Used Industrial Grade Sewing Machines?

[bizbeblu]

I've wasted a fair amount of time searching this via our overlord Google, but am not coming up with credible results. Part of the problem is that I don't know what is good and what is value in the used market. I have a nice Bernina that I use on thin leathers (like pigskin) but am looking for something that can stitch say a pair of 4-5 oz pieces. Maybe slightly more. I don't think I need anything more than a 10-12" throat.

Anyone have a recommendation for brand, supplier, and information/advice on price?

Would be greatly appreciated,

Robert

[Art]

If you are new to industrial machines, it is good to buy your first one from one of the dealers on this site, and get a new one if you can. If you buy a used industrial, it may very well have been used in an industrial setting, which is not a problem for the experienced, but can be for the inexperienced. Steve at Leather Machine Co. is near you in Ontario CA, give him a call and a visit; best to be near a dealer on your first machine. If one of the dealers (use only the ones on this forum as they work with leather machines and know how to set them up) has a used machine available, rest assured it will be properly conditioned and set up for leatherwork.

Art

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I have seen several industrial units on Craigslist.org . I picked up 2 Adler patchers off Craigslist. I also found a big Singer with table at a storage locker sale.

Edited May 18, 2013 by BIGGUNDOCTOR

[bizbeblu]

Art and BigGun,

Thanks for the responses. Quite some time ago (maybe 20+ years?) I had a Pfaf on a large table/stand. Don't remember its specs, but I was sewing teepees from very heavy canvas. (Must have been more than 20 years now that I think about it ). Anyway I do remember that I basically couldn't bog it down even bringing together four hemmed pieces of treated duck. I did check some of the links located ever so often at the top of the page, but as always on the Internet, I don't know if I'm being fed something by Google or if these ads are site specific. Good to know they are "site approved." I have a fair amount of experience sewing in light leather - vests and such things - but would like to expand into large bags, boxes, satchels, etc. I've done a couple by hand and frankly life is too sweet to punch and stitch that thick of leather for very long. Guess I have that attention deficit thingy as I'd never last long enough to finish a saddle.

The problem with Craigslist (and also its advantage) is that one doesn't have a clue if the person knows what they're talking about and if it is represented accurately. It's about 120 miles to an area that is served by Craigslist, so paying more to a dealer that would back one up makes sense.

Thanks again,

Robert

Edited May 18, 2013 by bizbeblu