Machine options- baldericks, sheaths,holsters,belts

[w0lfgh0st]

Ok, I'm just overwhelmed and still am not certain what machine is best for the purposes of my household after reading through a lot of threads. 

Overview: Call it semi-pro leatherwork. He generally use 8-10 oz leather, commonly with thinner leather backing and French rolled edges. He makes sheaths and baldericks for swords and belts and holsters. He's been sewing these by hand but it's time to upgrade.  He isn't sewing daily, but the more/easier he can make things outta likely the more he'll do. 

Heavy leather, a lot of work close to the edges. 

Question: what machines are realistically best for this work?

If we're going to spend a chunk of cash I don't want it to be in a machine that isn't even right for the work. I also don't want to be over sold by adhesive salesmen in store. 

I'd rather have a list of 10 machines perfect for this work than 100 that could, maybe, sort of work. 

Once I know the machines I can shop and see what's within reach, financially, new or used. 

Thank you!

 

[bikermutt07]

I would think a cobra 3 or 4 since you're in California.

Just a little heads-up: the machine salesmen that advertise here are not known for Tom-foolery or shenanigans. I have seen them frequent this site helping folks they knew would probably never be their customer. I have even seen them answer questions on their competitor's machines. Really great guys.

Good luck.

[dikman]

The holsters are probably the determining factor as they need a heavy duty machine, as bikermutt said a Cobra or Cowboy, for example. As he also said the best thing is to talk to some of the dealers who frequent/sponsor this site, as they have demonstrated time and again that they will give good advice and won't try and talk you into something that isn't suitable for your needs. Might be quicker than wading through lots of posts and possibly confusing yourself .

[brmax]

I also recommend the bigger machines for your mentioned projects.   Your lucky on this one as there is not 10 choices 

In considering brands it’s always good practice to first find a brand that is represented well in your area or group so to say.  With that knowledge you will soon find these machines in the range your team will need are just a few, actually.  I will say the dealers can send a machine by pallet anywhere in the world. That part is small task really although they take it very serious in coordinating it all. 

To add and bolster the size mentioned like the Cobra 3 or class 4.  I read other post ( stickies ) awhile back and found a mention with thread size. These items as used in securement, security or in better terms holsters, sheaths and with your mention baldericks as the carry securely tools or weapons. 

The middle weight machines in the heavy duty range do not use thread above V138 a few do mention V207. These smaller threads are as mentioned small for the task projects you mention. This fact moves the machine choice up to what Bikermutt07 mentioned.  This range of machine has several dealers here in banner ads and others who frequent and post in this machine area.  Some are Ferdco Pro 2000,  Cowboy 4500,  Cobra class 4,  Techsew 5100 and to follow up for your State. The Artisan company with their Toro 4000 series. All these mentioned also have a slightly smaller machine still capable of the Big thread stitching.  

In any event big thread takes these machines listed. And moves you out of the super duty Upholstery size machines. 

Good day

Floyd

[Fire88]

I would contact a couple of the retailers and talk to them. Tell them what will be made and sewn to include thickness and types of leather. They will be able to suggest a machine that best fits your needs.

[w0lfgh0st]

That's all super helpful! Thanks! Definitely seeing that larger thread is the big factor. 

[SolarLeatherMachines]

I'm deep in the Renaissance world around here.  I have several customers that sew Ren stuff, like armor, scabbards & sheaths.  Asgardian Armory, HP Leathercraft, among others.  You're gonna need at least the 3200.  If you have the wherewithal, I would suggest the 4500.   It's a little more than you might need, but doing leather helms and torso armor would benefit from the deep cylinder arm.  

[AndyL1]

I use a Cobra Class 4 from Leather Machine Co. I love it! I use it for light 4/5 all the way up to 10/12 no problem. Can't go wrong with one of these.

[bikermutt07]

5 hours ago, SolarLeatherMachines said:

I'm deep in the Renaissance world around here.  I have several customers that sew Ren stuff, like armor, scabbards & sheaths.  Asgardian Armory, HP Leathercraft, among others.  You're gonna need at least the 3200.  If you have the wherewithal, I would suggest the 4500.   It's a little more than you might need, but doing leather helms and torso armor would benefit from the deep cylinder arm.  

Scarborough Fair isn't too far from you. I grew up down that way.