right machine for me?

[huskerjulie]

After reading several of the posts, I am probably more confused than ever when it comes to picking out a machine. I know what I want to sew now. And in the future I would like to make saddles. Of the GOOD machines out there; please recommend what you all consider to be the best one.

Secondly; I would like to know how thick I can sew for the machines. When you all start talking about modifying things, you lose me in the jargon. I am not too smart when it comes to modification.

I sew at home; clothes, quilts, etc. I know that one needs to sew a lot slower than I am used to when sewing good old cotton and polyester.

I live where cattle and horses are plentiful and people are few, so trying to find someone who already has a machine is going to be like looking for needle in a haystack.

Thanks everyone.

Julie

[bruce johnson]

Julie,

Buy big. I would recommend a Pro 2000 and make a flat bed table for it. I can sew a double layer of skirting and 1" woolskins on mine. I do a business card holder that is 3 oz. I don't know how small a thread it will take, needle size is the factor, but I use down to #207 in mine sometimes. You can buy several different feet and plates. I bought the "package". Some I use all the time, and others have never been used. Some day they might be just what I need.

[Art]

Hi Julie,

It wouldn't be productive here to get into who has the BEST machine. I have Artisans, I would not trade my 4000P for any other needle and thread machine. The 618 I would give up for a Pfaff 545 twin. Now you need a machine and I will give you the Artisan line, the 4000P is great, 7/8" or so in normal trim, if you make a presser foot height adjustment, it will do over an inch easily (don't forget to adjust it back of regular sewing). Big strong machine. The Artisan 4000 (no P) is a Juki 441 clone that will do the job on most anything, it sews 3/4" and can do more (again with adjustments). The Artisan 3000 is a smaller less expensive version of the 4000, they are very similar except for the winder, parts (except shafts) are pretty much the same. You can get the 3000 for under $2000 on your doorstep and setup is put the head on the stand and the belts on the head and you're rocking. I have recommended this to many and never had a complaint, and will do so now; however look at the little bit extra for the 4000 as that longer arm and extra room are sometimes helpful.

Adler 205s are wonderful machines if you can afford it, a little less room than a Juki, but the Germans always built great tanks and this is one of them.

If you buy a Ferdco 2000 Pro you will be getting just what you are asking for, a great machine. They seldom have problems and they can diagnose, ship a part, and help you fix it over the phone (they can't ship the part over the phone but if they could they would), and they don't mind doing it.

You will hear Juki 441 a lot, this is a big Juki that was the basis for many leather machines, it requires some modifications to be good for leather sewing and was originally the basis for the Ferdco 2000 Pro (some of the old ones circa 1997 and before still have the Juki logo on the headcover). Most of the clones have these modifications built into the new casting designs. The Consew 754 was also used as a base machine and the Ferdinand Bull 900 was a good example, fine machine if you find one, 14" throat and a jump foot like the old days and a true tank, expect to pay about $3200 for a good one, and you wouldn't go wrong.

I have listed new machines and unless you are experienced or rely on an experienced seller, new is probably the best way to go for a first machine. As you learn more, your next machine could be used as with proper maintenance (oil it) you can't make enough saddle in a lifetime to wear one of these out, only a production sewing manufacturer can manage that if they don't do reasonable maintenance (maintenance is skilled man hours and they quickly add up to the cost of a new machine, so yes, there are people who don't do good maintenance).

The best thing you can do is go to a major show where they will have machines (Sheridan is the best, although Ferdco has a big todo at Pendelton) and try all these machines out (they all will have leather there but go over to Herman Oak and get some of their samples to test with). A little heads-up; Ferdco is not very good at selling at shows, they just do not engage customers, and they really don't want to deal or apparently sell machines. That being said, they make good machines, but turned me off twice at shows; be patient with them and try to talk to someone who can make decisions. With Artisan Steve and Jerry will be there (only Steve at minor shows like IFoLG) they are both great and if you want to push a deal, talk to Jerry (Steve knows more about the machines though). Vern Weaver will have at least an Adler or maybe one of their own new machines (looks like an Adler/Juki mixed breed) at Sheridan, it's high dollar, but might be worth it if you cut a deal for an Efka motor and foot lift with it. I'd dearly like to take one apart and see what's in there and if it is up to German specs, could be a great machine.

Whatever machine you get, you should order a lube pot with it. The ones from Ferdco fit the Juki clones and have thread wipers which save a few headaches. Order it when you buy the machine or later, but you probably will order it, but just work it into the deal somehow. Don't get the magnetic one that falls off all the time, get the cast one that screws on.

Now everyone will tell you their machine will sew 69 to 415 thread and from dollar bills to thick leather without adjustments. Sure they won't. You need to set the machine up for these extremes and sew test samples if you want really good looking work. This is why many of us have two machines setup to work in the ranges we use most. But even then you almost always sew a test sample to check tension.

It is hard to buy without putting your hands on a machine, buying the mid priced machines may allow you to get a big and a small stitcher instead of just the higher quality big one. Something to think about.

Art

After reading several of the posts, I am probably more confused than ever when it comes to picking out a machine. I know what I want to sew now. And in the future I would like to make saddles. Of the GOOD machines out there; please recommend what you all consider to be the best one.

Secondly; I would like to know how thick I can sew for the machines. When you all start talking about modifying things, you lose me in the jargon. I am not too smart when it comes to modification.

I sew at home; clothes, quilts, etc. I know that one needs to sew a lot slower than I am used to when sewing good old cotton and polyester.

I live where cattle and horses are plentiful and people are few, so trying to find someone who already has a machine is going to be like looking for needle in a haystack.

Thanks everyone.

Julie

[BruceGibson]

What Art & Bruce said. And I always stitch around on some scrap before I do anything with a "real" project, too. I can't speak for other folks machines, but mine likes to adjust itself and spring surprises on me after it's sat for a few days.

Something about a full moon, or planets aligning or something.