Zig-zag machinez

[Dave84]

Hey Everyone,

I'm moving my custom denim into leather now.  I currently have an Adler 167 as my main machine, a Husqvarna Emerald 118 table top for light work and patches, along with a Singer overlock.  The Husqvarna does zig zag, but getting through 1mm leather is tough, plus I'm using 92 poly thread, lots of problems.  Can anyone recommend a zig zag machine of any sort for attaching leather panels that won't break the bank?

[Uwe]

That depends on your bank. A Pfaff 130 is a very nice vintage zig-zag machine that will probably do what you have in mind. Pfaff 130 occasionally pop up on CraigsList and other places for $100-200.

Other vintage options are Singer 143W and variations on that theme.

New heavy duty industrial zigzag machjnes like the Consew 199RB are over $2K

 

 

And then there's always Sailrite if you need to sew denim/leather on a sailboat (or at home.)   They don't get much respect here on LW, but they are probably fine for your application.

 

Edited March 15, 2018 by Uwe

[ZigZag]

I have used the Sailrite LZ for over 5 years now and given it a pretty tough time persuading it to go through 2.5mm of leather and 2 layers of 15oz canvas. It was pretty much at its limit, but managed without complaining. I have had no trouble with over all that time, mainly using V92 thread and marine canvas.

I have also spent plenty of time with the Pfaff 138 and 238 which are great machines and plenty up for the task. These 2 machines come in 2 different widths of zig zag 4.5mm and 6mm. 

The 143 Uwe has mentioned is one I'd quite like to get my hands on.

Good luck

[Dave84]

I've been recommended the singer 107 and 143, but I think walking foot would be best, unless you guys can say without concern that working with layers of leather don't slip or have othwr issues with the older singers.  Id honestly prefer the mechanical machines over computerized, and i do not have $2000 plus for a consew.

[Uwe]

Let us know when you find a cheap industrial walking foot zig zag machine without issues. I want one, too.

[Dave84]

Hardy-har-har and maybe someone will give each of us one for free.

[Dave84]

But in all seriousness, very very serious, the singer 143 and Pfaff 138 machines, can they handle multiple layers of leather, have reverse, run 92 poly thread, have the ability to be connected to a servo motor, etc?  I am seeing both on Facebook marketplace for prices I really like for a machine that will handle on zig zag on leather

[Uwe]

The Pfaff 138 is definitely a full scale industrial sewing machine, designed to sit in a table and run on a clutch or servo motor.   

Here are a few pictures of my machines for reference and size comparison between Pfaff 130 and Pfaff 130. If I find time I'll do some test runs with denim and leather.

 

Edited March 16, 2018 by Uwe

[Dave84]

Thanks Uwe,  looking forward to hearing your results!  I'd prefer a 138 after researching this morning.  

[Wizcrafts]

The Pfaff 138 is the smoothest running industrial sewing machine I ever owned. I let it go decades ago and would not have done so if I had better hindsight. The only thing I didn't like about it was the limited width of zig zag throw it had. Perhaps somebody else would have known how to tweak that range for more throw.