Sewing Machine For Beginner

[firstcapitalfirearms]

I am in the process of wanting to buy a portable sewing machine that is capable of sewing a minimum of 7oz leather. I am wanting a portable because space is limited at this time. I am also wanting something that is below 1500.00 as well. I have narrowed my choices down to either the Tippman Boss or the Sailrite LSZ-1. Can anyone give their advice / opinions or their recommendations. I am going to be making holsters / gun belts etc. 

Oh yeah this will be my first sewing machine and I am new at this whole adventure. 

Thanks

Mark

[Constabulary]

The sailrite LSZ-1 is a joke for sewing holsters - not sure if you have seen the "funny" Youtube Video already.

Putt 200 bucks on top and you can go for a proper Cowboy CB3200 with walking, Servo Motor and speed reducer f.i from Toledo Sewing Machines:

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb3200.html

EDIT:
sorry - have not noticed the word "portable" earlier - however you should consider the CB3200 anyway. Maybe build your own space saving stand. Well - depends on how portable you need your machine.

 

Edited October 31, 2016 by Constabulary

[firstcapitalfirearms]

36 minutes ago, Constabulary said:

The sailrite LSZ-1 is a joke for sewing holsters - not sure if you have seen the "funny" Youtube Video already.

Putt 200 bucks on top and you can go for a proper Cowboy CB3200 with walking, Servo Motor and speed reducer f.i from Toledo Sewing Machines:

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb3200.html

EDIT:
sorry - have not noticed the word "portable" earlier - however you should consider the CB3200 anyway. Maybe build your own space saving stand. Well - depends on how portable you need your machine.

I have not seen the Youtube video. Most of what I have seen was made by Sailrite. If you know what the title of the video is or can post a link I would be interested in watching it. I do like the Cowboy machines but they take up too much space for what I have. 

I have not seen the Youtube video. Most of what I have seen was made by Sailrite. If you know what the title of the video is or can post a link I would be interested in watching it. I do like the Cowboy machines but they take up too much space for what I have. 

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Wizcrafts]

I searched our own forum and found the video in question embedded into a reply concerning using a Sailrite to sew leather Renaissance gear. It shows a person using one to sew a knife sheath. Read the entire topic to gain some background.

[firstcapitalfirearms]

Thanks for the link. Any thoughts on the Tippman Boss or any other portable machines. 

Thanks

Mark

[Constabulary]

Wiz linked to the Video. Hope that cures you from the sailrite LSZ-1

If I had space problems and need a heavy leather machine for holsters I´d check with the mentioned dealer f.i. and ask for options - maybe they can somehow set up a CB3200 for limited space. Keep in mind that the machine performance is one of the keys for successful leather sewing. It does not help you when you have a machine that fits your space but has not enough performance to sew heavy leather. You know what I mean?

LW member UWE once showed a mobile / space saving solution with a Adler 69 (I think) cylinder arm sewing machine and a servo motor but I can´t find the thread. So that setup but with a CB 3200 instead could be an option or at least a part of a solution. I´m sure UWE will read this and find the link to his thread.

[firstcapitalfirearms]

I just contacted Toledo and will see what they say. 

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Wizcrafts]

I have seen a picture of a CB3200 with a hand crank. Not ideal, but an option for unpowered sewing. I will conjecture that one could be adapted to a patcher base and be treadle operated. Slippage of the leather would be a recurring problem though.

[TinkerTailor]

1 hour ago, Wizcrafts said:

I searched our own forum and found the video in question embedded into a reply concerning using a Sailrite to sew leather Renaissance gear. It shows a person using one to sew a knife sheath. Read the entire topic to gain some background.

At least he has good scissors......I looked through my stitch sample garbage bin, where i chuck the stuff i have used when i change thread/needles or if i am testing a certain stitch combo. Some of those pieces have been tested on half dozen-dozen different times and none of them is even close to looking as bad as that guys finished project......I mean, what is with all the threadless holes that have differing angles to the holes. Was he trying to figure out which way the needle goes by trial and error??. I feel like this is the kind of user that needs to be told that the pointy end goes down....Thing is, that sailrite will build a what he wants if he even came remotely close to knowing what he is doing. It would track it up some for sure, but if he patterned, glued and stitched before forming while the leather was dry, he could have got a passable sheath, albeit with some minor marking outa that sailrite. Apparently he bought a cobra as well..

[Tejas]

Mark,

You might want to read the pinned thread below. I think you will learn that you want a compound walking-foot sewing machine. The LSZ is a walking foot zig zag machine.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/25239-the-type-of-sewing-machine-you-need-to-sew-leather/

Edited October 31, 2016 by Tejas