 21, 2012 I have researched a bunch of these machines, Have decided on the Fortuna with top and bottom feed. I have found the single feed machines to be good for one or the other types of skiving. Bottom feed is pretty good for veg tan, top and bottom feed will do pretty much anything you wish to try. Call Bob at Toledo Industrial Machines, you won't be disappointed. ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pamelabronk Report post Posted January 21, 2013 I've had a fortuna for years and do all of my edge skiving and staps with it. You can have different wheels on it. I have teeth another bag lady I know has the sand wheel. any problems with leather not feeding try a silicon spray. Any problems with it call Ward and Kennedy in Milwaukee. they have the supplies too. Just bought a knife and belt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted January 22, 2013 pamelabronk I tried the Ward and Kennedy site but I could find nothing whatsoever about the Fortuna machines. Sent an e-mail requesting info on top feed rollers. ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pamelabronk Report post Posted January 22, 2013 Phone them & just ask for Sue I use the phone a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
