Welp. Now I need ("need") a post-bed for fashion shoes.

[SheltathaLore]

Looks like my options are, in order of cost:

- Singer 51 clone, bottom feed (Artisan 5110, Cobra 5110, etc)
- ???? clone, bottom and driven roller feed (Artisan 4618, Highlead 24618, etc)
- Pfaff 591 clone, bottom and driven roller feed (Cobra 8110, Cowboy 8810, etc)

The 4618 machines are several hundred dollars less expensive, on average, than the 591 clones - which is appealing, but since you generally get what you pay for, I'm wondering if I'm overlooking something.  Do any of you have an opinion?

 

 

[Techsew Ron]

Upper and lower feed (gear driven roller foot) post machines are usually better for thicker materials but not always necessary - what kind of leather are you using and how thick is it?

[SheltathaLore]

Probably kidskin, kangaroo, etc.  I have a cylinder bed walking foot I can use for heavier materials.

[Constabulary]

Vintage post bed machines like Singer 51w, Singer 236G and the like often have a rather short stitch length of approx 8 SPI max. Just wanted to have it mentioned in case vintage machines are an option.

[alexitbe]

What is the going price of a Singer 236G?  Since my new hobby is Shoemaking I am really interested in this thread..

ALex

[Wizcrafts]

I know they are as rare as hen's teeth, but see if you can locate a Singer 168G101 7" post machine. These are compound feed walking foot machines that use the same feet, bobbins and needles (and tension unit) as a Singer 111w155. The stitch length adjustment is totally different than on any other Singer machine in the shop. It is done by turning a spring loaded screw that's accessible under the top rear cover plate. I am able to get better than 4 to the inch at the longest and too short to talk about at the other end. Expect to pay about $1400 to $1500, complete with a table with a servo motor (plus shipping or gas to pick it up).

If you find one, buy some spring edge guide feet. Or pay the dealer to install a drop down edge guide. There is no room on the post to add a standard guide.

[SheltathaLore]

Wiz: I specifically want a roller foot for this, but I will keep that model in mind if I find myself in need of a post bed. 

 

The original singers are pretty awesome, but unfortunately, it's hard to tell if a random machine on the internet is a boat anchor that was run 80 hours a week for 50 years in a factory - so I'm probably going to stick to the new clones. 

[Aven]

Have you checked with C.H.Holderby?  They are up on 12th Ave.  I know they carry new, but they also have a stash of used sewing machines.  They don't list their used inventory, but it can't hurt to call.  206 622 6646

[SheltathaLore]

They don't have anything in stock, sadly.

[Aven]

Quote

Dang.  Oh well, it was worth a shot.