Beginner Sewing Machine

[Rchang]

Hey there,

Wondering if I could get some advice on a good beginner industrial sewing machine. I have a price range $1000.00.

[LiftPig]

38 minutes ago, Rchang said:

Hey there,

Wondering if I could get some advice on a good beginner industrial sewing machine. I have a price range $1000.00.

You're going to have a hard time at that budget.  I get it.  I want a machine so bad it hurts - literally my fingers hurt.  But you're likely not going to find one that will sew veg-tan on $1000.  Closest you're going to get is (https://www.tolindsewmach.com/consew-p1206rb.html).  Note it says it can sew 3/8" of "MEDIUM TEMPER" leather.  That's a broad definition and sure leaves a lot to be interpreted.  I'd hate to drop a grand and find out that what I routinely sewed wasn't considered "medium".

 

You could save up a little more and get a Cobra Class 17 (https://leathermachineco.com/product/cobra-class-17-walking-foot-machine/) or Consew 206RB-5 (https://www.tolindsewmach.com/consew-206rb.html).  Keep in mind the RB-5 listed there needs to be upgraded to a servo motor.  Clutch motors are for the birds.    Both machines are pretty light.  The Consew will take #207 thread which is the lightest I'd consider acceptable for veg-tan sewing.  Here's a chart on thread sizes for you (https://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html).  Maybe a creative fella could shove #277 thread in there, I don't know.  One of the "older" guys in the group might know.  

 

What would I get if I had my way?  Glad you asked.

https://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb3200.html

 

Things you should not skimp on to save a few bucks (according to me anyway):

1.  Servo motor.  More control, more power.

2.  Reverse.  You could flip your project around to back stitch....maybe.

3.  Compound Triple Feed.  One missed stitch because the feed dogs didn't adequately move your project and its probably ruined.  Not worth it in my opinion.

4. Shipping.  Make absolutely sure that whoever ships it will ship to a residential address or an address without a loading dock.  Some less scrupulous sellers will ship, find out it's going to a residence, and then take the item back and refund your money minus their "restocking" fee.  It's criminal I tell ya!

 

It might be worth it to give Toledo a call and see what they have in their used inventory.  I haven't done it yet but my understanding is they're a class-act business and willing to help.  

 

Good luck, keep us informed on what you find out.  I can't wait to see the pictures of your new machine when you get it.

[mikesc]

It depends entirely on what you are thinking of making..so..what you want to make ?

[Kcstott]

On 3/3/2020 at 12:10 PM, Rchang said:

Hey there,

Wondering if I could get some advice on a good beginner industrial sewing machine. I have a price range $1000.00.

what type of leather?, what ounce thickness? and how many layers? I have a Jenome HD1000 that will sew maybe two layers of chrome tanned 2 oz. Thats a home machine. it will not sew anything any thicker or stiffer. the Cobra class 4 handles ever thing else. 

[dikman]

Jonmark, your post is, dare I say it, out of line. This part of the forum deals with industrial machines, your site deals with domestic machines.

[Wizcrafts]

49 minutes ago, dikman said:

Jonmark, your post is, dare I say it, out of line. This part of the forum deals with industrial machines, your site deals with domestic machines.

That post was spam.

[Bert51]

Thanks Wiz.

Bert.

[dikman]

15 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

That post was spam.

Ahh, I was just trying to be polite. Perhaps you might want to delete my posts about too, wiz, as they no longer make any sense.

Edited March 13, 2020 by dikman

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, dikman said:

Ahh, I was just trying to be polite. Perhaps you might want to delete my posts about too, wiz, as they no longer make any sense.

I wasn't being polite to the spammer. I'm leaving this online in case they come back to see if anybody reacted to their one and only post.

[Brooks125]

On 3/3/2020 at 3:10 PM, Rchang said:

Hey there,

Wondering if I could get some advice on a good beginner industrial sewing machine. I have a price range $1000.00.

It's a common request.  So common,  in fact, I called Toledo Ind. a few years ago and asked for the very same thing.  Keep in mind, Bob advertises "thousands" (I think) of sewing machines in stock.  When I called and asked if he had a used heavy, leather sewing machine, he gave me an immediate "nope". I asked how he knew in such short order that he didn't.  "I get this exact same call 3-4 times a week."  I'm sure he does, and 2 weeks later I was loading a new CB-3200 in the back of my truck from his shop. Used machines go for almost as much as new, and with the warranty (and someone like Bob a phone call away), new is almost always a better choice.  That being said, knuckle down, save up the coin and take a leap.  I taught myself to sew leather on that machine.  It is the best $1800 I ever spent and don't regret it for a second.