How Would You Sew This And What Machine

[Barlaam1]

Hi, I currently make radio straps, radio holsters, and suspenders for guys on my Fire Department. I have been thinking about getting a sewing machine to help me with the process. The machine would also allow me to make other projects. (Sporrans for my pipe and drum band, helmet shields). Anyways I stopped by my local sewing machine shop just to see what they had to offer and he had a Singer 29k51 that at the time I thought might do the job I needed. I came home and did some searching on LW and I'm thinking it is not the machine for me. All of my projects use 8-10oz veg tan leather. I need to be able to sew at least 2 layers of 8-10oz. The main reason I liked the 29k51 was the swivel head. but I know it is just a patch machine and I don't think it could sew what I need it to. And the little gears in it scare me. So I'm a NO go on the 29k51. Is there any other machines with a swivel head like the 29k51 that could sew 20+oz of leather? I will include a picture of one of my radio holsters. I currently use copper rivets but it is time consuming and can be hard to do sometimes. I would like to sew a Square pattern pattern on my holster front and back to form it. Let me know what you think. I was thinking about a Tippmann boss but I don't know if I could get it to do what I need it to. Thanks

Ben

I have never uploaded a photo so I hope this goes ok

Front

Back

[Barlaam1]

I forgot to mention I know very little when it comes to sewing machines.

[Wizcrafts]

There is but one 360 degree foot patcher that can sew 20 ounces, plus. Actually, it can sew 32 ounces! Still, it only uses up to #138 bonded thread. That machine is made by Claes. Do a Google search for a Claes Patcher. There is a dealer in North America. They are a very good bargain at just $6,000.

Edited January 13, 2014 by Wizcrafts

[Barlaam1]

Thanks for the reply Wizcrafts. You know how many radio straps I would have to sell to cover the price of that machine? yikes. I guess I will stick with my copper rivets. I think the guys like them riveted anyways.

[Tree Reaper]

You could likely sew that with a hand stitching awl for a lot less than 6k.

[Wizcrafts]

You could likely sew that with a hand stitching awl for a lot less than 6k.

Where's the fun in that, when you can sew it on a machine unlike any other machine? Did I mention that the machine makes a sound like "tapokita tapokita?"

[supercub]

Hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like you could put the seams on the outer edge rather than folding them inside. If you sew along the outside edge, the Boss will easily sew through two 10oz layers with 346 thread. I've made a number of cases and saddlebags with it by using a slightly lighter weight gusset of latigo leather. Tippmann also used to sell a french box attachment that would let you sew through a box corner mitre joint with two layers of 8-10 oz.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Spat my drink out Wiz. Goog laugh

There is but one 360 degree foot patcher that can sew 20 ounces, plus. Actually, it can sew 32 ounces! Still, it only uses up to #138 bonded thread. That machine is made by Claes. Do a Google search for a Claes Patcher. There is a dealer in North America. They are a very good bargain at just $6,000.

Nearly choked on this post. Stop teasing

Where's the fun in that, when you can sew it on a machine unlike any other machine? Did I mention that the machine makes a sound like "tapokita tapokita?"

[Dwight]

Barlaam, . . .

I make pouches to carry M14 magazines in, . . . from 8 oz leather.

I do two different models, . . . riveted and sewn.

They both are each cut from one piece of leather, . . . wet formed, . . . contact cemented together, . . . and riveted or sewn.

Picture shows both procedures, . . . and my machine is a Tippmann Boss.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

My problem with the Boss is that it is a relatively low volume machine yet the most likely to be seen on the For Sale pages here. Surely that says something.

[Dwight]

My problem with the Boss is that it is a relatively low volume machine yet the most likely to be seen on the For Sale pages here. Surely that says something.

I think what is says is simple: it is THE bottom end of the price structure for a sewing machine that will sew through 3/4 of an inch of leather. Many folks by them as a starting machine, . . . then choose to graduate to a different machine, . . . especially if what they are doing requires a lot of stitching.

When I began my search for a machine, . . . I already had a slight familiarization with the Boss as a local leather store sold them.

Therefore, . . . when I saw one of the full time craftsmen of a major holster mfg. here in the US, . . . standing beside his in an advertisement promotion, . . . I immediately recognized the machine.

Later as I began to finalize the decision, . . . I guess I figured if my business got so good using a Boss, . . . some day I would be like them, . . . and have a 1 year waiting list for my product.

Sometimes volume is better used to describe the output of a radio than a craftsman's shop.

And, . . . if volume goes up in a production facility, . . . about 99.95% of the time, . . . quality goes down.

May God bless,

Dwight

[DDahl]

I have a Claes 30, and with 180 (24) needles or larger (if you can find them) it will sew a great stitch with 207 (top and bottom) through about 1/2" of leather. Unlike the Singers its stitch length doesn't vary as a function of material thickness. Even have managed to mount a swing down guide for use when needed. It's a great machine that is VERY useful for its unique capabilities on the RARE occasions their needed. However, the price is way high and I sometimes view it as a piece of jewelry.

Dave

[supercub]

My problem with the Boss is that it is a relatively low volume machine yet the most likely to be seen on the For Sale pages here. Surely that says something.

I started sewing leather many years ago with a Tandy Awl and a couple of harness needles. After a few years, I upgraded the awl to one of Douglas snakehead designs. I handsewed for quite awhile until I had enough business to buy an entry level machine. That machine was the Boss. It was one of the first machines that Tippmann made and it took me awhile to figure out it's quirks. Once I did, it served me well until I had enough customers to upgrade to a Pro 2000. It is certainly faster than the Boss, but I still use the Boss (and the awl and harness needles) when the need arises. If I need to lay down a lot of stiches - like a belt, I'll use the Pro 2000. For small jobs, or prototypes, I'll usually do them on the Boss. It continues to work well and I have no desire to give it up anytime soon.