Trying To Find A Simple, Easy To Use Leather Sewing Machine

[latigoandlace]

I'm looking for recommendations on user friendly sewing machines. I just sold my Singer111G156, it would sew through 1/2" cowhides like butter but I was told by a pro that it could only handle 138 thread. I swear the tension needed to be changed if the bobbin was more than half full, it jammed up regularly (usually after a bobbin change) and ruined a lot of my projects. It ran like it was on steroids, even after paying for a speed reducer to be installed. It left a sour taste in my mouth for leather sewing machines, I'm hoping there are reliable/easy to use machines out there because I don't have the patience for hand stitching anymore and I'm tired of constantly struggling with the tension adjustment! Do any machines adjust automatically? Wouldn't that be nice!?!

I want something that can handle thicker thread with adjustable stitch length. I usually don't sew anything thicker than 3/8" but it'd be nice to find something that could do 1/2" again. I'm not looking to spend a small fortune but I could save up for the right machine. Located in Oregon, thanks!

[pcox]

cowboy3200

[Ferg]

ditto

ferg

[latigoandlace]

Any idea how much they cost?

[pcox]

Web site said $1,595 + shipping. Toledo industrial sewing machine

[latigoandlace]

Thank you

[Geneva]

See if you can find a used Juki UL -563 they will sew most of what you want of not all. The bobbin is 3 times the size of the 111 it is a walking foot too. Check with upholstery shops that might close or have an extra one sitting around. I think 6 or 700 would be a good price.

Sounds as though the 111 was wore out. Good luck.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Geneva

[gottaknow]

You were over the practical thickness for a 111. 3/8" is a good maximum thickness for those. 1/2" no matter the thread was really pushing it. Make sure whatever machine you choose that you know it's limitations. Have fun!

Regards, Eric

[latigoandlace]

It actually sewed the best with the thicker materials, I was struggling with 1/4" to 3/8" :-/

[Techsew Ron]

I'm looking for recommendations on user friendly sewing machines. I just sold my Singer111G156, it would sew through 1/2" cowhides like butter but I was told by a pro that it could only handle 138 thread. I swear the tension needed to be changed if the bobbin was more than half full, it jammed up regularly (usually after a bobbin change) and ruined a lot of my projects. It ran like it was on steroids, even after paying for a speed reducer to be installed. It left a sour taste in my mouth for leather sewing machines, I'm hoping there are reliable/easy to use machines out there because I don't have the patience for hand stitching anymore and I'm tired of constantly struggling with the tension adjustment! Do any machines adjust automatically? Wouldn't that be nice!?!

I want something that can handle thicker thread with adjustable stitch length. I usually don't sew anything thicker than 3/8" but it'd be nice to find something that could do 1/2" again. I'm not looking to spend a small fortune but I could save up for the right machine. Located in Oregon, thanks!

What will you be sewing? Anything smaller than 3/8"