jakeisme30 Report post Posted August 5, 2014 Hi All! Ok, I am finally in the market to get my first sewing machine. I have saved around 1600 bucks, and done some research. I am leaning toward saving a little more and getting a techsew 3650HD machine. I realize that this may be more machine than I actually need, but I'd rather have to much than not enough. Are there any other machines I should know about, or anything I should take into consideration. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted August 5, 2014 probably the CB3200 from Toledo Sewing - it even hast the walking foot mechanism http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb3200.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted August 5, 2014 What do you plan on sewing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) At a glance, it looks like the Techsew 3650 and the CB3200 are similar machines (same capacity, roughly). On the other hand, depending on where you are, might be better to contact this gal, selling an almost new CB4500 (for a quite reasonable price). Without getting long-winded about it, if I was in that neck of the woods I'd go pick that one up myself Seems like a no-brainer -- she has one more than she needs, and you need one you dont have ... http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=57483 Edited August 6, 2014 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted August 6, 2014 The Techsew 3650 is a heavy duty machine with just bottom feed. It may struggle to sew and hold down 1/2 inch of veg-tan leather. The Cowboy CB3200 is a triple feed walking foot machine. It is made to sew and hold down 1/2 inch and possibly a little more. Both can tension heavy thread, like #346 and even #415, depending on the thickness and toughness of the leather. They cost about the same money. Better yet, are the Cowboy CB4500, Techsew 5100 and Cobra Class 4, all of which sew over 3/4 inch. My CB4500 has sewn 7/8 inch of belt leather, which I made into a pattern to block a shaped case. Expect to pay from $500 to $1000 more, depending on which accessories you purchase up front. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted August 6, 2014 Hi All! Ok, I am finally in the market to get my first sewing machine. I have saved around 1600 bucks, and done some research. I am leaning toward saving a little more and getting a techsew 3650HD machine. I realize that this may be more machine than I actually need, but I'd rather have to much than not enough. Are there any other machines I should know about, or anything I should take into consideration. Hi jakeisme30, let's find out exactly what you plan on sewing in order to recommend the best machine for your needs. Further to Wiz's post, here are links to the other machines he recommended looking at: Techsew 5100 Cobra class 4 Thanks! Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakeisme30 Report post Posted August 6, 2014 (edited) Hey Everyone, Thanks for the responses! I am sewing mostly wallets, belts, bags that sorta thing. Possibly a holster or knife sheath here and there. I like the ones with the cylinder arms rather than the flat bed machines. I would say that the absolute most I would ever sew is two, possibly 3 layers of 8/9 oz veg tan. (and that would be pretty rare). Also, I have about 1600 bucks, but around 2000 is my limit for right now. @Jlsleather, I would love to find a good used one, but Texas would be way to far for me to travel to get one, I live in NC. @Wizcrafts, Does the CB3200 have something similar to the servo motor on the techsew? That is one thing that I really liked when looking into machines. Thanks Edited August 6, 2014 by jakeisme30 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted August 6, 2014 Hey Everyone, Thanks for the responses! I am sewing mostly wallets, belts, bags that sorta thing. Possibly a holster or knife sheath here and there. I like the ones with the cylinder arms rather than the flat bed machines. I would say that the absolute most I would ever sew is two, possibly 3 layers of 8/9 oz veg tan. (and that would be pretty rare). Also, I have about 1600 bucks, but around 2000 is my limit for right now. @Jlsleather, I would love to find a good used one, but Texas would be way to far for me to travel to get one, I live in NC. @Wizcrafts, Does the CB3200 have something similar to the servo motor on the techsew? That is one thing that I really liked when looking into machines. Thanks Yes. according to the specs for the CB3200 it comes with a high torque servo motor, with front panel speed control knob. It also sports a 3:1 speed reducer/torque converter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites