Treadle - Singer 45K, 133K And Other?

[Constabulary]

There are some members who like treadle machines - I personally don`t though I like vintage machines very much. A well functional servo motor + speed reducer is the best option I would say (my opinion).

I would not recommend a Singer 29K or any other cobbler machine if you want to produce quality standard items. These were designed for very slow sewing and the bobbins do not have much capacity. F.i. the bobbin of most 29K is just 16mm in diameter. Check this post - I have posted a picture of different bobbins for comparison: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=56667&p=385045

So producing a canvas Duffel Bag may take for ever and you have to change the bobbin every few minutes. And the thicker the thread is the less thread is on the bobbin. Anything thicker than 92 or 138 thread makes no sense for cobbler machines I would say. Some even say 69 size thread is the best but I can run 138 thread in my 29K71. Anyway - a cobbler machine is not recommend for producing quality goods.

A worn feed dog may help to prevent leather markings but can cause inconsistent stitchings as well. I had this with my 133K3 machine. Best choice probably is a needle feed or walking foot (triple feed) machine.

[Europeanleather]

How well does a roller foot sewing machine do with chrome and veg?

Is there any type of machine that will not mark up the backside because of the feed dog.

Is the a triple feed better than a needle feed when it comes to leather?

[SantaFeMarie]

Hi Yes no reverse on the 133k which is a shame, especially if sewing something where one cannot turn it around to stitch the other way, such as the top of a bag......its a little but important point in deciding which machine to go for.

So, out of curiosity: what does one do if one's machine does not have reverse?

[Harrybodger]

In reply to European leather I like triple feed, I have this on my Juki DNU1541, and I have ground off most of the teeth on one of my Juki feet so as not to mark veg tan...the needle drags the leather through very well.....I like the Juki, not so much power an on my 133k but a very versatile machine and a pretty good all rounder. One trick I sometimes use is to put a sheet on paper on top of the veg tan to reduce any scope for marking the leather.

In reply to SanteFeMarie - I would be interested to hear other peoples thoughts, but I just manage by tying thread ends and singe with a lighter (bonded nylon) when I cannot turn the work around.

[jimi]

Hi, yes i agree with harry that triple feed is better for NOT marking leather, as the needle does the feeding along with the foot and feed dog, which is normally smooth. and for stitching reverse with no reverse option.. this is probably the most logical way to do it...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kooE4I1xU9I

[Harrybodger]

I will try that jimi its seems mechanically dubious, but a very logical approach....and if it works thats good enough - thanks very much! Harry

[Darren Brosowski]

The Singer 45k25 does not have reverse.

As much as I love the old machines I have to sell the GA5-1R due to parts and availability. It has reverse and roller feet are available.

The 45k and GA5 can be made into a hand crank by drilling and tapping a hole to fit a handle on the balance wheel to make them portable. It is something I offer as a standard product.

[Darren Brosowski]

Amazingly the 45k and similar machines have been in use for leatherwork for over a century and yet all of a sudden in the last few ears they are not suitable for sewing leather?

There is a technique to using the 45k and simple feed machines to get even stitches and that involves using both hands to assist the feed. I know master saddlers who use the 45k to do the bulk of their sewing and stitch length is not an issue.

The feed dog marking is mostly because people screw down the presser foot tension to compensate for the fact that they do not assist the feed correctly.

[Constabulary]

In the past you were able to get different type of feed dogs with narrower teeth depending on the sewing application. But nowadays you can be lucky when you find just 1 type. Nowadays feed dogs of the 45K flat bed most of the time have 12 or 14 teeth whereas the feed dog of the cylinder bed machines have 8 or 9 teeth but I know for the cylinder bed machines the feed dogs were available with at least 12 teeth. So when you apply the same amount of foot pressure to the feed dogs then the ones with fewer teeth will most likely leave deeper marks on the leather. Foot pressure should always bee as low as possible but high enough to feed the materials properly.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Constabulary

[jimi]

This was one of these options for the cylinder arm 45k etc... consisting of nº85531 feed dog (13 teeth),nº85532 presser foot and nº85533 needle plate. complete set nº85534 "Attachment for sewing bag handles".

Edited May 6, 2015 by jimi