24VOLTS Report post Posted October 12, 2017 I am new to sewing machines. I have found this Artisan 1798 AZ. I really know nothing about them, so looking for some help. It says it will sew up to 3/8" leather. It is a walking foot, big m bobbin, lock stitch, rotating hook and thread size 33 to 138. I am looking to sew/stitch up to 3/8" leather and smaller items like vest and other items that I don't want to hand stitch. Some of my questions are is this machine going to work? Does anyone have any experience with this machine. It is a walking foot. I am not familiar with thread sizes. Looking for any imput you guys might have out there. I did a search on this web site but did not come up with anything. Thanks, Phill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brmax Report post Posted October 12, 2017 If this is very very seldom to be used for 3/8” then ok. But it still will be a pita, honestly. 3/8” many times is used in these (advertisement descriptions) because thats what the “hand lift lever raises” or the typical spec listing. If we use this on softer materials it could be much easier, but if its already a thin, tough and folded material its going to be a resl task. Some of these upholstery size class machines do have added build features for leather work in a production setting, most do not. Even so this capacity is not for tough leather or canvas, thats not my opinion Sir that's the fact. So getting on with an answer In respect say; your projects should be strictly selected to 1/4” max and soft materials. A great thread size for the machine is 92 in my opinion. ps: take something to try, although let them operate and do wear glasses. So 3/8” thickness of boat canvas is going to uh, well, explain a lot. Im from the Show me State, Missouri. The phrase in some other laymen terms, prove it or let's see what ya got! Good day there Floyd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
24VOLTS Report post Posted October 13, 2017 Floyd, Thank you very much for the response. I appreciate it. I will take your advice and take some leather that I plan on sewing and give it a go. Thanks, Phill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lil Doodler Report post Posted November 8, 2017 Hiyas! The manual for this machine is at http://www.artisansew.com/pdf/manuals/exisiting/1798_1AZ_Manual.pdf To sew at the max specs of the machine, you'll need to have it set up right. To sew thicker leather use the larger needle sizes, thicker thread. Changing the settings the tension for each thread size can take time. If the machine has a reducer/pulley and servo motor, it should be able to handle anything below 3/8" that is chrome tan leather and it should be okay with Veg-tan leather, but to switch from one to the other types of leather requires different tensions above and below which can be frustrating. I use only size 69 or 92 bonded nylon thread to keep it simple and the appropriate needle size (18 - 20). For the heaviest material/thickness, try the 138 bonded nylon thread and the #22 needle. Here's more info on thread and thread specs http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=nylon-thread-information Always sew on a practice piece before working on your project to make sure the machine is sewing correctly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites