A Noob Question

[x4pickuptruck]

Hey Im pretty new to leather work, but all my projects so far have either been hand sewn or no sewing. But Im getting requests for bigger projects with way more stitching and Im thinking efficiency here so I have thought about venturing into the territory of a machine. I know this gets asked quite a bit, but I want to by a machine for cheap, but I don't want a motor as I do not have room for another table in our apt, so I wanted a hand crank and I did find a antique singer hand crank in my pay range but I dont know if it will do what I need. my stuff is from purses to horse tack and everything in between.

[mlapaglia]

Model #'s are needed, Pictures would help. Whats the maximum thickness you will be sewing?

If you can afford it get a Tippmann Boss. Its hand powered.

[x4pickuptruck]

I cant afford a tippmann, I have looked into them. I found this one http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/atq/4163031235.html but I also have my eyes on a pfaff but it has a full table but i might be able to use it for both sewin and my carving for 500 so it may be an option

[mlapaglia]

Whats the max thickness of leather you will sew? the Boss can do up to 3/4 inch. not sure which pfaff you are talking about we would need model number to help.

[rosiart]

That Pfaff is a domestic machine. I don't see it being able to do horse tack.

[Black Dogg]

Hi there X4,

I don't want to be too prying, but how long have you been hand sewing? I'm just asking because when I first started out I thought along the same lines as you, but once I got the hang of it I found hand sewing to be quite a bit faster, especially on some of the smaller items with a lot of details.

Also, in my humble opinion, there's nothing nicer than hand sewn horse tack or a well made knife sheath.

The third item I'd like to mention is that when you're sewing by hand you can ask more for it; I have found some of my customers specifically asking for that even though I told them it would cost more.

That all being said, I do not want to discourage you from getting a machine. Judging by your specs you'd be well served with one of the old treadle machines. A hand cranked one can be pain if you need two hands to guide your work. Look here in the "For Sale" categorie or for "antique leather sewing machine" on e-bay or craigslist. A word of caution, though: Those oldies come in all forms, from "needs-a-little-oil-and-runs-like-a-charm" to "one-heap-of-rust-with-some-parts-thrown-in". Look at the pictures (if any) and ask lots of questions. Of course, preferably look it over in person before buying.

Good Hunting!

Black Dogg