MissionVao Report post Posted March 20, 2015 Hi everyone, I was searching for sewing machines for light and medium weight leather with walking foot. I'd be sewing everything lambskin, several layers of nappa, all the way to 1 layer of 1/4'' belt leather, nothing thicker than that. Now the problem is I won't be able to try any of these and my choices are extremely limited where I'm at, so I would ask for your quick assistance. I'll post a photo and brief condition description, with cost so you can tell me which one seems reasonable Of course I'd ask the owner additional questions, this is just a start. Pfaff 1245, 'in excellent condition', $850, http://i.imgur.com/RbaF6VN.jpg Pfaff 1246, 'fully refurbished', $? , http://i.imgur.com/i1Mg3b6.jpg http://i.imgur.com/a7sQG2d.jpg Pfaff 196-H3, 'Refurbished, new silent motor, new belt, no scratches, warranty' $1200 http://i.imgur.com/GEdhEdm.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HtmdVXv.jpg There are also two much cheaper machines that I'm posting just because I don't know enough about machines to conclude if they would be less-than-perfect but still a solution. Juki LH-515, $350 (I know it's not a walking foot one, it's up to you to tell me if it's simply impossible to use with soft leather) http://i.imgur.com/nixJ7BG.jpg The other 'not so good' one is Necchi 840-134, $450, walking foot, with binding option but very scruffy looking http://i.imgur.com/A9xhjDB.jpg I read most of forum topics that mention all of these and if I knew they all work and I had a lot of money I know which one I'd choose. But the real problem here is deducting their real condition by images and that's where I need someone far more experienced. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted March 20, 2015 hard to judge all the machines by just seeing the few picture but I can tell you what I would do - I would buy the 1245. The 1246 has an additional puller feed - not sure if you need this - I don´t. The 196 H3 is a double needle machine - not sure if you need this - I don´t. The LH-515 is also a double needle machine and has some extra attachment on the backside (left side) - maybe also a puller feed - I don´t need it. Necchi is a known Italian brand but I guess parts are harder to find than for old Singer 45K machines (at least in my part of the world) - so I would not buy it at all. But that does nor mean it is a bad machine. All are fine machines but it depends on if you need the features they have. So I would buy the 1245 - has compound / triple feed, has a great price & is an up to date model as it seems. I´d add a speed reducer and a new servo motor (or has it one already?) and then I would be good with it. Just my 2 cents - only from examining the pictures and w/o goggling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissionVao Report post Posted March 20, 2015 Thank you, Constabulary, that's the exact type of advice I was hoping to hear I know I don't need the additional feed of the 1246 but I was wondering if it's in undoubtedly better condition than 1245 then it would be a lesser risk. Double needle sure is handy, since I could sew with single too, but not necessary of course. Parts are no issue, I'm ordering online and over here in Europe they are fairly easy to find. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted March 20, 2015 Parts are no issue, I'm ordering online and over here in Europe they are fairly easy to find. I know - I`m from Germany A good source for Pfaff accessories is College sewing in the UK. Where in Serbia do you live? I have been with SFOR on the Balkans in 2000-2001. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissionVao Report post Posted March 20, 2015 Thank you for that advice as well. I'm from the capital, and I'm very young too so I had to google what SFOR is, forgive me if that sounds weird. Anyway, leatherworking is really exotic over here, for some reason, all my tools had to be imported from Canada and the machines are sold almost exclusively in used condition. Only 1 company imports the heavy duty ones. All because as a hobby it's nonexistent. Those who practice it for commercial reasons find a way but for others it's a pain in the bum. That's why I find this forum very valuable Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissionVao Report post Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) Okay I've made a decision since I ran into an unexpected find - (white/new) Pfaff 335 with servo motor, 1 year warranty, $1500. My guess is it has the same power as 1245 but with very *very* useful cylinder bed. If someone thinks I'm making a mistake please speak soon Edited March 23, 2015 by MissionVao Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
