New to leatherworker.net

[ke6cvh]

Hello Group,

I have been working up to a hand woven denim biz using a countermarch loom so have purchased some possible machines already suitable for leatherwork. I originally just wanted to make a very custom leather label to sew on the back. Have here a 16-188 but read in some of the informative posts it may scar the leather. Am in the process of buying a 212w-139 also. Then decided to also make sandals using recycled tires with eva foam in center (same as puzzle foam from dollar general) and another layer on top of that which will likely be a layer of leather. I have a cnc mill and am researching the best way to mill the rubber tread pattern. Machining the rubber will require some special applications and no easy task but once a technique has been completed that portion will be easy enough. I am retired US military and now a stay at home dad so this all is in line with a home business. So, the plan is to sew the three layers comprised of leather, eva foam, and rubber together but there also will be glue. The machining process will result in a channel in the bottom tread that will allow the thread to not make constant contact with the ground while sandals are worn.
Someone wants to sell me an antique Frobana but I read it takes curved needles that I do not know where to get and uncertain if this will be reliable. Wanted to get a Singer shoe patching machine but read 4mm maybe 6mm max sewing and not sure if this is a good solution as I will likely be over that thickness. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Mike Kendall

[zuludog]

I can't help you with your specific questions, but it would be useful for you to do some homework or background reading, if you haven't already done so

Get a book on general leatherwork. The best known is 'The Leatherwork Handbook' by Valerie Michael

Surf the Net for ho 'Chi Minh Sandals'

 

[zuludog]

Sorry, slip of the keyboard. I meant ' Ho Chi Minh Sandals'.

[ke6cvh]

Yes,. If one looks on Amazon there are recycled tire sandals.  Anything of quality is too much money imho.  I was aware of the VietCong combat boots.  I guess a more specific question would be about sewing through the tough 1/4"  thick layer of rubber, middle layer of eva foam, and top layer of insole material,. I don't want to buy a machine and find out that it is the wrong one.  Best regards,

Mike