Cortella Report post Posted March 8, 2017 I am rather new to leather work and am trying to find the machine that would work best for my interests. Up to this point someone else has always done the sewing for me. My projects involve a lot of book covers, laptop cases, knife sheaths, and pistol holsters. I currently have Sailrite and have only sewn 4-6 ounce on it. I do have the opportunity to buy a tippmann but know nothing about them. Would a tippmann be better suited to heavier leather? I'd be glad for any advice! Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted March 8, 2017 Hop on down to the sewing machine subforum maybe get the thread moved. There is actually a good long thread about this very subject in that forum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted March 9, 2017 13 hours ago, Cortella said: I am rather new to leather work and am trying to find the machine that would work best for my interests. Up to this point someone else has always done the sewing for me. My projects involve a lot of book covers, laptop cases, knife sheaths, and pistol holsters. I currently have Sailrite and have only sewn 4-6 ounce on it. I do have the opportunity to buy a tippmann but know nothing about them. Would a tippmann be better suited to heavier leather? I'd be glad for any advice! Thanks. Moved to Leather Sewing Machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimTimber Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Hard to give you any advice without knowing where on Earth you are. There's a Cowboy 3200 for sale in Minneapolis, MN for about what a Boss sells for. I had my hands on a Tippman Boss the other day and it wouldn't index to the next stitch. I don't know if that's because it didn't have thread or because it was broken. Display in a Tandy store. While they're probably awesome for someone who's used to an awl or a hand stitcher, they're no match for a motorized sewing machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Cortella, what machine do the current sewers use? That might give you some direction. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cortella Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Lol, I'm not sure the name of the machines the current sewer uses, but they are quite out of my league as my friend owns an actual leather shop, makes saddles, and generally does everything I wish I could do but can't afford. I guess I'm just looking for something I can set up on my work bench. Is there anyone out there who uses a Sailrite with a leather foot? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brmax Report post Posted March 9, 2017 I think selecting a part of the inventory you can produce now would be great. So just some good projects to get a run going. If the presser feet are diggin to much they may have to be filled in or replaced. Im not sure on any of their options but this can be discussed. Good day Floyd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cortella Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Thanks for moving this to the sewing machine subforum, northmount. And thanks for everyone's good ideas. I am really interested in filing the presser foot, as brmax said, because even with the leather foot it lets tracks sometimes. And after reading a lot in this forum, I'm inspired to try more of these creative light weight projects. Thanks for all the helpful info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yetibelle Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Personally - I would not recommend a Sailrite. Did you read Wiz's post in the sewing forum on "The Type Of Sewing Machine You Need To Sew Leather" its a great place to start. That being said - here are the basic questions to ask yourself: How many hours are you sewing, hobby or full time? How much $$ do you want to spend? How much time spent fixing sewing machines? I am sure there are a lot more questions to ask but that is a good start. If you go out to CL you will see a number of machines that look big and sew anything and may be in your budget. However they may need constant care-and-feeding, my not be leather machines, and you will be in the sewing machine repair business rather than the sewing leather book business. However if your handy with some tools you can save a lot of money and sometimes get lucky with a machine that is in good order. Now if you are sewing full time and want to make it more than a hobby then you need a newer machine that will be reliable. Personally I am in the sewing machine repair category - so I like the old Singer machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brmax Report post Posted March 9, 2017 Do try to take great care of your present machine. There is always the option to sell outright and get another when ready. Some with the pulley options are bit more sought after, so good luck workin up some projects for now. Also keep us posted on any presser feet mods. Some of the leathers are crazy soft and get marked. later Floyd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sewmama Report post Posted April 3, 2017 (edited) On 3/8/2017 at 11:59 PM, Cortella said: Lol, I'm not sure the name of the machines the current sewer uses, but they are quite out of my league as my friend owns an actual leather shop, makes saddles, and generally does everything I wish I could do but can't afford. I guess I'm just looking for something I can set up on my work bench. Is there anyone out there who uses a Sailrite with a leather foot? I have the LSZ-1, but I make handbags using soft leather and vinyl. I'm actually looking to get a different machine only due to maneuverability...like maybe a cylinder head. So, mine is for sale, lol. I've only got about 10 hours on it because I bought last October/November and haven't used it much. I have the leather foot and all it is, is the regular foot ground down a bit so as not to imprint on the leather. I'm in central Ohio, FYI Edited April 3, 2017 by sewmama misspell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
