Manual/pedal Sewing Machine?

[Twitterpate]

I have what is probably a newb question, but I've read thru alot of the forum before asking it, because it isn't specifically addressed.

My question is: "Would it be possible to use a foot operated or crank handle antique Singer for sewing leather?"

I know I've seen questions out there about using a home machine vs industrial machune, but none of them mentioned the foot pedal manually operated machines. Since it is brought up so much about the machines being set up with too fast of a speed, I was wondering how one of those would work. I have my eye on a a 99 Singer and a 128 Singer.

I bring this up because I spent some time at a plant that made real braided rugs, and after getting a quote for the $3000 per machine for commercial quality, they went around and collected some of these old girls and set them up. Absolutelyl NO sewing machine would go thru that stuff, but those did.

Sincerely,

Twitterpate

[Twitterpate]

Wow...no replies at all? I was hoping for some help on this...

[dirtclod]

People maybe like me and didn't even what the machines looked like because there must be several hundred maybe thousands different models of Singers. But when i took a look on the web they look like home machines to me. You might be able to sew some thin leather but that's it. To answer your other question yes you sew turning the wheel but it's going to be slow.

[Twitterpate]

Ok, I'm looking at two machines to handle some stuff so I don't have to hand sew quite as much.

The Singer 145W103 (industrial machine) which lists that it is a compound needle, alternating presser feet (walking foot) machine with the presser feet having approx 7/8" lift to handle bulky items like "sewing linings into leather coats" as the original reviews says, and extra large bobbins (handling 4 times the normal size).

And an old Singer from around 1908 that operates as a single needle (I'm sure) with a large wheel attached to a pedal below the table, from which a large rubber band then goes to the machine, and you operate the machine and it's speed with your foot. It is foot operated, no electricity. Commonly known as a "treadle sewing machine".

I was going to post pics of the machines, but for some reason, leatherworker.net has been acting up on me today, and it won't let me post pics. I thought of the old peddle power because I remember being at a bike rally and a woman was there selling the large patches to go on your jackets. I have an extremely heavy, thick leather jacket that she sewed a large patch onto the back of, and she had one there. She used it because it handled the heavy material and she could use it whether or not electricity was available whereever she set up. The only complaint she had of it was that the cast iron base weighed a TON. That was probably 10 years ago, but I remembered it when I started looking at getting a little help in the handsewing area.

Anyway, thoughts are welcome. I just don't want to lug something home that will be of NO use (limited use is fine)...but it will be next year before I can put out the big bucks for one of the newer fancy ones that will handle the BIG stuff I don't want to sew anymore.

--Dava

[Northmount]

The woman was using a patcher model 29k ... Very different compared to a home singer sewing machine.

For heavy thick stuff, your 145W103 is better.

Really depends on how much you are going to use it and the type of work. Treadle machine can get very tiring if you are at it all day. Won't need to go to the gymn for your exercise.

Tom

[midwestislander]

I have a buddy that has a leather shop that has 2 treadle machines used almost daily. (Singer - model # ?, and a pfaff model # ?). He makes wallets, bags, backpacks, knife sheaths on them. I will be there tomorrow and will check the model numbers.

[Geneva]

Most if not all treadle machines will sew only 1/4" material. Forget the 99 and 128 they are not designed to sew leather. A steady diet of leather will beat them to pieces. The 145 is your best choice it can handle the small stuff as well as the heavy stuff. The 145 can use the 7x3 needle or the 794 needle that Schmetz makes. I have a 144w103 (brother of 145) that will sew 3 and 4 ounce material simply by switching the needle out to a 7x3 and the thread to a #92 or a 69 if I need to excellent machine. Don't undersize your machine needs get one that will do what you are going to sew. That is my 2 cents. Good luck.

[DoubleC]

I sew interiors with my treadle and hand crank singers (27, 128) and have sewn guitar strap linings on etc. If you're not sewing 8 hours a day 7 days a week they'll do the job, seriously. I just bought a cobra 4 and have no intention of getting rid of my 27 and 128 Cheryl

[midwestislander]

OK, I checked my friend at Pathfinder leather, and his two machines are old; a Singer 29-K-71 and a Pfaff 345-H3-60, both treadle machines. He uses these daily, however not continuously. Between the two, he is able tosew almost anything. The Pfaff is the heavy duty, being used for holsters and other heavy jobs, up to 20-25 oz.

[Twitterpate]

Thanks so much for your input guys, I really appreciate it! I feel better informed on what I'm looking at to make decisions...

[wolfe9]

How it is powered isn't the important part , Many of the old harness stitchers where pedal power and the

amish still use pedal power on all of their machines . You might have gotten a better response if you had posted in the machine section , I think many of the dealers concentrate on that section when they are busy .

Good luck

Edited August 15, 2013 by wolfe9