cflwrs Report post Posted December 16, 2015 Hi everyone I'm new to the site and looking forward to all the info. that is available. My question is I'm a taxidermist and need a sewing machine to sew bear rugs, I know I need a walking foot with at least a 1/2 inch of lift what machine would you recommend or does any one have one for sale that would work for this application? Thanks for your help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 16, 2015 I think that any 441 clone will do the job. The question is how much room will you need on the right of the needle? There are machines in this class with 9", 10.5", 16.5", 25" and even longer arms. All will sew 1/2 inch and most, more. Personally, I think that my 16.5" arm on my Cowboy CB4500 is barely adequate for some jobs.It sews over 3/4 inch. I wouldn't consider a shorter arm myself. Other folks are happy enough with a 10.5 inch arm model, like the CB3200, which sews up to 1/2 inch. One consideration you may want to ask about is if you can get what is referred to as a blanket foot and feed dog set. These items have teeth that help move blankets, furs and such. I have these feet for my CB4500, but have yet to use them. Still, I'd rather have them in the drawer in case they are needed. Harness feet are not ideal for fur. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted December 16, 2015 We have many customers in the fur industry and they use a fur sewing machine like the Techsew 402 or 602 to make bear skin rugs. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cflwrs Report post Posted December 16, 2015 Thanks for the replies I'll doing some research for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 16, 2015 We have many customers in the fur industry and they use a fur sewing machine like the Techsew 402 or 602 to make bear skin rugs. Ron The specs on the 602 look really good for thicker fur and moc work and thread. It appears that this machine starts where the standard model leaves off. Hmmmm.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted December 16, 2015 (edited) The specs on the 602 look really good for thicker fur and moc work and thread. It appears that this machine starts where the standard model leaves off. Hmmmm.... Definitely for the thicker fur and moccasins. The thing is a beast! Edited December 16, 2015 by Techsew Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 17, 2015 Now Ron; stop tempting me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted December 21, 2015 I had a woman who worked for me in the late 1980's as cutter and prep person in B.C. Canada. Her dad did taxidermy. They did polar bears. They used a heavy Bonis sewing machine and it worked great. This machine looks just like it. Hope that helps. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregg From Keystone Sewing Report post Posted December 23, 2015 We have many customers in the fur industry and they use a fur sewing machine like the Techsew 402 or 602 to make bear skin rugs. Ron Ron, Your website is looking great, good job! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 23, 2015 I wonder if there are any fur machines that can be run with a domestic sewing machine motor (aka: portable)? I've run out of space for machine tables in my shop! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted December 31, 2015 Ron, Your website is looking great, good job! thanks Gregg ! happy holidays! I wonder if there are any fur machines that can be run with a domestic sewing machine motor (aka: portable)? I've run out of space for machine tables in my shop! Yes we have them as a head-only with direct drive motor but only in 220V. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted December 31, 2015 thanks Gregg ! happy holidays! Yes we have them as a head-only with direct drive motor but only in 220V. Ron Drat; I only have 110 volt outlets. Thanks for letting me know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrmCa Report post Posted December 31, 2015 There is 220 in every house in North America, and an outlet is only about $10-15 at the hardware store. All you need is to put black wire into one breaker, and white wire into the next one, and you get 220V. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 1, 2016 There is 220 in every house in North America, and an outlet is only about $10-15 at the hardware store. All you need is to put black wire into one breaker, and white wire into the next one, and you get 220V. I never said anything about the destination being a residence. I was referring to my rented room in an antiques mall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alexitbe Report post Posted January 1, 2016 (edited) I wonder if there are any fur machines that can be run with a domestic sewing machine motor (aka: portable)? I've run out of space for machine tables in my shop! No, I tried with my own Singer 46k.... However, it was a very old DDR domestic sewig machine motor, so maybe a newer one could... Although I have been turning it by hand, until recently (it has a hand wheel) I have just tried my 750W motor , over Christmas.....What a revelation.... Back to the bear.... Yes, you really must use this type of fur sewig machine otherwise the join would be quite visible... I have an old Singer manual for these types of machine that lists bear with the needle and thread to use.... I will scan it and put it up on your thread if interested... PM me if I forget... CheersA lex Edited January 1, 2016 by alexitbe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cflwrs Report post Posted January 2, 2016 So I've been talking to the lady that is currently sewing my rugs she uses a Pfaff 1245 for sewing the felt and backing onto the skin and a fur machine like a Bonis to repair holes and such. I'm looking at a Consew 206rb would that be comparable to the Pfaff 1245? For now I will have to repair holes by hand. Thanks for all the information. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alexitbe Report post Posted January 2, 2016 (edited) If you are not joining two fur pieces together, then you don't need a bonis or any other fur machine. I thought you were joining pieces together... This might be an idea for you to do in the future with your scrap pieces... Then they won't be scrap, as you won't see the join... I believe the 206 is a good sewing machine. I think the Consew 225 is the newer version. It is a walking foot machine and is good for leather. It is a copy of the well known Singer 111-155, which has been in use since before the war... Someone may correct me here... I am not long into sewing... Cheers Alex Edited January 2, 2016 by alexitbe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
