Ferdco sewing machines

[Art]

Hi Spencer,

You are on the edge there. Better to buy a Ferdinanad 900 B instead for $700 more and you will have a good machine that will sew most anything, forever.

Artisans are excellent machines, they have been around for over 10 years at least and folks like Gomer and Bob Loveless (and a lot of other big names) use them. On the Artisan 3000, there are a couple of things to keep the price down, like there is no intergal winder on the machine head (on the stand instead, runs off of the belt drive), and a little cheaper stand. Whatever you get, make sure it has a servo motor, a lube pot, and casters on the stand.

Art

Thank you all for your advice. Bruce is right, I've not done much with a heavy duty machine, or for that matter with any leather sewing machine. After looking at the Artisan website, am I correct in thinking that the only difference between the 3000 and 4000 is arm length? Also, how do the Artisan machines stand up over time? On the Ferdco website there is a used Ferdinand 400 that they say is good for saddles, but can only sew 1/2" thick, is that enough?

I know that I'm chalk full of questions, but am not one for hasty decisions. Besides, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the deep well of knowledge here.

Spencer

[$$hobby]

Spencer,

I was in your boots earlier this year. I spent alot of $$ on other machines that didnt do what i wished, but was convinced it would do what i needed at the time. Then theres that project where you need that extra 1/8~1/4 " pressor foot height and the machine wouldnt do it.

you can go with the inexpensive/low end model, but in the end, you will not be happy. If youre going to make saddle, since you say you want to, then get the largest capacity machine you can afford for that type of work. If you cant now, then save those pennies. You can always sew something lighter (within reason) on the heaver machines, but you cant do the reverse.

also, theres no reason why you cant have more then one machine either.

if there are any leather trade shows near you go to them and ask alot of questions like you are now. Also, make them demo their machines.