JenniferW Report post Posted April 7, 2016 Hi All! I am new to the forum, but have been sewing with leather and vinyl for awhile now, mainly sew purses I have been searching for an industrial machine that could handle many layers of leather, and when I came across this beast on craigslist, I knew nothing about it, but figured the internet would have all the information I need! well come to find out, there is barely ANY information out there, and Singer was less than helpful when I called them. The badge on this machine states it's a 150W161 and it has a serial number W948587. I have only been able to find the manual and a small one page blurb on a website that talks about the three lengths this machine came in (the 161 was the longest!). Would love to hear from anyone who could shed any light on this particular machine! Thanks in advance, and I look forward to searching through this site and learning lots more!!! Jennifer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted April 7, 2016 The short-arm version of this machine is a Singer 61W2,do a search for that model# & there's a lot more info.This machine is great for quilters w/the long arm.But don't expect to sew much leather with it. HTH Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted April 7, 2016 (edited) That 150W161 user manual tells you a great deal about the machine, actually. Mainly it tells you (in so many words and in an Obi Wan Kenobi voice) that "this is not the machine you're looking for" if you want to sew multiple layers of leather. It was designed as a high speed machine for attaching labels on folded shirts. It has only drop feed and will most likely struggle and readily give up on sewing thick leather and moving multiple material layers in a synchronized fashion. It's also an oddball, rare machine (not in good way) that you will have a hard time finding parts and support for. You really need a proper compound feed machine, and for purses, hold out for the right cylinder arm machine. Edited April 7, 2016 by Uwe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted April 7, 2016 Hi Jennifer, there is a sticky at the top by Wiz that is an excellent introduction/explanation about industrial leather machines. There is a lot to digest, and it's a steep learning curve (well, it was for me) but it could help you figure out what will suit you best and hopefully keep you from buying the wrong thing. (Be aware that many advertise machines as "industrial" when in reality they are far from it). As Uwe said it sounds like a compound feed cylinder arm might be the best option - but just how thick do you want to sew? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted April 8, 2016 If you go to the singer web site parts.singerco.com you can download the operations manual and parts list . This was a high speed lock stitch machine for apparel. I think it used a needle system of 132x 21. Check the operations manual. It has a 16" throat. Could be useful on some things but not leather. glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
