First Machine: Singer 78-1 Vs. Singer 96K40

[AWilliamPast]

Hello Leatherworkers!

First post. Long time reader.

I have recently decided to take a leap into the world of sewing machines to tackle some bigger projects that would be too difficult to handle with hand stitching. I have an opportunity to purchase either a Singer 78-1 or Singer 96k40 which are both available and in my budget (sadly the singer 111w was neither). The thickest leather I will be sewing will be 2x5oz leather or possibly 2x6oz whereas the smallest would be two layers of 2oz. I believe both of these machines will handle this although the high end might be pushing it.

The 78-1 has a walking foot and can handle 138 thread, which is ideal.

However, the 96k40 is fully serviced and ready to go in amazing condition. Also, 'The Wiz' on this forum has spoken fairly highly of the 96k40 as it was his first industrial machine I believe.

Any and all insights and opinions to help guide my choice is greatly appreciated.

Excited,

Alexander

Thank you for the years of learning!

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

The 96k40 is a machine designed for sewing light garment weight fabric and is pretty ordinary all 'round. The 78-1 is a bit odd as it is needle feed with no feed dogs so not a machine I would touch.

a 31 class, or even better, a 42 class is what you want.

[AWilliamPast]

This is really great information.

Thank you so much for posting. I will keep my eye out for a 31 or a 42. Do you know what size needle/thread I could use with either? the larger the better.

Regards,

Alexander

[Wizcrafts]

This is really great information.

Thank you so much for posting. I will keep my eye out for a 31 or a 42. Do you know what size needle/thread I could use with either? the larger the better.

Regards,

Alexander

I have a 31-15 straight stitch machine. They use system DBx1 or 1738 needles, which are tailoring and garment making needles. My 31-15 cannot handle anything stronger than #69 bonded thread, using a #18 needle. Its sewing capacity is about 3/16 inch of soft wallet leather, or hems on jeans, or seams on vests or chaps.

Edited March 31, 2014 by Wizcrafts