Reliable Msk-1541S

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Apart from the "made in Japan" on the label I cannot see a problem.

[Leather Guru]

anyone who wants to make bags should start with an arm type sewing machine , such as an Adler 269-373 or clone thereof . You are limitrd as to what you can do with a flat machine

[mproberts]

Thanks for the input and feedback all!

We did consider the arm type, but thought it might be limiting for all the other hobby work she wants to tackle - and thought this was a good compromise.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

The good thing about a cylinder bed machine is that you can build a flat bed attachment in less than an hour

Thanks for the input and feedback all!

We did consider the arm type, but thought it might be limiting for all the other hobby work she wants to tackle - and thought this was a good compromise.

[mproberts]

Now you tell me! Wait, I never asked (or researched) this here did I? : )

Anyway, we really appreciate all the help this forum has provided!

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Owning machines tends to be addictive and you will probably find need for another in the not too distant future

Now you tell me! Wait, I never asked (or researched) this here did I? : )

Anyway, we really appreciate all the help this forum has provided!

[mproberts]

Indeed. I restore vintage radios, TV's and hi-fi as a hobby and know all too well the addiction - and also have a penchant for old test equipment to support the hobby. But as sad and troubling as it is, watching the (American) TV show "Hoarders" on occasion helps keep me in check.

[Chapmaker]

My post is going to be way to late to offer any usable input on this issue to the original question, but thought I would, none-the-less, add my input for reference. I own a Reliable 1541S, and have for two or so years. The primary use is in making chaps, chinks, saddlebags and the like. I have made an occasional halter, and some saddle repair. The results are as follows:

Up to 1/4" leather, no problem at all. The machine has more than enough power, and this is generally where I work- below 1/4". On occasions, I will do a project that involves 3/8" (three layers of 9-10oz, for instance) with mixed results. If I split all the leather so there is little or no chance of going beyond this thickness, all is well. If, however, I am in a rush and allow this thickness to grow, I am going to have skipped stitches, and broken needles- again, it is not a power issue, but simple a capacity issue due to needle size and machine engineering (says I).

Overall- a great machine, used within the design limitations, and I would buy it again.

As for me, I am now looking for a second machine for the rare times I need to sew over the 3/8", and I am seriously considering a Cowboy CB3200, so feel free to give me your input.

Hope I have been helpful.

[mproberts]

I will report that my wife has been very happy with the DNU-1541S we bought. She's sewn up numerous leather garments (including a nice heavy weight leather bomber jacket for me!) and hasn't had a single issue.