Help required regarding choosing right machine

[Sangrati]

Hi,

I am very new to leather craft. I have been doing some research about the machines.  I want to buy a walking foot machine. Price is a factor.  I tried to check machines like Consew, Baracuda, though they are less in price, but then I read lot of negative reviews about them from those who had bought these machines.  I thought of Sailrite but then it is an expensive peace.  Now my eyes are on Janome HD 3000, which seems to be relatively cheap at around 500$ plus, but it does not have walking foot. 

 

Can some one advise me in choosing a right machine for right amount of money.

 

Regards

 

Edited August 6, 2019 by Sangrati

[brmax]

Welcome to the machinery page, its always good to hear theres an interest. With that the general price you mentioned in your post is a great figure to consider a good used industrial of 20-30 years. 

Honestly keep your eye on the possible sales in your area. Also if you have your location listed in your profile others can help now or in some future concern of yours. 

Lets consider machine brands, as they may have different models of a same type. For instance a walking foot style, so its doing some questions and homework to establish particulars, that best benefit your needs within price. 

 

Good day 

Floyd

[Wizcrafts]

You should keep a lookout for used but still functional triple (compound) feed walking foot machines that use Singer 111 feet. This includes the progenitor, the Singer 111w155 (and older w103 and w153). These machines are many decades old now, but were built to last. There are some decent clones from Juki (LU-562 and 563), Seiko and Consew (206RB-x), Mitsubishi, National and a myriad of Chinese and Japanese brands. These are upholstery grade machines and most upholstery shops have several. You may find one for sale in one of those shops.

Be prepared to spend from $500 to $800 for a used walking foot machine that is in good working condition. Less expensive machines may require rebuilding and timing.

Be forewarned that upholstery grade walking foot machines usually have an upper limit of 3/8 inch (or less) under the lowered feet and #138 bonded (nylon|polyester) thread. They are good for chaps. vests, jackets, signs, tarps, awnings, drapes, wallets, phone cases, dog collars, belts, seat covers, bags and

[kgg]

11 hours ago, Sangrati said:

Now my eyes are on Janome HD 3000, which seems to be relatively cheap at around 500$ plus, but it does not have walking foot. 

I think the Janome HD 3000 is really a nice garment weight machine and not going to be well suited. To help narrow down a machine it would be helpful in knowing what your price range is, what you planning on making and thread size. The more info the better the better the suggestions on a machine may be best for your needs.

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

3 hours ago, kgg said:

Now my eyes are on Janome HD 3000

I didn't mention the Janome because it is a bottom feed only, domestic sewing machine. We don't deal with domestic machines on this forum anyway, strictly industrial leather sewing machines. There are other forums where people can discuss domestic sewing machines.

[Sangrati]

Thanks all for their replies.  Actually I saw these following machines being sold on Amazon.  

https://www.amazon.com/Rex-607-Portable-Walking-foot-machine/dp/B01H2DG6YG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1YVOXFV4WMB7Z&keywords=barracuda+sewing+machine&qid=1565124200&s=gateway&sprefix=baracuda+sewing%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Consew-CP206R-Portable-Walking-Machine/dp/B003AJZZAS/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1YVOXFV4WMB7Z&keywords=barracuda+sewing+machine&qid=1565124309&s=gateway&sprefix=baracuda+sewing%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-8

I am not sure about these machines.  Perhaps from the discussion above, I have a feeling that I need to do more research, before I make a decision about buying one.   My location is Dubai, UAE

[Wizcrafts]

4 hours ago, Sangrati said:

Thanks all for their replies.  Actually I saw these following machines being sold on Amazon.

Those machines are not built to sew leather. They are for sail cloth, marine vinyl and upholstery leather. They will not hold up if you sew veg-tan thicker than about 8 ounces.

Sailrite makes a much better portable walking foot machine that has beefed up moving parts.

[kgg]

 

3 hours ago, Sangrati said:

My location is Dubai, UAE

Why not go to one of your local industrial sewing machine dealers. The shipping cost and delivery time frame are must be going to be expensive and long. The support maybe a bit difficult as well.

kgg

[Sangrati]

7 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

Those machines are not built to sew leather. They are for sail cloth, marine vinyl and upholstery leather. They will not hold up if you sew veg-tan thicker than about 8 ounces.

Sailrite makes a much better portable walking foot machine that has beefed up moving parts.

Ohk. Thanks goodness. I just stopped short of buying one of them only due to bad reviews.

 

[Sangrati]

6 hours ago, kgg said:

 

Why not go to one of your local industrial sewing machine dealers. The shipping cost and delivery time frame are must be going to be expensive and long. The support maybe a bit difficult as well.

kgg

Yea, am also thinking about this, but here in UAE I don't came across some leather related workers.  Although there are quite a lot of people working in fabric and Singer does have a facility here.  I will visit them and see what can they do for me.