Post Bed Recommendation

[jimnilsoncom]

I am in Cincinnati area, looking to purchase Post Bed Machine to move beyond just painting custom sneakers and do more reconstruction / modifications of sneakers (primarily Air Jordan 1, 3, 4 and Air Force 1). Trying to keep it around or under $2k. The machines I am looking at are Cobra 5110, Artisan 4618 and Tech Sew 810. Would you recommend any of these over the other? I learn by jumping in with both feet, researching, making mistakes, learning from those mistakes and just doing. And that's what I am going to do. Any starting pointers. I have to learn it all. What needle to use. What thread to use. I appreciate any feedback or guidance.

[arashikage]

The machines you are looking at are all the same clone. I've heard Tech Sew and Cobra are good on the support side. Since you are in Ohio you could call Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine and see what Bob has. I recommend calling over emailing. They sell the Cowboy brand machines. The current post bed that they carry is the upgraded 8810 and is more expensive then the ones you are looking at but support is close and you can pick it up to save on shipping. https://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb8810.html 

You're most likely going to be looking at 46 or 69 thread size. Those are the US measurements it's the same as T45 and T70, respectively. It depends on how much you want the thread to stand out. The needle will depend on which thread and machine you go with. Talk to the sales person to help determine size. 

Just to make sure you are aware, these machines are for sewing the uppers. You will not be able to stitch the uppers to the sidewall with them so you will have to do that part by hand, or buy another machine for that part. 

[kgg]

It I think will come down to your thread size that you want to use. The machines that you have listed are going to limit you to small thread sizes range. Have you considered a patcher like the Cowboy CB29 that will allow you to sewing in tighter spots and use up to V138 thread?

kgg

[Techsew Ron]

21 hours ago, kgg said:

It I think will come down to your thread size that you want to use. The machines that you have listed are going to limit you to small thread sizes range. Have you considered a patcher like the Cowboy CB29 that will allow you to sewing in tighter spots and use up to V138 thread?

kgg

Our customers who use the 810 or 830-R post bed machines for shoe reconstruction typically use size 69 thread with 18 needle or 92 thread with 20 needle. Patchers are more common when sewing patches onto pre-constructed shoes but a post bed machine with roller foot is preferred for piecing together the various parts of the upper.

[Wizcrafts]

For those curious about how side soles are sewn to uppers, here is an example of a sidewall sewing machine.