need help choosing

[strathmoredesigns]

Just a suggestion, but if you've been away from sewing machines for a while, it might not be a bad idea just to do a refresher on those first? I've been hand stitching for a bit now, but never really learned how to use a sewing machine, so I'm going to take a class at my local JoAnn's to get familiar with how they work in general before I try to figure out what I'd want in a leather sewing machine.

Thanks @Wizcrafts for calling out a good entry level machine (Consew P1206RB) for me to look at. I've read the big sewing chains, but have been still trying to figure that one out for a while! 

[Wickedjester00]

Yeah @strathmoredesigns im holding off for now... But, if no one out bids me i might end up owning a singer redeye for 99cents anyway. It only has 43 hours left on the auction table and has a cut foot peddle. When i put the bid in i figured that is a easy fix why not if i can use it well i was wrong lol. Hell if by luck i win it i will just clean it up resale it or just keep it to practice on before i get one that will work with leather. 

[Hockeymender]

Completely off topic, but having spent a lot of happy hours in Morgantown, I love that part of WV. Was in Fairmont quite a few times as well, lovely country. 

[Chayse]

I second the notion of checking the local CL, LetGo, or classifieds.....DAILY! I have found all my machines local via CL or LetGo...all (with the exception of 1) for $250. My last purchase was the Singer 29K71 that I picked up for $300. Don't get discouraged and keeping looking...sooner or later you will find your first machine. But, as many will say, that is just the beginning...it is a slippery slope. I started with just one...and now have 4 industrial machines...and to me, it is just a hobby. If you plan on making a living, well, I think you are going to need a bigger shop!! Good luck!!

[Wickedjester00]

33 minutes ago, Hockeymender said:

Completely off topic, but having spent a lot of happy hours in Morgantown, I love that part of WV. Was in Fairmont quite a few times as well, lovely country. 

yeah its actually a lovely area and the bars in motown are a hell of a lot of fun especially when the college kids are around  

[dikman]

Wicked, there is a lot to learn about industrial sewing machines, particularly relating to leather use. Just keep reading, it took me quite a while to start coming to grips with the subject. For what you want to do any of the "old standbys" should be more than adequate - Juki 562/563, Consew 206, Singer 111W153/154/155, Singer 211G165/166, Seiko STH-BLD, all are pretty similar in operation and capability. Or a Pfaff 335 cylinder arm. These machines are all "oldies but goodies".

[trash treasure]

Also totally off topic, but not about the bars at least

That photo of the 8 class machine - How did they control the speed when it was hooked up to a line shaft, like that one was set up for ?

Was there a clutch they could feather ?

[mikesc]

to add to dikman's post..
If possible, get a machine with reverse..turning work around in order to be able to stitch in the other direction ( or to "lock off" a seam end or beginning ) can become a "pain in the donkey" real fast.

Edited July 14, 2017 by mikesc

[shoepatcher]

Normally there was a clutch type mechanism on the balance wheel that could be pressed to engage the drive on the line shaft.  I think they were S.D.A. which stood for Singer Driving Attachment??  Help me here Bob Kovar.

glenn