Newbie Needs Help Picking A Machine

[machinehead]

Wiz, Thank you for posting this excellent treatise.

[billybopp]

Wiz:

I think the above post about needle systems would be a great addition to the pinned topic in sewing machines, as I don't remember seeing most of the info there.

Bill

[Techsew Ron]

I see from browsing this is a topic discussed often and it seems as though there are lots of different opinions but I will ask anyway.

I sew textiles a lot so I am not new to sewing but don't have much experience sewing leather.

I have several machines that say they are capable but they struggle with the thin stuff so will need t buy a new one

Anyhow I want to sew messenger bags, rucksacks backpacks that sort of thing maybe the occasional wallet and belt? tool belt , knife sheath etc no saddle work etc

I have recently used upholstery thread but am told the 3200 may not operate well with that small of a mil

Any suggestions I really like everything I have read and seen about the 3200 cowboy but probably overkill

anyone used know about the CB 227?

Hi Carrieanna, if most of what you're sewing will be thin leather for bags, backpacks, rucksacks and wallets, you should go with a light/medium machine. Your best choice would be a cylinder walking foot machine so you can sew into the insides of bags. This kind of machine can handle up to #210 thread and needles up to size #24, though you'll probably be using #20 needles with #69/#90 thread for most of your projects.

A machine like the 3200 or a 441 clone would probably be overkill and would limit you for sewing thin leather with smaller needle sizes. Your best bet is to go with the machine that will cover you for as many of the products you plan on sewing.

Feel free to give us a call with any questions!

Thanks,

Ron

Edited August 11, 2014 by Techsew Ron

[Carrieanna1172]

Just a quick update I bought a used consew 227 no reverse stitch

Thank you bob from cowboy machines ! So far so good! this is going to be a very good machine

For me to practice and learn on

I am really enjoying practicing

Maybe a dumb question idk but can u speed this machine up at all?

Quests I could call bob back and bug hi. Some more : )

[CowboyBob]

Just got it & it's to slow??There is a knob on the front of the motor you can turn to speed it up.

Please call anytime you have a question about your machine.

[mk1mad]

You could get a larger pulley for the end of the motor ,it's only 10 mins to swap it but you'll probably need a longer belt too , if it has a servo motor you can vary the speed with a knob usually on the motor or control box ,

Craig

[Carrieanna1172]

We'll I knew that was a dumb question I found the adjustment knob

And viola ! Plenty fast enough!

Thanks

[CowboyBob]

Carrie,there's no dumb questions...only dumb answers. LOL!!!

[Carrieanna1172]

Question Bob

I keep tripping the clutch safety ( thing)

I think that's what's happening

Anyway it stops walking? Is that normal when there is a slight thread jam?

Now I can't get it walking at all it was fine 5 minutes ago but I did turn the little knob on the

Tension wheel the one the belt is attached to? On accident really the knob has numbers

I don't know what it is called

[Carrieanna1172]

Ok I try to reset the clutch by pushing the button in and turning the the wheel clockwise and I have turned it both ways the button stay In a moment and then pops out? Not sure what it's supposed to do?

Ugh