Need Help Choosing Sewing Machine For Leather

[Kathie]

I need a decent sewing machine for leather. If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it.

I have purchased 2 machines on E-Bay which claimed to sew thick leather...but unfortunately, they do not do the job.

My husband was a big game hunter, and I have many skins to make into jackets, purses, and belts, etc. I want to sew buffalo hides, elephant hides, deerskin, ostrich, and impala; in addition to apparel leather.

I am in the market for something that will sew up to 6 layers of these skins... I think 3/8" clearance would work.

I also want it to not bog down when it's time for the machine to ride over extra thicknesses, as over seam allowances....and purse handles.

I have looked at a Consew 206RB-5, but the dealership wants $2600 with the table and slow-down motor. Is this a good price? I saw them for $1000 cheaper on the internet I do want to be able to sew slowly around collars, etc. and not rip through a project.

This same dealer also has an old Singer 16-188 for $650.

I don't know what I need and would appreciate any help. I'm tired of being burned on E-Bay!

Are there other models that I should be looking at?

Kathie M.

[Itch]

I would look into a 441 clone..We have an Artisan Toro 3000,and a Sewpro 441 They are both work horses and we do not baby these machines at all.

[Wizcrafts]

You definitely need a compound feed walking foot machine, with a minimum of 3/8 inch capacity, with #207 thread. A Consew 206RB-5 will do this, but will be at its full capacity. I try to use my machines at less than full capacity, both for efficiency and longevity of the machine.

There is a class of flat bed machines, called a 443, that are based on the 441 design, or the Adler 204 style. They can sew about 7/8 inch of leather or cloth, with #415 thread, which is more than you'll ever need. The machines have about 16 inches clearance between the needle and body. I owned an Adler 204 for a short time and they really can sew 3/4 inch, with what some folks would call rope, rather than thread.

Then, one could buy a 441 clone, like this one and get the optional table attachment for it.

[Kathie]

Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!!!!!!!

I am going to look into these machines tonight!

KathieM

[tnawrot2]

There are two dealers that advertise on this forum, they are there to answer questions before and after the sale, they can suggest a sewing machine for your application.

http://www.leathermachineco.com/pages/contactus.php

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb4500.html

[JLSleather]

The consew you mentioned , you can get for $1,000 at techew http://shop.raphaelsewing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=530

The 16-188 is fast, but not for what you want to do. If i needed one, I MIGHT pay half of that

[tnawrot2]

You have a message.

[billymac814]

FWIW 2600 for a Consew 206rb is way out of line. I paid somewhere around 1300 for mine complete with the table and gear reduction servo motor( I would prefer a speed reducer and regular servo but its not bad). I bought mine brand new from Bob at Toledo. Even with a speed reducer that shouldn't put it more than 150 bucks or so more.

It'll stitch with 207 OK but it works better with 138 I think.

I would also look at the Cowboy 227(I think that's the number). I want one and am probably going to trade in my 206 as soon as bob gets more in. It has a similar capacity but is more convenient for non flat things. I have a Cowboy 4500 but I'd like to leave it set up for heavy stuff.

Edited January 18, 2013 by billymac814

[Kaulaa]

Wizcrafts I have a Consew 7360R with a Servo motor - I regret buying this machine. I was told it can be used for leather what a waste of money. I just met with Steve at Cobra and looked at his class 4 machine it looked very impressive and showed me how it sew through deep thickness of leather and what a beautiful stitches. I think I am going to buy this machine and his Post 5110. I have looked at Artisan for comparing and also Cowboy as well as Techsew. I will never buy a Consew or Juki unless someone tells me they had experience using them for leather. I think these are better for the Apparel industry. These machines are the I only ones I see in the Los Angeles garment district. I run a footwear line and started making handmade shoes. I am strictly footwear with light and heavy leather. I would like your thoughts on these different companies and machines or any other opinions from anyone.

I know these are all made in China and I bumped into the factory on Alibaba the other day. I am just new to these kind of leather machines and need some true life experience any help would be appreciated.

[billymac814]

You make a very broad statement saying you'll never buy a Consew or a Juki. The Cobra class 4 you want to buy is a clone of a Juki 441, it obviously sews leather. I have a Cowboy 4500 that's basically the same. I also have a Consew 206rb that'll stitch at least 3/8" of leather with no problem.

All of these machines need to be set up to sew leather by a dealer or someone who knows what they are doing, this usually involves slowing down the motor as well as other modifications that will keep the feed dogs and such from marking the leather.

I don't believe your machine to be suitable for serious leatherwork though, you may be able to stitch some light leather with it but you really need a walking foot machine like the 206RB or the Cobra 4 but you need one to match your needs. If you're making shoes the post machine would be a good choice too as its easier to sew uppers on that. I have a Singer post machine for that.

Good luck and don't rule out brands because you bought the wrong machine, just rule out that model. Lots of new people end up buying the wrong machine because the seller said it can sew leather. I have an old portable sewing machine that can technically sew leather but it certainly isn't suited to sew leather all the time or even do it well.

Talk to Steve or another dealer, tell them your needs and they'll get you fixed up with a machine to meet those needs.