Members Icho Posted January 23, 2014 Members Report Posted January 23, 2014 Hi all. I'm new to leather work and very new to this forum. I only made about 5 knife sheaths. I'm hoping someone can help me out with sewing machines. There is one for sale and was wondering if it would work for making sheaths. I know pretty much nothing about sewing machines so any help would be greatly appreciated. Here's what I'm looking at. Its a Pfaff 1295 walking feet 3phase motor and they will throw in a 110v clutch motor. Any ideas what it would be worth? Also I was wondering what the controller panel does.... I know I am lost when it comes to sewing machines lol. Any other help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Quote
dirtclod Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 It's a post machine and will sew around 5/16 inch thick. They are handy to have but it won't sew a knife sheath with a welt or mine won't anyway. I have no ideal on the box. Quote I'm old enough to know that i don't know everything.
Northmount Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 A clutch motor will sew way too fast for what you want if you have never used one before. You have to be able to feather the clutch to make it go slow enough for most leather work you will do. When looking for a machine, get one with a servo motor (so you can sew slowly), set up for leather the thickness you need to sew and with the thread size you are going to use. There are tons of threads here about what to get for a leather sewing machine. Do some searches and lots of reading. Upholstery or garment sewing machines are not suitable for most leather work (except for thin stuff). There are ads by machine suppliers shown at the top of the page here. Look at what they have and are supplying. Some have used machines available if you ask. The control box may include a needle positioning system. Stops with needle up or down when you stop the machine. Looks like a bunch of other stuff in the control box too. Tom Quote
Cobra Steve Posted January 23, 2014 Report Posted January 23, 2014 Hi Icho. The holster makers that I have dealt with use a cylinder arm machine, including John Bianchi, DeSantis, Winthrop, and Lobo. Thanks, Steve Quote Thank You Steve Tayrien Leather Machine Co., Inc. 2141 E. Philadelphia St. Unit "U" Ontario, California 91761 1-866-962-9880 http://www.leathermachineco.com cobra@leathermachineco.com
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 23, 2014 Moderator Report Posted January 23, 2014 Post machines are normally used in the manufacturing of moccasins, shoe and boot uppers, hats and caps, and other items whose shapes are best sewn over a post, rather than a cylinder arm. The pictured machine may be capable of sewing with up to #138 bonded thread, into about 5/16 inch (20 ounces) (the feet lift up to 14 mm, or 9/16 inch). Doing so will require a #23 leather point needle. The machine is valued at $4500, plus or minus, new. Quote Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members Icho Posted January 24, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 24, 2014 Well thanks for the replies. I called and emailed to get some info from the seller so I guess now I just have to wait. I figured the machine was worth a decent amount. Doing searches on that model I think the lowest price I found was about 1200. Quote
Members Andrew Chee Posted January 24, 2014 Members Report Posted January 24, 2014 Can you send me a link to that machine for sale? I'm looking for a post bed machine. Any idea how much the guy wants? Andrew Quote
Members Icho Posted January 25, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 25, 2014 Well the guy got back to me and sent me some more pics. It is a very solid looking machine and I found out that it is 220v 3 phase which is a slight inconvenience but not a big deal. It also has air hook up. I never imagined a sewing machine would have air hook up. I know I should probably look at a machine that is more appropriate for what I am doing but it seems like such a good price that I am having a hard time forgetting about it.lol I may take a ride and check it out. Andrew, I really don't think the guy would be wiling to ship it to California but if I don't end up getting it I will definitely send you the info an all of the extra pics he sent me. Quote
Moderator Wizcrafts Posted January 25, 2014 Moderator Report Posted January 25, 2014 Well the guy got back to me and sent me some more pics. It is a very solid looking machine and I found out that it is 220v 3 phase which is a slight inconvenience but not a big deal. It also has air hook up. I never imagined a sewing machine would have air hook up. I know I should probably look at a machine that is more appropriate for what I am doing but it seems like such a good price that I am having a hard time forgetting about it.lol I may take a ride and check it out. Andrew, I really don't think the guy would be wiling to ship it to California but if I don't end up getting it I will definitely send you the info an all of the extra pics he sent me. Keep in mind that this is not the machine you need to sew sheaths or holsters. It is purely for light duty leather, of medium denim, or garments, moccasins, caps, etc. Quote Posted IMHO, by Wiz My current crop of sewing machines: Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.
Members flintlock Posted January 27, 2014 Members Report Posted January 27, 2014 (edited) A machine that is capable of sewing sheath thickness leathers needs a machine that has a "walking foot". These are industrial machines with external motors. The one you pictured has a very small motor, and will burn out in no time, It will also give you a poor quality stitch. Edited January 27, 2014 by flintlock Quote
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