Elennah Report post Posted March 1, 2015 Does anyone know whether the Able290 and the leather patcher from leatherpatcher.com are basically the same machine? From what I understand, both sellers get the machine from China, but then replace some parts, adjust, etc. As I would be ordering to the US, I am wondering if the Able290 would for some reason be worth the extra cost. I do not have the funds for a better machine, prefer one with no electricity needed, and think one of these would do a good enough job for my purposes (sewing small amounts of two to three layers of 1,6 mm leather). I also need to be able to transport the machine on the plane, so my options are very limited. Just mentioning this, so no one would feel the need to resue me from this machine and to tell me that I really should get a "real machine" instead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howie696 Report post Posted March 1, 2015 yes had a quick look and the leatherpatcher looks just like my Able290 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elennah Report post Posted March 3, 2015 Thank you, howie696. Unless someone has a differing opinion, or wants to tell me I won't get along with this machine, I think I will try my luck with this. (Yes, luck, not skill...I can sew but I don't undertand machines.) :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micktx Report post Posted May 12, 2015 Elennah, I have the Able and love working with it. I had to do some polishing and oiling to get it to run smooth. I use it for precise sewing of up to 14 ounce leather with no issues. For projects that don't need the real precise stitching I use my Singer Model 29-4 sewing up to 14 ounce leather like cutting butter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted May 14, 2015 Hi folks, The ABLE290 is the machine I sell and I am going to be honest The 290 is rough, rugged and crude. As you change direction the stitch length will vary. It does have the advantage of being portable and will be in production for decades to come so parts will be available. I am NOT the only seller of this machine but I am the only one who makes serious modifications to the basic Chinese design. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howie696 Report post Posted May 14, 2015 Hi folks, The ABLE290 is the machine I sell and I am going to be honest The 290 is rough, rugged and crude. As you change direction the stitch length will vary. It does have the advantage of being portable and will be in production for decades to come so parts will be available. I am NOT the only seller of this machine but I am the only one who makes serious modifications to the basic Chinese design. My Able290 came from Darren, it had a base was all sorted and worked out of the box, all sorts of extras that made the whole transaction a pleasure and although he cost more than the cheap ones I feel it was a bargain just my 2c worth :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted May 15, 2015 Thanks Howie, As you know I make my own bobbin winder and have written instructions in English. The leatherpatcher.com machine includes the second tension assembly but I remove them because it is a spare and users tend to thread up both then wonder while the machine will not work. I do like the inclusion of the threading wire but with the current exchange rate my machine is more than competitive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
