tboyce Report post Posted October 17, 2014 Okay so here's the scoop.About 15 years ago, I went from 70 mph to 0 too fast and ended up going into 18 hours of surgery with the likelihood of waking up without either of my hands or my right leg. Thanks to a marvelously skilled team of surgeons and a cadaver who donated his wrist bones, and two years under Helga the Bitch-Goddess who masqueraded as a physical therapist, I was able to take up leather working again. I am a saddle stitch snob and never thought I would ever think of using a sewing machine but, for the past two years, whenever I have to stitch more than an hour, my hands cramp up so badly that I cannot uncurl my fingers..it's like getting a Charley horse in all your fingers at once and I am faced with the realization that if I am to continue with this hobby I love, I am going to have to purchase a sewing machine. My budget is about 1500 and I want to buy the most versatile machine I can. I mostly work with under 3/8" of leather. Can the experts here help me out? I don't want to buy a machine and then think, "oh crap"Thanks in advanceTom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roq Report post Posted October 17, 2014 What items do you make, what thread size does it need to handle? Call Ryan at Neels Saddlrey http://www.neelsaddlery.com (866) 507-892 he'll guide you to the right machine. Superb customer service and available nights and weekends! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pounder Report post Posted October 18, 2014 Give Toledo Sewing Machine a look www.tolindsemach.com. I am sure Toledo Bob can fix you up with something in that price range. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 18, 2014 A CB3200 from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines would probably handle all your work, up to 1/2 inch, and thread sizes up to 415. Best of all, it sells for under $1600 (plus shipping). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted October 18, 2014 Okay so here's the scoop. About 15 years ago, I went from 70 mph to 0 too fast and ended up going into 18 hours of surgery with the likelihood of waking up without either of my hands or my right leg. Thanks to a marvelously skilled team of surgeons and a cadaver who donated his wrist bones, and two years under Helga the Bitch-Goddess who masqueraded as a physical therapist, I was able to take up leather working again. I am a saddle stitch snob and never thought I would ever think of using a sewing machine but, for the past two years, whenever I have to stitch more than an hour, my hands cramp up so badly that I cannot uncurl my fingers..it's like getting a Charley horse in all your fingers at once and I am faced with the realization that if I am to continue with this hobby I love, I am going to have to purchase a sewing machine. My budget is about 1500 and I want to buy the most versatile machine I can. I mostly work with under 3/8" of leather. Can the experts here help me out? I don't want to buy a machine and then think, "oh crap" Thanks in advance Tom What kind of products do you plan on sewing? A light/medium flatbed or cylinder walking foot machine will handle up to about 3/8" thick and is better at sewing thin leather than the heavy duty machines you'll find.Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msdeluca Report post Posted October 19, 2014 Love my Cowboy CB3200... I've been successful sewing with 92 thread in two layers of sunbrella up to 277 thread in 9/16" of Herman Oak so far. Ryan at Neel's Saddlery set mine up and its been a perfect experience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
