Question About Seiko LSWN28BL

[Marge]

Would this be suitable for sewing medium weight leather for bags?  They want $700, but the price is negotiable. 

I intend to ask them to demo it... I've never sewn on a machine like this. 

 

Thanks!

 

160911 Seiko LSWN-28BL Pics.docx

[brmax]

It looks to be a double needle machine, if I'm correct that could be great for some upholstery and light middle weight materials.  Always good to schedule plenty of time to operate and get instructions when lucky enough for that.

The double may be an issue for typical work as I think it is best for flat work, top side, decorator looks. As some operators use a lot of turns and intricate stitch for bags n such. I mean the wide foot doesn't get along well with that and not likely to change out easily. Its as they say now days, it is what it is.

The needle width setting "gauge" can be very difficult and time $ charging to change, so don't consider it something done in short order.  Now if its the standard stitch seam you use or do twice then  "its a money maker" in production or such work scheduled.

So to close, if it runs 92 in flat work type totes, boxed, squared seams I think it kicks and wished I had it,

" but I don't use my old non walker double needle enough now! "

get it cheaper and you will be happy, ( I mean who can do two colors of thread at the same time? ya uh huh). It probably has a clutch motor and you can get use to it pretty quick I'm sure, and even then a speed reducer pulley upgrade installed can tractor through some mighty tough stuff, And the brand has good bones.

Have a good day

Floyd

 

[Uwe]

I'm not sure a double needle machine is a good starter machine. Most beginners have a hard enough time keeping a single hook system adjusted and working properly. With a double needle & hook machine roughly twice as many things can and will go wrong.

Also, for three-dimensional bags (as opposed to flat pieces like wallets and belts, etc. ) most folks end up wanting a cylinder arm or post bed machine.

In the $700 range, I'd recommend looking for a Juki LU-562 or similar single needle flatbed machine instead of your double needle candidate. Also, instead of a double needle machine, consider doubling your budget and looking for a used Juki LS-341 or similar cylinder arm machine. The pain and suffering caused by an ill-suited first machine has its price, too.

I always recommend a modern servo motor to beginners. Personally I find them much less intimidating and MUCH easier to control at slow speeds. For about the price of a speed reducer pulley ($150), you can also buy a decent servo motor that often doesn't need a speed reducer pulley at all. Sewing leather, especially bags, really benefits from being able to sew very slowly and very precisely, at least initially until you get the hang of it.

Edited September 11, 2016 by Uwe

[dikman]

If you've never sewn on a machine like this before (and I assume you mean an industrial machine?) then you have a steep learning curve ahead. Starting with a twin needle machine is probably not a good idea, as Uwe said. I must say though that it looks like a nice machine, being a Seiko and a walking foot. If you only want to have one machine then a cylinder arm is probably the most versatile, and a servo will let you learn to use it without having to fight a clutch motor.

Wiz's sticky at the top is a good place to start learning about industrial sewing machines.

[Marge]

.Thanks so much for the helpful advice!  Looks like this is no go.  The cylinder bed looks like the best bet.  

[mikesc]

For sewing bags, any flat bed machine is going to be like playing tennis handcuffed to a partner, possible, but frustrating and it will get old fast.
get a cylinder arm machine and make a flat bed to go around the arm ( out of wood, many here have done so, with their cylinder arm machines ) for when you need a flat bed surface to work on.