Sewing Machine Purchases and Questions

[MzVictoria]

Hi there, I'm a new member to the site but have been researching and reading posts for years on leatherworking, I've finally taken the plunge, set up shop and started producing Italian and French leather purses. Usually use leather in the 3oz range. Quickly became tired of hand stitching (although it can be very relaxing) and decided to order a machine. So started researching but wow it is complicated. People on here and Youtube indicated that a Singer 29k patcher might be a good starter and since it is so pleasing to look at, I took the plunge and bought a classic black and gold one from 1914. Paid a pretty penny and it got here damaged from shipping (the main metal shaft was bent where the wheel is, we took off the wheel and it was cracked from the impact and the cast iron bobbin winder was broken in two needing welding). Total nightmare, but I got a partial refund (the treadle was perfect) which I immediately invested some of it into another head, this time a 29k71 with a motor. I've been tinkering with it and can't get it to stitch right, it leaves heavy marks from the feet, plus it leaks oil. So after having a long talk with my husband we both decided that I probably should buy a brand new machine that comes with instructions and tech support because although I do love machines, I love leather crafting much more and would like to get back to producing purses and wallets. We can sell the other machines. I decided on a Techsew 2700 and lucky for me they had a sale yesterday and it was about $1500. I put the machine, a table top and a guide into the cart and then all my information and when I got to shipping it told me I no longer had anything in my cart. So I did it again. Same thing except this time it let me get to the purchase page. So I sent them an email stating I intend to buy the 2700 and asked a detail about their shipping. They replied this morning so I went back to the site and the machine is now $200 more, no longer on sale. ACK!! I sent an email to see if they will honor yesterdays price (oh please) but have not heard back (actually I just checked and they say they cannot honor the price because not only do they think it was because I hadn't authorized the amount beforehand with my card, but because they are out of stock. OK, thems the breaks). SOOooooo, this gives me the opportunity to ask... I'd like a machine with the capability to do heavier thread because stitching is beautiful. I really love the stitches I've seen from the Sailrite Fabricator but it is a flatbed and I worry that I will have trouble with seaming leather purses. I also love the reverse twist needles. I need to keep this purchase around $1500 (the Techsew was going to be $1800ish with everything). And I can't seem to find a new cylinder arm in that price range. Anyone have any suggestions? Is this an impossible quest? I tried this on my own, now it's time to ask for help... ; )

[kgg]

I would suggest taking a visit to a brick and mortar that is fairly close to your location with a sample of what you want to sew. Two places come to mind Artisan Sewing Supplies and Atlas Levy Sewing Machine Company. That way you can test drive a machine, clone or brand name with your stuff, within your budget and with local support.

kgg

[MzVictoria]

Great idea. Thank you, that sounds like a smart way to do it.

[Frodo]

'' immediately invested some of it into another head, this time a 29k71 with a motor. I've been tinkering with it and can't get it to stitch right, it leaves heavy marks from the feet, plus it leaks oil.''

 

Are you wanting to sell the 29K71 that marks with the feet and leaks oil? 

[Yetibelle]

Your not that far away from The Leather Machine Co I believe?  Take a look at the Cobra's, you wont want anything else after that. 

https://leathermachineco.com/

 

 

 

[MzVictoria]

Thanks Yetibelle, I'll take a look. I'm going over to Atlas Levy on Saturday to see what they have.
Frodo: I was thinking about it, but I need to get a machine that works before I let go of that one. It's probably just a couple tweeks to get it working, but I don't know exactly what those are. I also have the other head for the 1914 Singer 29k. Definitely selling that one. The head looks fine, but I don't have the skills to fix the wheel.

[MzVictoria]

Yetibelle: The Cobras are nearly twice my budget unfortunately.

2 hours ago, Yetibelle said:

Your not that far away from The Leather Machine Co I believe?  Take a look at the Cobra's, you wont want anything else after that. 

https://leathermachineco.com/

 

 

 

 

[kgg]

1 hour ago, MzVictoria said:

I'm going over to Atlas Levy on Saturday to see what they have.

Let us know if you decide on a machine.

kgg

[MzVictoria]

17 hours ago, kgg said:

Let us know if you decide on a machine.

kgg

Can do. The only one I can barely squeak by with is the AT 3341. It takes a 207 thread fairly easily and they say it can go higher (not even sure I'll want to go higher but it's nice to have options). BUT I probably need a speed reducer and a double deck for wallets and flat items. Pretty tight budget wise so we'll see what they say. They have a refurbished Juki as well which might be an option.. hopefully they have some more options than what is listed on the site. We shall see ; )

[shoepatcher]

What model Juki?

glenn