New To Leatherworking Need Help With Setup And Machine

[anvlts]

Hi Folks,

My first post here.

I am a kitchen knife maker who would like to make his own sheaths, knife rolls and other stuff related to knives. Ideally I would like to come up with an efficient setup, as knife making takes a good amount of my time.

I plan on using a 3-ply sheath construction, and use vegetable tanned tooling leather in 8-9 oz, so I am looking for a walking foot machine capable of sewing through 3/8 of leather. I am not sure if I should be looking for the likes of Consew 206RB5 or heavier-duty machine. Could you please chime on this?

For the machine, would you recommend getting one with the Servo motor? I would like to sew leather with thick nylon threads, would this affect the machine choice? Ideally, it would be the same machine that can produce quality stitches on 3/8 thick leather and thinner (knife rolls) and would not need many adjustments

What other essential equipment would you recommend to get? I recognize the value of heaving right tools for the job, so I am willing to get everything that would make my work efficient and produce quality results.

Equipment I have:

-Grinder

-Drill Press

-Buffer

Planning to get (please advice):

-Rivet Press

-Leather Knives

-Mallets

-T-squares

-Dyes

-Barge contact cement

-Neatsfoot Oil & Wax

Thanks in advance,

Marko

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

Marko,

It's a tough choice a lot of folks have a 441 clone on here and they seem to be liking it very well, other folks like the needle and awl machines which were made to sew leather and have been around for 100+ years. But a new Campbell which is a needle and awl machine will cost you almost 7k but it is well worth it. The stitch that this machine can produce is very tight and consistent every time. The 441 will produce a good looking stitch as well but not as consistent as the needle and awl machine. I think these machines greater difference is consistency thorughout the work. In the other hand the 441 clone will cost you 2695 and its a more versatile machine that can sew other materials as well, so that's why a lot of people buy them don't waste your time with the Consew eventually once you start sewing leather you will want to sew thicker material and you are going to wish you hadn't of bought it. If you have the money go with the Campbell be papered to spend what it's worth or find a used one for half of that, if you want to compromise consistency purchase a clone good machine overall not excellent like the Campbell I think. Please consider this is my personal opinion hear what others have to say before you make a purchase this big look at all your options and only buy from a reputable dealer unless your a sewing machine mechanic. God Bless!

Ralph

[anvlts]

Thanks, Ralph -

I am looking forward to more info, but I am going to check Campbell machines out right away.

[Jwalker]

i soooooooooooo recommend the cobra class 4...i would call Steve @leather machine co to be sure abouth the thread

[Andrew Chee]

3 ply construction with 8-9oz leather is awfully heavy for kitchen knife sheaths. It would be too heavy to make knife rolls either. 8-9oz is like hunting knife sheath territory. If you're gonna go that think, get a 441 clone. Needle and awl machines are great but they're much more expensive and temperamental. I wouldn't suggest one of those until you really know what you're doing.

Andrew

Edited October 12, 2013 by Andrew Chee

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

A needle and awl machine like the Campbell is not much harder to operate than a 441 either machine has a learning curve but nothing you can't handle. You can find these machines used for 2000-3500 dollars and like I said these machines were made to sew leather the 441 was modified to sew leather and haven't been around too long to see how will they withstand heavy use. I am sure they'll do fine but the stitch quality is not as great as a needle and awl. It all comes down with what you can afford and if you want a more versatile machine were you can sew different kinds of materials look into a clone if all you are going to sew is leather think about a Campbell either way you'll be happy with your purchase. Look at other options just because everyone has the clones doesn't mean they are great they are affordable but not great. Go with what your wallet can afford and try both machines before you buy one see if there's a member that lives near you and ask him if you can sew with his machine offer him 20 bucks try out each machine and believe me you'll notice the difference between both machines always buy from dealer. Those 20 dollars will give you the best payback for your dollar there is nothing more depressing than buying a sewing machine you don't like its a big purchase and one that you are going to have to live with for a while. Good Luck! Ralph

[raysouth]

Hello Marko,

Another person you might be wise to contact is Bob Kovar at www.toledosewingmachineco.com . I hope I have the link right. If it does not work, type in Toledo Sewing Machine in the Google or Bing search and you should find him there. He is very eager to assist and has many different machines, new and used, that will handle the chores you wish to do.

God Bless.

Ray

[anvlts]

Thanks everybody for chiming in.

It sounds like I will eventually need more then one type of leather sewing machine, but for now I would like to get a flat bed machine with a long arm. I think in the beginning, rolls will my main focus, as I already make scabbards out of wood (traditional way to store kitchen knives) and among my customers the preference seems to be more for wooden than leather scabbards.

I have been looking at reconditioned Japanese-made flat bed machines with 20-25" arm. Extra arm lengh is preferable, as most rolls will be in 24x18" size.

I am new to Japanes-made machines, but it seems that Seiko and Juki are pretty reputable brands, and many companies have them built their machines. Can you recommend a long arm model?

What the best way about getting one? Ideally I would get a machine that has been reconditioned and tuned up for immediate use. I will check out toledosewingmachines.com, but also found nickosew.com. They seem to have a good selection of reconditioned machines.

Budget would be under 4K with freight. I am in Westchester, NY.

Thanks,

Marko

[raysouth]

Try Bob Kovar, Toledo Sewing Machine. He has a banner ad running on this site. Very helpful.

God Bless.

Ray