New to sewing

[slowmoguy]

Appreciated. Very much so. Will look into the machines referred.

Am thinking a manual shoe machine would be useful in ways. It would allow more heavy leather work..

 

I actually called and spoke to Bill at Sailrite. I agree about the cost of things... maybe multiple machines would be ideal. Thought about pursuing the fabricator and doing hand work for the holsters and other heavy leather things.

 

Thought process was, that sailrite fabricator comes almost turn key.. costs a lot but, yeah.. I worked as an automotive technician for more than a decade before entering military. Is a late entry on my part.

That stated, also have plethora of antique and muscle cars. Would be useful for interior work. Seats, shifter covers&boots. Reclaiming sunvisors.

Finally, wife wants to take old baby clothes and make quilt for daughter.

Maybe, buy something that will workhorse the easy stuff and do my cowboy gittup by hand. Look into hand machines later.

Lot of things to consider, discuss with wife, research and more.

As always, I appreciate all of you.

 

I will keep an eye on this for a few days while making decisions. 

[Northmount]

@slowmoguy  Moved to leather sewing machines.

Tom

[dikman]

It's a common enough mistake that many new to sewing machines make - the assumption that one machine can do it all. The general upholstery-class walking foot machine is actually quite a versatile machine - until holsters are mentioned! There is no escaping the fact that a heavy duty machine is needed for them, but such a machine isn't much use for lighter materials.

I hand stitch my holsters because my machines can't handle either the thread/needle size or thickness of materials that are needed (I have stitched a couple of heavy belts, using #138 thread, and it doesn't look too bad, but holsters no way).

If you're going to do this as a "business" then you'll need to fork out for a 441-class or similar, as well as an upholstery class machine. Those two will get you started. Oh, and I wouldn't suggest a cheap shoe patcher as they are not intended for what you want to do - production-type runs. You will not be happy with the results as they cannot handle heavy enough thread/needles or be able to penetrate holster-thickness leather.

Edited February 26, 2019 by dikman

[Wizcrafts]

Light weight cloth can be sewn on a bottom feed only tailoring machine. Denim clothing, chaps, light to medium temper leather, webbing and Cordura should be sewn on a triple feed walking foot machine. Thick stacks of dense material and hard leather need a super heavy duty harness stitcher type of machine. These harness and holster machines have high lift, long stroke for their equally long needles (2.75"), very beefy take-up parts, very heavy thread and needle capacity and hold a lot of heavy thread.

If you want to start out with a walking foot machine for the medium weight stuff, get a Consew 206RB-5 or Juki LU-1508NH. The Juki can actually handle #207 thread, which has 32 pounds breaking strength. It can also sew a little thicker than a standard model walking foot machine because it can be setup with a longer System 190 needle. It could get you through until you get a real heavy stitcher for the work that its too tough for the Juki.

[slowmoguy]

Thank you everyone.

Wizcrafts is there any reason to select a consew over the sailrite? The pricing looks $100 within each other and the features seem the same.

 

I believe the sailrite only handles 138 thread, which is smaller than the consew.. however, if I am knowing that later in life a dedicated "cowboy" is a must..

It seems that 138 is pretty good sized.

Just wanting more insight from highly experienced people. No intent of cutting or stepping on toes.

Thank you!

[brmax]

I think your cordura layers and nylon webbing layer is indeed capable of a machine with needle and bottom feed. I also feel reverse is a real benefit though.

Theres a bazillion methods to loc the stitch on a 212 and the like kind having no reverse. Even though it has both feeds mentioned and in design designated a coverall and items in that median.

If it matters I have one, I went through it and I modified it for 135-17 needle system, and thread of 92 size. It was, is great with two layer canvas; yet has no reverse. This 212 g140 has a new table top, new servo.

Its not your 1st investment choice for your leather work, imo. Lets say its great and has its place. Even if Its designation sew capability list coverall; this is a clothing not  really a do everything. But it is Respected!

Im here to agree with others and also say your sewing task require two different machines. If I was gearing up for either the quilts etc. I would now pick another machine, especially for cowboy leather gear, and another that includes costume and theatre.  

This level of utility is Heavy and medium heavy materials that you will find requires the largest class, level machine.

It really is required, in these there are several!  Your in luck though because in this class/duty level are a couple choices. Anyway note their benefits are the rate of return, and turnover if desired. 

Keep at the hunt, as there are used machines, so keep an eye on the ad places. 

 

Good day

Floyd