Moving up from fabric to leather!

[Dakotanorth]

Uwe- thank you for the list!  I think you're right- a cylinder arm that has a slip-on bed would be a great combo to buy.

Yetibelle- sweet!  That video shows me a LOT of details about the construction methods and sequence.

This looks more exciting every day....

 

[Colt W Knight]

I would also add that the Consew 227R would be a great machine. It is the cylinder arm equivalent of the 206. I have a 206, and it has been a great machine, but I can tell you that I wish I had a cylinder arm. I have screwed up several pieces trying manipulate corners and seems around on the flatbed that would have been a walk in the park on a cylinder arm. 

 

[SolarLeatherMachines]

A 227r style machine or a 335 style machine would work well.  

[Dakotanorth]

Thanks again everyone.

I see a Consew 223 freearm unit for sale right here in LA- is that a good one too?

(It's $1000 mind you.)

 

[Uwe]

If you have a grand to spend, I'd go look at the Pfaff 345 for sale in Lake Elsinore You'll get triple feed with full feed dog motion, big bobbin, reverse, seriously good engineering and manufacturing quality. Parts like throat plates and feet are available from good quality aftermarket maker like Kwok Hing and won't cost a fortune. 

 

 

Edited January 10, 2017 by Uwe

[Dakotanorth]

I saw that one too.  I like the "I can't go any lower so don't ask" comment, even though it's been on CL for a few weeks now. 

Then again, there's this one with "Make me an offer" on it....

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/app/5950009767.html

Edited January 10, 2017 by Dakotanorth
continue discussion

[Uwe]

That Juki LS-341N is a nice machine! It's one of my favorite medium duty cylinder arm designs, actually ( I have a Juki LS-341 - no "N").

Get the best machine you can afford. OEM brands generally hold their value better than clones. The LS-341 class of machines is next on my list for developing a flatbed attachment.

[Dakotanorth]

Thanks again Uwe!

So, there' a Brother LS3-C51 for sale, close to me.  It sound solid, for $800.

Would this work?  Again, my goal is to make leather jackets, including (hopefully) horsehide jackets.  Some of those seams can be 4 or 6 layers thick when they intersect.

 

[Uwe]

That Brother  LS3-C51 has come up in a different topic just recently. You may not be the only one contemplating that machine. 

The Brother  LS3-C51 appears to be re-badged Seiko LSC-8B-2 from the looks of it. Seiko makes great machines, sold under several brands. Made-in-Japan is a good thing (but not as good as Made-in-Germany when engineers and well-paid factory workers ruled.)

It probably would do just fine for what you're trying to do. But there are no guarantees. I've never touched a Brother LS3-C51 myself - I'm just going by specs and some educated guesses based on similar machines I've worked on. Personally, I'm still rooting the for the Pfaff 345.

Take some samples of the materials you're intending to sew and go try it out. It's the best way to get a sense if a machine is comfortable or struggling, or if it's too ugly to have a picture included in the CL ad. 

 

Edited January 13, 2017 by Uwe

[SueC56]

Uwe, What is the difference between the LS-341 and LS-341N?  I've been looking but haven't found that info yet.

Thanks

 

Sue