Overwhelmed by leather Sewing machines

[Starwind0]

I am not sure I could make a bag like this on that machine. I think it could do anything else, maybe. 

[kgg]

I would think the bag that you linked to probably is constructed with more then one type of machine, flatbed for certain sections and patcher / cylinder bed for other sections. The Juki LU-2212n-7 you mentioned is a production type machine that is for sure. I am not a lover of any sewing machine that is computer controlled for the hobbyist like most of us. They are in my opinion meant for factory type production with regular maintenance  and repairs being done by qualified people. The more the bells and whistles the more costly up front as well as repairs. The main problem as how I see it is going to be a question of the availability of replacement computer controllers, etc down the road let alone their cost.

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

41 minutes ago, Starwind0 said:

I am not sure I could make a bag like this on that machine. I think it could do anything else, maybe.  

Leather goods manufacturers don't necessarily use one single machine to produce their wares. Travel bags like those you linked to (India) might require 3 or 4 different types of sewing machines, plus one or more kick presses for rivets, scuff feet and decorative spots. I will hazard a guesstimate that these bags are sewn using a combination of flatbed and narrow cylinder arm walking foot machines and a tall, narrow post bed machine which could have a roller feed, or might be a chainstitch needle and awl machine like a Puritan, with a minimal footprint post.

If you are thinking about making messenger bags, or briefcases, plan on buying flat bed, cylinder arm and post bed machines.

[Starwind0]

Okay, that is a fair point.. Maybe I am getting this offtrack with that bag. But it is good to have the expectation.

 

So I will only buy one machine. Under the cry once pay once mentality, how do you think this compares to say, driving to Waco and buying a 2.2k cowboy ?  Seems like a beast of a machine, but is it the right beast?

[Wizcrafts]

2 minutes ago, Starwind0 said:

Okay, that is a fair point.. Maybe I am getting this offtrack with that bag. But it is good to have the expectation.

 

So I will only buy one machine. Under the cry once pay once mentality, how do you think this compares to say, driving to Waco and buying a 2.2k cowboy ?  Seems like a beast of a machine, but is it the right beast?

I never knew there was a dealer in Waco who sells Cowboy machines. Or, is that a private sale of a used machine?

[Starwind0]

Yeah
https://makersleathersupply.com/
Looks like a reseller. Oh oops Cobra, those are.. more or less the same in my brain. 

Saw the machine, its really solid. Though I did get the machine jammed for a moment when I came out of reverse too fast. Not sure if that is a bad sign or just operator error. He didnt really know how to use its advanced features, so I am not really sure all it can do, persay. No screen / controls which is fine. The air compressor is a downside, as I am in apartment life, and thats loud. Really cool guy too.

 

What I am concerned, seeing all the computers and gizmos. If one of those fancy units goes out, will the machine stop working, and will I need to find a rare expensive part? Or if the machine needed a repair. Yikes.

Edited August 9, 2019 by Starwind0

[Wizcrafts]

47 minutes ago, Starwind0 said:

The air compressor is a downside, as I am in apartment life, and thats loud.

You really should get the quietest machine you can fine, with the best balance so it doesn't vibrate on the floor as you sew. Definitely get one with a servo motor that starts rotating from zero, rather than 200rpm.

48 minutes ago, Starwind0 said:

What I am concerned, seeing all the computers and gizmos. If one of those fancy units goes out, will the machine stop working, and will I need to find a rare expensive part?

You don't need any of those controls for home. slow speed, leather sewing. They are for factory production machines that are run hard and put up wet, 8 to 12 hours a day, at 2500 rpm and up. Just find a solid, slow speed, manually oiled, non-electronic, triple feed, (hopefully with a cylinder arm + table attachment) walking foot machine (like this CB341).

[shoepatcher]

Starwind0,

I would take samples of what you want to sew and go see Alexander at Solar Leather in Dallas.  Yah, it takes a lot of time and some expense to travel to see him but you will get a chance to see what they have and more importantly, sew on them..  After all, this is not going to be a $20.00 purchase.  That will probably answer a lot of your questions.  If you are ready to buy, take money with  you and bring it back with you to save the shipping. 

I drove 800 miles one way to pick up a long arm Adler last summer.  It was a 2 day drip and cost me $400.00 in gas, food and lodging.  However, I got a long arm Adler 767FA273 double needle  stretched to 30"with all the toys for $750.00.  That machine was over $12,000.00 new.  Yes, it has to be rebuilt but I have it in my shop with the table , and all and the Efka motor is single phase!

For the money you are going to spend, go see and sew on it.  You don't buy a car without test driving it!

glenn

Edited August 9, 2019 by shoepatcher
grammar

[mikesc]

I got a long arm Adler 767FA273 double needle stretched to 30"with all the toys for $750.00. That machine was over $12,000.00 new. Yes, it has to be rebuilt but I have it in my shop with the table , and all and the Efka motor is single phase!

I bet the grin came back when you typed that ;)

I agree with shoepatcher, take a day off, drive over to see Alexander on a weekday ( phone to say you are coming, to make sure he'll be in ;) ..he, his wife and his kids will thank you :) and you can drive back with your purchase..and you'll have met the seller, and the guy who will be supporting you.

[Starwind0]

On 8/9/2019 at 10:34 AM, shoepatcher said:

Starwind0,

I would take samples of what you want to sew and go see Alexander at Solar Leather in Dallas.  Yah, it takes a lot of time and some expense to travel to see him but you will get a chance to see what they have and more importantly, sew on them..  After all, this is not going to be a $20.00 purchase.  That will probably answer a lot of your questions.  If you are ready to buy, take money with  you and bring it back with you to save the shipping. 

I drove 800 miles one way to pick up a long arm Adler last summer.  It was a 2 day drip and cost me $400.00 in gas, food and lodging.  However, I got a long arm Adler 767FA273 double needle  stretched to 30"with all the toys for $750.00.  That machine was over $12,000.00 new.  Yes, it has to be rebuilt but I have it in my shop with the table , and all and the Efka motor is single phase!

For the money you are going to spend, go see and sew on it.  You don't buy a car without test driving it!

glenn

Oh that sounds like a sure killer deal! Though, in this case, the cost of a day off it just too premium. If I had a bunch saved up, but its a new job, and I plan to blow it all when I go in for minor surgery soon. (Frankly I tend to work weekends as it is...) The other factor is, ok I get there, I fall in love with it... I aint sure this is going to fit in my coup! So I'll be out that 350 shipping (and pay taxes for sure)

But remember, the point isn't to spend time in Dallas. I honestly didn't like Dallas when I went there last year. Its to save money on shipping, and to see it in person.. If I have to get a Dallas hotel, and pay for gas, and my vacation dat.I'll just order the tech sew @.@

That said, the Waco store has me interested. I am not sure the pros and cons of Cobras and Cowboys. The frankly look like the same machines to me. Cowboys seems a smidgen better. Which means I like its paint more, or they have a better youtube budget, ie getting  Stock & Barrel Co to do videos (he sure buys a lot of machines). Waco is near grandpa, and that store is open on weekends. So that might be my best bet

That said. I can justify a Huston trip, as I haven't actually taken a weekend trip out there yet. Though everyone tells me not to bother... (something about the drivers and road warrior?)

Edited August 13, 2019 by Starwind0