Help to choose right sewing machine!

[Gilbert]

Hi, all. 

I have been shopping around sewing machine for leatherwork in online, and I happened to find these one. 

I am new to sewing machine, and will use it for making wallet, small clutch, mainly with 3-6 oz leather.

Could I borrow you guys expert knowledge on this? I narrowed down to these sewing machines.

Singer 99-31: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111988397863?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Singer 403A: http://www.ebay.com/itm/152081314348?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Singer 401A: http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/for/5568779423.html
Singer 185J: http://www.ebay.com/itm/322087191624?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

My budget is under $200 ballpark. If you have any other sewing machine you'd recommend, please mention it at the below. 

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited May 6, 2016 by Gilbert

[Constabulary]

Well, before I (or someone else) make a 1000 words - watch this Video

and read this thread

Both will open your eyes - hopefully!

[Wizcrafts]

The old iron Singer is the most likely candidate for sewing wallet interiors. But, you will have to upgrade the motor to a brand new one drawing twice the power (e.g., 1.5 amps/150 watts) of the one supplied by this seller (0.8 amps). Expect to pay between $75 to $100 for a new motor, with the proper plug and foot controller. The 0.8 amp motor is likely to overheat if you routinely sew leather. This will cause it to smoke out and possibly catch fire. You will also need a Teflon or roller equipped presser foot to keep the leather moving. The rest of the accessories that come with the machine are useless for leather sewing. Finally, buy leather point needles in size 18 and 69 bonded nylon thread. I recommend the more expensive titanium coated needles.

Stay away from the plastic body models.

There is no such thing as an industrial strength sewing machine. It is a marketing term used by rip off sellers on eBay. It is either a domestic/household OR industrial/commercial sewing machine. There is no in-between unless you go to a portable Sailrite walking foot machine (dual feed only. Marks leather).

[suzelle]

  On 5/6/2016 at 6:29 PM, Gilbert said:

Gilbert,

I think all the sewing machines you provided links to are nice, vintage Singers. They are all machines I love and have owned, but really not heavy duty enough to do what you want. Those are really basically home machines.

If you increased your budget to about $300-$500 and search Craigslist in your area, you may well be able to find something that could work for you, if you are patient. Be sure to bring with you samples of the materials and the thread you plan to sew with when you test a machine.

The video provided by Constabulary above is a good one, the guy in the video is so knowledgeable, great teacher.

Good luck in your search.

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[Marge]

Enjoyed the informative video by Constabulary!  Thank you!

 

[Constabulary]

Not "my" Video - Arthur Porter (also a LW member here) made it.