bartug1 Report post Posted January 19, 2019 I wanted to ask for your opinions about some used sewing machines I have an opportunity to buy... I want a good machine that sews thicker thread... These machines have been well serviced in a long standing leather company. I make large totes, wallets, card holders, etc using 3-5 ounce leather. The machines are : Durkopp Adler 267-373 .Consew 146RB Consew 199RB Thank you for any input any one could give me! Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 19, 2019 1 hour ago, bartug1 said: I want a good machine that sews thicker thread... Please define "thicker thread." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bartug1 Report post Posted January 19, 2019 Thicker... Thinking at least.6mm thread Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 19, 2019 1 hour ago, bartug1 said: Thicker... Thinking at least.6mm thread According to this needle and thread chart, 0.6mm falls somewhere between #277 and #346 bonded thread. The minimum needle size would be a #25/200 and the maximum would be a #26/220. To use these combinations requires a harness stitcher class of machine, like the Cowboy CB4500 and the Cobra Class 4. If you don't need to sew 3/4 inch, a Cowboy CB3200 is a less expensive alternative. If these machines are beyond your budget, the CB2500 and similar GA5-1 type machines, like the Techsew 3650HD can handle #277 thread and sew up to 7/16 inch of leather. These are clones of the ancient Singer 45k series and are bottom feed machines only with a fixed presser foot. The teeth on the feed dog are substantial. You can forget about any of the upholstery class machines if you want to use #277 or #346 thread. Furthermore, the lockstitch knots formed by such heavy thread are very prominent and require at least 12 to 16 ounces of leather to completely bury them. Note: most modern lockstitch machines cannot use waxed linen thread. They must be operated with bonded nylon or bonded polyester, or another synthetic, or dry, glazed, left twist linen thread (5 or 6 cord). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bartug1 Report post Posted January 19, 2019 Thank you so much for the info. I am going to want to go to a heavier machine. You are right! It will also serve me well I should think when I want to do gun holsters and radio holsters down the road! Possibly the CB4500... Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoepatcher Report post Posted January 22, 2019 Can you tell me where you saw the 267-373 for sale and how much they were asking? glenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites