samsoncordwaining Report post Posted March 27, 2014 I know I am supposed to look for the answer to my question but I just cant seem to find it. So Here it is: I sew 4 thicknesses of 8/9oz leather. This usually equals around 1" of leather. Right now I am drilling the holes then hand sewing using a saddle stitch. Orders are ramping up quickly and I cant keep up with the demand. What is the best machine to accomplish this? I am looking for a CHEAP machine to get me started the eventually move on to a larger more expensive machine. I am fine if its an old SINGER or like machine. just want it to do what I need done!Thanks everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sovran81 Report post Posted March 27, 2014 Good luck! If there was a cheap machine capable of 1" I would have already bought it. Your example is just better than 1/2" but that still moves you into the realm of highly specialized leather machines such as 441 clones and above. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted March 27, 2014 (edited) What Sovran said. 8-9 ounces is around 1/8th inch or 9/64. Four 1/8s does not get you to an inch. I have a C4 and no experience with other machines. I easily sew through 2 8s, 2 6s, and a welt of 2 8s. And glue:) "cheap" is relative. http://rusticleather.com/LeatherThicknessChart.html Edited March 27, 2014 by Red Cent Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted March 28, 2014 Contact the Sewing Machine Dealers that have banner ads at the top of each page, they (including myself), will give you all the info that you will need to make your decision. Thanks Red Cent, hope all is well. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gump Report post Posted March 28, 2014 You might find a singer 132 b 6, capable of sewing 1/2" with 346 thread for about $500 and up. And believe it or not , that is cheap. If you want a cylinder arm machine with those capabilities, you're looking at a 441 clone at $2400 +. As said in an earlier post, cost is relative. Gump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted March 29, 2014 A sewing machine in a leather shop is one of the most important tool.Alot of the used machines like the old Singers were great in the day.We used to sell alot of them but parts aren't available for most of them anymore so we quit selling them for that reason,I don't want to sell boat anchors.Also 20-30 yrs ago all you could buy was a Ferdco for $6-7000.00 or an Adler around $5,000.00 so to get a new machine for 1/2 that is a bargain that alot of people don't realize.I know it's alot of $$ to someone starting out but it's a very important time saver to have a good realible machine & esp one that you can buy parts for 5-10 yrs down the road.I've had people tell me they've paid for their machine in 3-6 months from the orders they sold. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
