Need Advice On Purchasing My First Sewing Machine For Leather Work

[stangman645]

Hello All,

I'm new to the craft and wanted to know what are some suggestions for a sewing machine that can sew leather? I'm on a serious budget and wouldn't mind buying a used setup as well. I want to get a machine that can handle from light to heavy weight leathers. I've been on here looking at some folks suggestions and I'm starting to get over whelmed with specs and requirements and all. I just want something for my entry level then I'll move up as I progress.

Thanks,

[VoyageurCanoe]

Hello stangman645,

I'm new to this myself but I bought an old refurbished HEAVY DUTY Brother sewing machine for sewing leather and found it's good for leather up to about 4 oz.The fellow I bought it from said it will sew 2 thicknesses of 10 oz leather,which it does but this is when you have the machine going full pin.It's very hard to control and I believe it's hard on the little motor. After doing more reseach, I found out that you want a commercial /heavy duty leather sewing machine with a servo motor which has the power and control to handle heavy leather. I like the info on the cobra machines that have a motor, and I also like the tippman "BOSS" that is handpowered which would be handy, especially up here in the bush where we don't have power. Anyway, check them out ,see what you think, hope this helps and take care.

[oltoot]

If in any doubt, overbuy for first one if you don't want to end up disappointed and need a second right away

[Randy Cornelius]

I don't like to put products down but I would stay away from the boss as a first machine, I had one and they are somewhat hard to stay adjusted. I would suggest spending a little more money and get one of the Juki 440 clones that several vedors sell. It will be money well spent. They will sew light weight material from about 5 oz all the way up to 3/4 inch of skirting stacked. You can use a flat bed with them to sew garment as well as heavy stuff.

Just my oponion.

RC

[stangman645]

Randy,

Can you please confirm the model number of that Juki 440 you replied on. I can't seem to find any information on that model at all.

Regards

[oltoot]

441 is the model# For starters look at the top of this forum page for 2 good ones

[Cobra Steve]

Hey Randy. Hope all is well. Please call me. Thanks, Steve

[St8LineGunsmith]

I would seriously take a look at the Cobra class 4

and I also would second staying away from the tipman boss they are constantly needing re adjusting

[Troy I]

Also might want to look at the Cowboy brand of sewing machines.

Cowboy 4500 is awesome

[stangman645]

Thanks for all of your input. However, the majority of these machines are way out of my budget and I may be stuck with hand stitching some of the thick items until I can afford the work horse machines listed.