Cmoore Report post Posted November 10, 2013 Hello everyone! Looking for some advice on cylinder sewing machines. I make leather handbags and I have a reliable 8600B machine. I want to expand my line with barrel bags for everyday use and bicycles. My line is pretty utilitarian with a sense of everyday fashion. Some of my bags that I make now are almost impossible to make without climbing into them; I need a cylinder machine badly. I would be using leather in the 4-6oz. range. I looked at the Techsew 2800 and was wondering if anyone can give me any insight to their opinion. I like the price of the machine which is $1,700. Looked at an Adler but I can't afford it. I also have a consew flat bed sewing machine that is probably about 30 years old and is amazing. I was going to check that brand out. I really want to stay under $2,000 but don't want to buy the wrong machine. I would definitely appreciate some experienced info on a cylinder bed walking foot for medium weight fabrics! Thank You!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted November 10, 2013 Cowboy also makes a medium duty cylinder arm machine, with reverse: the CB-227R. Then, there is a Seiko that I believe is in the same price range. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiverCity Report post Posted November 10, 2013 The cowboy 227 is a great machine. Plenty of power for the leather you are working with, and a ton of accessories available for it. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cmoore Report post Posted November 10, 2013 I'll check them out as well. What about the techsew though, is it enough for what I want to do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted November 10, 2013 I'll check them out as well. What about the techsew though, is it enough for what I want to do? Cowboy 227 and Techsew 2700/2800 are the same basic machine. I have a 2700. Works well for me. If you ever sew 8 oz, single layer hard temper or 2 layers, get the pulley reduction kit. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted November 10, 2013 I'll check them out as well. What about the techsew though, is it enough for what I want to do? The 2700 is our most popular machine for leather handbags and purses. Perfect for what you want to do (4-6oz range) and room for thicker as well. Give us a call any time during the week if you have any other questions - we're always available and reachable. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cmoore Report post Posted November 10, 2013 Thanks Ron! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greystone Report post Posted November 10, 2013 make sure you get a speed reducer or a gear reduction motor $.02 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Procyon650 Report post Posted November 17, 2013 I have the Techsew 2700 with a speed reducer and I am very pleased with it. It will sew two layers of 8 oz veg-tan easy and two layers layers of 2 oz garment calfskin. Support from the people at Techsew has been great. I am still learning but it was a great purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted November 18, 2013 It also depends on the thread that you want to use. You may have to go to the COBRA Class 3/4, or the Cowboy or Techsew versions of the same style machine. Alot of purse/bag makers like a 277 thread rather than the 138 (and with slight modifications a 207 thread), that the smaller cylinder arm machines use. This is a preference call, but the heavier thread is the cosmetic look these days. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
