What Affordable Sewing Machine For 9/10 Oz Leather

[Exzette]

Hi,

I am new to sewing machine, I handsewn most of my items, I drove 3 hours to L.A. to find sewing machine that I can afford, because I heard that they can buy under 500 or little over that price for an industrial sewing machine, is there any recommendations? I mostly use 5/6 oz, 8/9 oz, 9/10oz veg tanned leather, I will really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.

[Uwe]

If you find a machine for under $500 that sews two or more layers of 10oz veg tan leather well, you are very lucky indeed. Many sellers will claim their machine will sew anything perfectly, especially if they've never used it themselves. Make sure you see machine actually sewing what the seller they claims it will sew, before you buy it.

[Equiplay Saddlery]

What Uwe said.....

[Uwe]

In terms of actual machine suggestions that can sew that kind of leather and fall in that general price range, the only recommendation that comes to mind are the Singer 111W155 and Consew 225/226 class of machines. These machines are frequently available used in various degrees of use/abuse. They are actually capable of sewing fairly thick leather if they are set up properly. I did a little video some time ago sewing thick veg tan leather on my Consew 225 after adjusting it as good as I know how:

Here's the video on how I adjusted it, to give you an idea of what you have to do (or pay somebody to do):

Edited November 6, 2015 by Uwe

[Wishful]

The models uwe suggested can be found on craigslist in the LA/Inland area now for $350-800. You would want to add a servo motor for about $150. Pm me if you want more specifics.

Edited November 6, 2015 by Wishful

[leecopp]

Hey Uwe, very nice hook timing video.

Lee in Hot Florida

[zoomer56]

Excellent videos.

[Colt W Knight]

A consew 206rb is also a good machine to be on the look out for in the used market. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be many used leather machines for sale. if you are on the hunt for a used machine, check the classifieds and craigslist frequently. Used machines here with a reasonable price sell within a few days of being posted, sometimes quicker. I got lucky and snagged a deal because I logged on about the same time a machine was posted and called immediately.