Maroonbulldog Report post Posted July 20, 2019 I’m looking for a decent sewing machine to advance my leatherworking. I’m not ready to go all in on a higher quality machine like the Cobras yet but willing to spend up to around $1500.00. I am looking at the Craftool® Pro Stitch Master® Sewing Machine from Tandy simply because I’ve played around on one in a store recently and it appears to do what I need ( small projects, portfolios, etc...) I'm open to any advice you all could offer- including warnings against the Tandy Craftool Pro stitch :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farns005 Report post Posted July 21, 2019 I guess first question is what are you sewing? I picked up a great Cowboy 3200 last year in that price range , LOVE it!!! Seas everything from thin chap leather thick skirting leather. Kelly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted July 21, 2019 10 hours ago, Maroonbulldog said: I am looking at the Craftool® Pro Stitch Master® Sewing Machine from Tandy simply because I’ve played around on one in a store recently and it appears to do what I need ( small projects, portfolios, etc...) For the cost of the Stitch Master at $1500 you have way better options. All the Stitch Master is, is a portable walking foot straight stitch sewing machine that was placed in a table with a servo motor for $1500 US. This is based on the $900 Sailrite LS-1 with max thread of V92 but mounted in a table with the Sailrite servo motor. If you like the Sailrite machines look at the Sailrite Fabricator at $1500. Sailrite machines are build in either Taiwan or China not sure which. My other suggestion in this price range would be a Juki DU -1181N at $1200. If you are handy and want to save a couple of dollars buy a Reliable Barracuda which has straight and zig zag stitching with max thread of V138 for $500 US at your local Home Depot, buy a servo motor and build a table for it. I have owned a Barracuda which I table mounted and have used a Sailrite LSZ, I preferred the Barracuda. The best option in this price range of less then $1500, I think is the Juki DU -1181N walking foot at $1200. If you could move up to the $1800 range then get the Juki DNU-1541S this would get you a compound feed machine. Before you buy go to a brick and mortar and test sew other machines. Remember one thing buy a quality brand sewing machine. BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maroonbulldog Report post Posted July 21, 2019 I’m planning on easier traditional projects for a while such as padfolios, wallets, card holders, book covers etc... things to make as gifts mostly. This is mainly for me to save my hands from hand sewing. It’s a fun hobby and not a source of income for me- so I don’t think I need top of the line - just something simple. Appreciate the comments received also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
