Sewing machine comparison and Selection

[bar-j]

I am looking for recommendations on a sewing machine for tack work - bridles and breastcollars (not doing saddle skirts or stitching on any veg tan over 20 oz.) I have been looking online at the Artisan 618, Toro-3000 and the Ferdco 1245 primarily. Does anyone have experience with these machines or could anyone offer a comparison of the models - ease of use, stitch quality, etc. I am familiar with the different specs on these machines, but have not had the opportunity to see them in person. I am looking for a machine that will sew anything from 3 oz of deerskin up to 20 oz of veg tan and is easy for a novice to operate and maintain. Also, if there are any other machines you would recommend instead of these, please let me know. Budget is around 2000.00. Thank you for any input.

[bruce johnson]

My thoughts based on your constraints. You need the 3000. I have Ferdco's 1245. It is an awesome machine, it will do what you are looking to do up to a point. A few things that a flat bed won't do as easily. It will not do gussets in saddle bags as easily as a cylinder arm. It will not do thread over 207 I am thinking. That may be enough, might not. The 3000 will do heavier thread and the cylinder arm is more versatile. You can buy more "tack friendly" attachments for the 3000, like stirrup plates, feet, etc. You can make or probably buy a flat bed attachment to make the 3000 a flat bed when you need it. The ends of my breast collars would be pushing the limits of the 1245, it is midrange for the 3000. Either way you will get a servo motor, so that is not an issue. Neither is service and support with your choices.

Tippmann's Boss used to be the entry level machine. It held its value pretty well, and when it was time to trade up, it brought back most of the original price. Almost like using it for free. I think the 3000 has taken that spot over now. If you decide later you need more reach and decide to get an even heavier stitcher like the 4000 or Ferdco's 2000, you won't take a bath on the 3000. It would also make a dandy heavier machine, and get a flatbed to do the lighter stuff. If your business goes that way, it is nice to have two machines setup for different weights.

[bar-j]

Thank you for the input. Do you think you could sew deerskin okay on the 3000 or would I need a lighter machine also? Thanks

[bruce johnson]

I think it would feed it OK. You might need to back off tensions a bit. I have sewn some deertan cow on my 2000 and it did fine with it. Art??

[bar-j]

I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Andy]

Bar J,

I run an Adler 205 and postively love it, good machine for 99% of my work and sews from light to heavy with ease. I have seen some used ones on some pages and here too (John Stumpf perhaps? John, you here????) I have only spoken with him, seems like a SUPERB guy and knows his stuff. Let me find his web page and email.

I have tested the other machines but settled for the Adler after trying them. Hope that helps, email me if needed!

Andy

www.shottist.com

[Art]

Hi Bruce,

Back off the tension or get a blanket foot. Work a deal for one when you buy the machine. The 3000 has dogs, which can really help with feed problems. I know some who run the blanket foot all the time, but it is way too big for some close work, still a handy thing to have. The 3000 is right about in the required price range and the 618 is a little cheaper, with the 20oz you would be on the edge for the 618 and I don't think I would buy without some headroom.

Art

I think it would feed it OK. You might need to back off tensions a bit. I have sewn some deertan cow on my 2000 and it did fine with it. Art??

[Randyc]

Bar J

I'm rather partial to the 3000. I upgraded from a Tippmann Boss and never regretted it. I purchased mine with the flat bed attachment although I seldem use it. I agree with Bruce. With proper tensioning you should be able to stitch 3oz. just fine.

Randy

[esantoro]

Bar J

I'm rather partial to the 3000. I upgraded from a Tippmann Boss and never regretted it. I purchased mine with the flat bed attachment although I seldem use it. I agree with Bruce. With proper tensioning you should be able to stitch 3oz. just fine.

Randy

with the 3000 and 3oz leather, make sure the center foot descends all the way to the needle plate. with my 441/4000/2000 I got better results with the blanket foot on thinner leather, still better with the dropped center foot.

ed

[esantoro]

with the 3000 and 3oz leather, make sure the center foot descends all the way to the needle plate. with my 441/4000/2000 I got better results with the blanket foot on thinner leather, still better with the dropped center foot.

ed

Actually the center foot should already be installed so that it descends all the way to the needle plate. The bar that holds the outer feet is the one I had to adjust so that the outer feet descend all the way to the needle plate.

ed