Machine Suggestion

[Andrew Chee]

Hello all. What would you suggest if I wanted a flatbed machine like this:

Max thread: 138 top and bottom

Max thickness: 1/4"-3/8"

Roller foot

Needle Feed

Large bobbin (preferably)

Oscillating hook (preferably)

Reverse

I just got a 31-15 that I just set up. Sews really nicely but I realize I need reverse for backtacking on top stitches. I may be able to stuff 138 thread top and bottom on the machine but I haven't tried it.

Anyways, any suggestions would be welcome.

Andrew

[Wizcrafts]

I own a National 300N triple feed walking foot machine that sews 3/8 inches of leather with #138 thread, top and bottom and has a large bobbin. It is very similar to the Consew 206RB- series, with the -5 being the newest version. I believe that either the Consew 206RB-5 or the Chandler 406RB-1 will fit your stated requirements perfectly. I would strongly recommend the servo motor upgrade, especially if it is a Family Sew FS-550S, with a 50mm pulley. It has the torque to punch through up to 3/8" of soft through medium temper leather at very slow speeds, such as we leather sewers use.

I've never seen a roller foot machine with a moving needle. Every one I've owned or looked at had a fixed needle and single row feed dog under the roller. Only the Singer 45K25, Alder 105 and GA5-1 Chinese clones, or the bigger triple feed 441 clones, are heavy enough to sew 3/8 inches of leather, day in and day out. These (GA5 type) machines are bottom feed only and can take needle sizes 23 up to 27, covering thread sizes 138 through 415.

Edited March 1, 2014 by Wizcrafts

[Andrew Chee]

I already have a few triple feed machines. I'm specifically looking for a roller foot. If I take out the needle feed requirement, what options are out there? I generally wouldn't go thicker than 1/4". I stated 3/8" as an absolute max but really not required. 138 top and bottom is a must and a reverse is a must.

Andrew

[J Hayes]

Singer 110w124 roller foot with roller "dog" and needle feed. Longest stitch is 10 though and you need the right gears. No reverse. I did have mine sewing 2 layers of 5-7 horse butt with 92 bonded nylon nicely, tried 138 but it didn't like it, and I didn't try very hard. I may have even sewn 3 layers, cannot remember. I have seen video of a bootmaker using one to sew decorative patterns on cowboy boots. Nice machine but limited use

Edited March 2, 2014 by J Hayes

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

The consew 315 is a needle feed machine that can take a roller foot bt not sure why you would!

Pure needle feed is often used for difficult/delicate materials, not really for 1/4" leather.

If 1/4" is your absolute maximum with 138 then a Consew 227, Pfaff335, Seiko CWS or LCW or the various clones will do the job but 138 is right on the limit. Can you use 138 on top and 92 on the bobbin?