Question On A Singer And A Few More Questions

[earlthegoat2]

Mainly I want to know what model this is and will it handle being able to sew 2 layers of 6-7 oz horsehide? It is similar to a 281-141.

If not, would a Consew 206RB-x be able to handle that? My mother has one of these for upholstery but she does not know its maximum capabilities.

Horsehide is incredibly tough so I would think you would want a machine that was a bit above and beyond that which could handle regular belt or tooling leather.

Edited June 1, 2014 by earlthegoat2

[Wizcrafts]

If that machine is just a bottom feed straight stitch machine, with an oil pump on the bottom, forget it. It is for light duty, very high speed sewing, using thin, soft cotton thread sewn into shirts, pants and aprons (aka, flat work). The needles they use are short and too thin for the thread you will need to hold your horse hide project together.

You will at least need a well-maintained walking foot machine to sew 14 ounces of horse hide together. Expect to run it at its thread limit, with light colored #207 on top and #138 in the bobbin, with a #23 or #24 leather point needle. You may have to replace the original clutch motor with a more easily controlled servo motor, equipped with a small 2" pulley. This will call for a shorter v-belt if the original motor has a 3" to 4" pulley (if the motor mounts in the same position, you lose one inch per inch less pulley diameter on the belt.).

If it was me, I would use my big Cowboy CB4500, with #277 thread. But you don't have one of those (yet).

[SARK9]

The machine you picture has the hump-back "profile" of the 281-22, which is a needle feed machine. I couldn't tell you if all the machines with that profile are in fact needle feed, however.

As Wiz said, I don't think you can reliably tension any of that series for the threads and thickness your projects might require.

-DC

[earlthegoat2]

I was hoping someone could ID this Singer and then tell me what it was capable of but it kind of looks like it would not even be able to handle what I need it for. I really don't even know what a bottom feed machine is. I know what a walking foot machine is and that is why I am inquiring about the Consew 206RB series as well.

As you may have guessed, I am new to machines a bit. I am familiar with the workings of the Consew 206RB but I am not familiar with its leather stitching capabilities. I have seen video of it doing triple thickness 5-6oz Latigo so I at least know it can do that. There are a bunch of the RBs that come up for sale for the head only so that is why I am asking. It does seem after reading the overview of them at Toledo, that they are not up the task of the increased denseness and hardness of horsehide.

I would no doubt run a 3/4 hp servo motor with the smallest pulley that I would buy separate. I have researched quite a bit but really have nothing hands on so far except a few stitches with a Tippman Boss I tested out but ended up not purchasing because I thought I could get a better deal on a fully mechanized machine that would meet my needs.

What would be a practical minimum for a walking foot machine for the 6-7oz horse hide I am working with?

Edited June 1, 2014 by earlthegoat2

[gottaknow]

I believe that is a 281-22, which is a needle feed machine. It won't handle what you'd like to do, but it's a very versatile machine. The 281-22 is unique in that you can set the needle stitch length and the feed dog stitch length separate. This is really handy for sewing lighter material that wants to feed the bottom ply too fast. Simply set the stitch shorter on the bottom than the top, and you can make 2 ply of nylon lay flat as a pancake. You just have to be careful not to get the difference too great or you'll break needles. It will tension T69 ok, but that's about it. It's sweet spot is T40.

Regards, Eric

[Wizcrafts]

I think you should select a leather stitcher, like the Cowboy CB3200, 3500, or 4500, or a Cobra Class 3 or Class 4 and be done with it. The 3200 can sew an honest 1/2 inch with #346 thread. The rest top out at almost 7/8 inches of just about anything you put under the foot. All are triple feed walking foot machines, already equipped with very powerful servo motors and speed reducers.

[earlthegoat2]

A Techsew 3650HD should work too right? It has limitations compared to CBs and Cobras but it should fit my needs of belt sewing still.

[Wizcrafts]

A Techsew 3650HD should work too right? It has limitations compared to CBs and Cobras but it should fit my needs of belt sewing still.

Yes, the Techsew 3650, aka GA5-1, aka CB2500, all based upon the Singer 45k, will do what you want. They all sew up to 7/16" of leather, with up to #415 thread, using bottom feed only from aggressive teeth on the feed dog.They use an oddball needle system, 328, which is typically only available in sizes 23 through 27, in leather point. These needles are shorter than the type 794 needles used in the aforementioned 441 clones and Adler 204 and 205 machines.

I recommend that you send some stacks of your horsehide strips to several dealers and ask them to sew them together with heavy thread, on the best, most economical machine that can do the job. Compare the stitches and bottom appearance and pick the machine that looks best.

[earlthegoat2]

Thanks everyone. I think there is enough information here for me to make a desicion. Don't know which way I am leaning yet. Will probably have to sell off a few miscellaneous items to fund my purchase since will be spending more than I thought I would need to.

Can't wait for it though.