Jarakoko Report post Posted October 12, 2014 Hi all, I have spend many many weeks of research for the perfect machine. We mainly work with 2 layers of 1mm leather and Juki 1541S does the job. but we are looking to add heavier leather shoes, plus rubber sole or thick leather insole in the shoe. I'm eyeing couple of Cowboy machines and Global 9204 double needle. Problem is Global is impossible to get in US. We are looking for single needle and double needle post bed machine, I think that is the best for us. huge plus is roller foot. I attached some pic as of what I'm thinking of doing. I really appreciate any input and recommendation. Jara Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted October 12, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_34Y8nkI7c Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted October 12, 2014 Lots of machines are used in shoe making. The Singer 17/18 class (Seiko TE/TF) are very handy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted October 12, 2014 But the Singer 17/18 have extremely small bobbins and I´m not sure if they can handle anything larger that 138 thread. I think a roller foot machine with post bed or cylinder is a good choice for these tiny shoes. Get in touch with Toledo Sewing Machines if you want a Cowboy machine. They also have used machines and maybe the used ones will meet your requirements and they often can save you some $$$. Toledo Sewing has banner on top of this page. I like the shoes with fur very much - really cool shoes!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 12, 2014 (edited) I use my Cowboy CB4500 sometimes to re-sew leather soles and sometimes thick neoprene soles onto biker and cowboy boots and even dress shoes. It depends on how wide the flange is on the top sole. If one is making shoes from scratch, one could have the soles protruding out about 3/8 inch from the body, providing plenty of room for a right toe presser foot to make contact with the outside of the sole. In my case, I got a special paddle shaped right toe foot for my CB4500, from Bob Kovar (Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines). It has a paddle on the front the wraps around to completely cover the sewing path and inside foot. After sewing, one could trim the soles on a 3 in 1 machine. Edited October 12, 2014 by Wizcrafts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmakin2 Report post Posted October 13, 2014 I am in the market of doing the same thing, I'm doing it on sneakers. I was lookinhpg into the tech 810 2-2, or the consew 289rb. Google doesn't help that much. Id avise calling different sewing machine distributors to find exactly what you want. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jarakoko Report post Posted October 16, 2014 Thank you all for the help, I almost decided for Techsew 5100SE, still thinking about that one or if 4100 would be enough, but I like the flat bed option. I'm only scared it will mark our soles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 16, 2014 Thank you all for the help, I almost decided for Techsew 5100SE, still thinking about that one or if 4100 would be enough, but I like the flat bed option. I'm only scared it will mark our soles. The Techsew 5100-SE or 4100 come with our chrome plated specialty presser foot set and will not mark leather. Either machine will be good for leather soles. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmakin2 Report post Posted October 16, 2014 Ron, how's the 810-2. A friend of mine bought his a few months back and is having trouble with his. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 17, 2014 Ron, how's the 810-2. A friend of mine bought his a few months back and is having trouble with his. The 810 and 810-2 are really nice machines, we sell a lot of these to shoe and boot makers. Take a look at the 830 as well, it has a top and bottom feed for sewing thicker materials. I can recall one person who had issues with his 810-2 recently, I think he jammed it and tried to repair it by himself without contacting our tech support. We're having him ship it back and repairing it for him free of charge. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmakin2 Report post Posted October 18, 2014 If he's from Nevada, yes, that's my friend. Is the 830 a dual needle Ron? Also does it come with a table like the 810-2? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jarakoko Report post Posted October 18, 2014 830 is on my list too, love that it can be used as single machine as well. 830-2 comes with table as I know off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted October 18, 2014 Almost no machine without an open frame shuttle (exception being the 132 class shuttle) can handle anything over 138 thread. The 810/820/830 bobbin is maxed out at 138. The Cowboy branded GA5 is capable of heavy thread but despite asking a number of dealers I have yet to see even a photograph of a roller foot so I have sourced them myself - NOT from China. The 17/18 class machines were designed for the shoe industry as vamping (closing) machines which is why they are right handed (17) and left handed (18). The "Global" machine mentioned is purely for forming a "corded welt" in the uppers of shoes and, being decorative, uses an open frame shuttle for heavy threads. I have one of the Italian feed up the arm versions around here somewhere but there is also an ADLER 204 model for the job. For the Cowboy dealers I believe the equivalent is the 7133 based on the Chinese 253 with double roller feet. But the Singer 17/18 have extremely small bobbins and I´m not sure if they can handle anything larger that 138 thread. I think a roller foot machine with post bed or cylinder is a good choice for these tiny shoes. Get in touch with Toledo Sewing Machines if you want a Cowboy machine. They also have used machines and maybe the used ones will meet your requirements and they often can save you some $$$. Toledo Sewing has banner on top of this page. I like the shoes with fur very much - really cool shoes!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 18, 2014 (edited) If he's from Nevada, yes, that's my friend. Is the 830 a dual needle Ron?Also does it come with a table like the 810-2? Yes of course, table unit with SmartServo motor are included. 830 is single needle, 830-2 is double needle with top and bottom feed. Ron Edited October 18, 2014 by Techsew Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jarakoko Report post Posted October 20, 2014 Almost no machine without an open frame shuttle (exception being the 132 class shuttle) can handle anything over 138 thread. The 810/820/830 bobbin is maxed out at 138. The Cowboy branded GA5 is capable of heavy thread but despite asking a number of dealers I have yet to see even a photograph of a roller foot so I have sourced them myself - NOT from China. The 17/18 class machines were designed for the shoe industry as vamping (closing) machines which is why they are right handed (17) and left handed (18). The "Global" machine mentioned is purely for forming a "corded welt" in the uppers of shoes and, being decorative, uses an open frame shuttle for heavy threads. I have one of the Italian feed up the arm versions around here somewhere but there is also an ADLER 204 model for the job. For the Cowboy dealers I believe the equivalent is the 7133 based on the Chinese 253 with double roller feet. what machines 17/18 are you talking about? I have just one shot in getting the perfect machine, all help is highly appreciated Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmakin2 Report post Posted October 23, 2014 I'm buying a juki 1560n. I think it'll do the job im looking for Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites