a little help picking a sewing machine

[punchy379]

Can anyone tell me about a TACSEW T111-155, I am think I found a good deal on one but dont know much about the brand name,and I am wondering if it would be a good one for my first sewing machine, any information would be great on this one or any other ideas on other ones thanks.

[BillB]

Punchy379,

If you have not already done so, you might consider posting this question in the "Fabrication" sub forum in the "Leather Sewing Machines" section. If you click on "Leatherworker.net" in the character string "Leatherworker.net>Leatherworker Board>How Do I Do That?" at that top of this page it will take you to the top of the forum. You can then scroll down to the Fabrication section and find the area on Leather Sewing Machines.

BillB.

[Ian]

The machine you choose would be based on what kind of work you're going to do. If you're going to be doing sewing on thicker leather, harness, bridle, heavier veg tan, you'll need a harness stitcher. If you're going to be doing upholstery or garments, a walking foot is what you'll need. You just don't get good results trying to sew lightweight leather on a needle feed.

I don't know about Tacksew, but the price seems low for an industrial machine. I once made the mistake of buying a Chinese knock off of a Juki and it was basically, well ...crap.

Tacksew also has the oil reservoir under the machine, which I don't like because all kinds of fluff and debris gets in there - quite messy.

I know it's confusing because every machine seems to make the same claims, but there is, indeed a huge difference between the low priced Chinese machines and the name brands. With quite a bit of practice, I can sew very slowly on my old Japanese made Consew without a srevo motor, but on the inexpensive machines you'll need a servo. The clutches are too unpredictable.

Sorry if that's not too helpful, but the basic rule of thumb is if you want a decent machine, stick with the name brands. A beat up looking 30 year old machine in good working order beats out a shiney new cheap machine every time. So, you might be better off looking for a used machine.

[esantoro]

The machine you choose would be based on what kind of work you're going to do. If you're going to be doing sewing on thicker leather, harness, bridle, heavier veg tan, you'll need a harness stitcher. If you're going to be doing upholstery or garments, a walking foot is what you'll need. You just don't get good results trying to sew lightweight leather on a needle feed.

I don't know about Tacksew, but the price seems low for an industrial machine. I once made the mistake of buying a Chinese knock off of a Juki and it was basically, well ...crap.

Tacksew also has the oil reservoir under the machine, which I don't like because all kinds of fluff and debris gets in there - quite messy.

I know it's confusing because every machine seems to make the same claims, but there is, indeed a huge difference between the low priced Chinese machines and the name brands. With quite a bit of practice, I can sew very slowly on my old Japanese made Consew without a srevo motor, but on the inexpensive machines you'll need a servo. The clutches are too unpredictable.

Sorry if that's not too helpful, but the basic rule of thumb is if you want a decent machine, stick with the name brands. A beat up looking 30 year old machine in good working order beats out a shiney new cheap machine every time. So, you might be better off looking for a used machine.

Ian,

What was the Juki model that was knocked off?

Ed

[Ian]

Ian,

What was the Juki model that was knocked off?

Ed

Ed, I don't know, but it was so identical to juki - color, logo style. It even looked like it was cast from a mold taken from a Juki. That was quite a few years ago, so don't remember the details.

[heavyleathernyc]

Hi

You seem pretty knowledgeable about heavy duty machines. I make guitar straps out of 5-6 oz cowhide. I need to be able to sew through suede+leather combo. I also work with bridle leather and veg-tan. Are there any machines you would recommend? I was thinking about buying a juki, I am hoping to spend under $2,000.00. Thanks so much!

-Rachael

The machine you choose would be based on what kind of work you're going to do. If you're going to be doing sewing on thicker leather, harness, bridle, heavier veg tan, you'll need a harness stitcher. If you're going to be doing upholstery or garments, a walking foot is what you'll need. You just don't get good results trying to sew lightweight leather on a needle feed.

I don't know about Tacksew, but the price seems low for an industrial machine. I once made the mistake of buying a Chinese knock off of a Juki and it was basically, well ...crap.

Tacksew also has the oil reservoir under the machine, which I don't like because all kinds of fluff and debris gets in there - quite messy.

I know it's confusing because every machine seems to make the same claims, but there is, indeed a huge difference between the low priced Chinese machines and the name brands. With quite a bit of practice, I can sew very slowly on my old Japanese made Consew without a srevo motor, but on the inexpensive machines you'll need a servo. The clutches are too unpredictable.

Sorry if that's not too helpful, but the basic rule of thumb is if you want a decent machine, stick with the name brands. A beat up looking 30 year old machine in good working order beats out a shiney new cheap machine every time. So, you might be better off looking for a used machine.

[BillB]

Rachael,

I sew things that are from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick and are single layer leather to 5 to 5 layers of leather. I use a walking foot, needle feed machine that works will with #277 or #207 thread using #25 or #24 size needles. It came with a roll around adjustable stand to which I added the work table since I sew a number of flat items. I chose the Artisan 3000 and I have been very happy with it.

I recommend that you make a list of what type of sewing you want to do, the thickness of the leather stack and the number of layers you will be working with. Then look around to find out which, if any are supported in your neck of the woods. Service and Support do count for something. Ask folks here about their experiences and recommendations, but remember, this is going to be your machine and your investment. You have to make the final decision and live with it not me or anyone one else. Sometimes it is better to spend a little more in time and money to get a good investment.

BillB

[JerryZ]

Hi Punchy,

I'm Jerry from Artisan.

I'd like to help and answer your questions about the right

sewing machine for your type of leather work.

But,I am cautious about sounding like a commercial.

If you and the other members would like some valuable and maybe a little

biased but truthful info about all brands`of machinery, I would like to help.

Please let me know.

Best regards,

JerryZ at Artisan Sewing Machines

JerryZ@artisansew.com

By the way the ever loving ART and Johanna have asked me to "jump in" if I thought I could be helpful.

I would like to contribute more of my knowledge here to help everyone, but I am aware that some the forum think that I have only self interest. Their is some truth to that, but I can help to decipher some of the half truths and plain mistakes written here.

I would like to try.

[shovelhead]

Hi Punchy,

I'm Jerry from Artisan.

I'd like to help and answer your questions about the right

sewing machine for your type of leather work.

But,I am cautious about sounding like a commercial.

If you and the other members would like some valuable and maybe a little

biased but truthful info about all brands`of machinery, I would like to help.

Please let me know.

Best regards,

JerryZ at Artisan Sewing Machines

JerryZ@artisansew.com

By the way the ever loving ART and Johanna have asked me to "jump in" if I thought I could be helpful.

I would like to contribute more of my knowledge here to help everyone, but I am aware that some the forum think that I have only self interest. Their is some truth to that, but I can help to decipher some of the half truths and plain mistakes written here.

I would like to try.

regarding the tacsew111 i have one to do he lighter stuff my tippmann aerostitch doesnt like to do got mine from sailright great people to do business with.i dont use the tacsew every day commercially but believe its a solid performer and think its capable of a long life.i use mine with a larger pulley to slow it down and like it alot. it has a max foot lift of one half inch makes a nice tight stitch and requires little or no adjustment for a range of sewing.yes its a chinese made machine but the quality of castings and machined parts are quite good. regards shovelhead