Who uses a Pearson #6

[T Moore Medicine Hat Saddlery]

Just looking for people who are using the Pearson #6 or the BUSM machines 

[Constabulary]

I have a BUSMC #6HM but atm barely using it. Also have an BUSMC A1 - just recency acquired (if asking for BUSMC machines in general)

Edited December 25, 2016 by Constabulary

[fivewayswelshcobs]

I have one too but needs a treadle.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.

[Matt S]

I have a lovely one, works great.

[T Moore Medicine Hat Saddlery]

I'm very interested in what you think of their capabilities 

[Constabulary]

Well, I have sewn max 20mm leather with it - test wise - thats the max. I was able to get under the foot when a needle guide is installed. I never will sew leather of this thickness regularly. I just hand cranked it and needle went through the leather like butter. I have not the most experience with this machine but some pro´s are, the needle feed only since you have no feed dogs marks on the bottom side and the adjustable presser foot - you can move the presser foot back and forth approx. 10mm.

Also these machines are easy to work with. I have restored mine - totally stripped it, cleaned it, painted it and put it back together and it sewed right away.  I had to adjust just thread tension a bit. You also can adjust some of the wear parts like the needle bar. These machines will probably last for ever if we have no nuclear strike.

I think folks who are using machines like the #6HM are not using them just because of these features. I think it also has a lot to do with the historical aspect and tradition of leather work and / or just the joy of using vintage machines in general.

Modern machines like the 441 clones are for sure more comfortable to use but as I said before - you cannot beat the joy of using vintage machines like this. For me it is a totally different thing sitting in front of a + 100 years old fully functional harness maker machine that generations of leather works / harness makers have used before I put my oily fingers on it. I have to admit I have not used a 441 yet but I have used and tested many other sewing machines of different classes but the older machines always had this certain something you sometimes cannot put in words. Maybe just the joy of seeing, feeling and hearing these old machines when working sometimes combined with a certain smell. Don´t know - maybe just passion for vintage machines?

Maybe others can tell you more....

 

Edited December 26, 2016 by Constabulary

[Matt S]

I've done about 24mm of bridle with mine, using a pricking foot and no needle steady. Just like my friend above I have no regular need to see such thickness but was curious to see if I could do it.

[ddp]

I run one as well just the head for now. quite common it seems to find them without the treadle base. i will soon be retrofitting a base with servo motor and speed reducer. Once i had done research it seemed they are well known for a very consistent stitch, especially when using varying thicknesses in leather through the same work piece. i have no experience with running other leather sewing machines aside from testing some 441 clones while i was on the hunt for a machine. to my eyes it produces a nice consistent stitch and sure saves time on hand sewing belts

some things to watch for on used machines from talking with aaron martin harness; is the shuttle and its condition, they wear out where the bobbin thread wraps over them as well as the point on the shuttle. often they are built up with brass/ braising rod and re sharpened (about 650 cad new to replace). also the needle guide plate on the bottom if it has contact marks/lots of wear could be an indication of poor timing with the machine. needles are also scarce to find, but aaron martin does carry them.

all in all I love mine but that could be due a lot to my mechanical background and thoroughly enjoying the clickity clack it makes as I stitch away into the sunset.

cheers,

Matt B

p.s. photo for reference

 

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Curious if the shuttles for the #6 will work with a Landis One? They look very similar, both the machine and the shuttle.  I've never even seen a #6, although I've always heard it is superior in a few ways to the Landis One.

[ddp]

@Big Sioux Saddlery i wonder if @Singermania would know. He has a huge collection of machines

I attached a picture of my shuttle for reference if that helps

Matt B