Do I Want A Frobana Outsole Stitcher?

[Elennah]

I make slippers and shoes for kids, using my old Singer 99K. It does the work beautifully decorating the uppers and putting together everything, meaning it sews two layers of 1.4 - 1.6 mm thick leather without issues. However, the swearing starts when I try to attach the upper to the sole leather, as there are 3 layers of leather at the front and the back of the shoe.

Those who are familiar with the Frobana, do you think this machine would work for me? I would envision, instead of gluing on the thin crepe soles (1/8 in.), gluing them on the insoles first and then attaching the upper with the soles already on.

Is a Frobana able to deal with such thin crepe and does it sound as if it would do the work for which I would buy it? Does anyone happen to have a photo of a crepe sole sewn with the crepe feed dog in place? Also, would the regular knife looking feed dog work okay on my thin crepe, or would it puncture it or get stuck? In other words, does anyone know what the reason is for having a separate feed dog for crepe?

Thanks so much for any thoughts on these machines.

[Wizcrafts]

I think that you may have better luck if you posted your question on the Crispin Colloquy Shoe Machines forum

They are the foremost shoe and boot making forum I know of.

Other than that, if you do use the Frobana, try to get a small enough needle to sew with 4 or 5 cord thread. The knots should be centerable with that thickness of thread into thin soles.

Edited December 18, 2013 by Wizcrafts

[Elennah]

Thanks so much! Just bought it, it seems. Very exciting. And scary... From now on I may swear due to a different machine.

[Wizcrafts]

From what I've read, a number 5 needle is about the right size for use with 5 cord waxed linen thread. You may also try some bonded nylon or polyester, say #207. Anything thicker and the knots will be hard to center.

[Elennah]

Excellent. Thank you!

So if I use one of those, I don't need liquid wax?