portable machine

[Regis]

I had somewhat hijacked another thread so, I'm moving discussion over here. I asked about portable machine and then went heavier and heavier and want to get back on track. Art had pointed out the Sailrite LSZ to me and it looks like it will fit the need but, I also found 2 Consew portables (CP206R & CP146R) and a local home machine dealer wants to order a Thompson for me. There is a span of several hundred dollars so, I'd like to know if anyone here is using these for lighter leatherwork (up to say 6 oz total). I'd like to be able to carry it to my daughter's home when we stay there for week or so.

I'd appreciate hearing experiences from folks using any of these.

Regis

p.s. I do have a great Artisan for heavy work

[esantoro]

Nice thread, Regis.

I'm also interested in such a machine. I called up a shop in California. They said that the CP206R, while all metal construction, would have some difficulty with 138 thread. However, the rep may have said it could do it once the machine is broken in, though that didn't make much sense to me. If I remember correctly, he also said the presser foot lift is about a half inch. Folks at Sailrite said their machine has 3/8" clearance. Perhaps the CP206R is also 3/8".

Ed

I had somewhat hijacked another thread so, I'm moving discussion over here. I asked about portable machine and then went heavier and heavier and want to get back on track. Art had pointed out the Sailrite LSZ to me and it looks like it will fit the need but, I also found 2 Consew portables (CP206R & CP146R) and a local home machine dealer wants to order a Thompson for me. There is a span of several hundred dollars so, I'd like to know if anyone here is using these for lighter leatherwork (up to say 6 oz total). I'd like to be able to carry it to my daughter's home when we stay there for week or so.

I'd appreciate hearing experiences from folks using any of these.

Regis

p.s. I do have a great Artisan for heavy work

[Michael Sheldon]

I've been using a Thompson PW-400 for a few years.

I wouldn't use it for harness leather, but it has no trouble handling two layers of 5-6oz. Three layers gets tight, but I've done it.

[esantoro]

Hi Michael,

How well does your PW handle size 138 thread? 207?

Thanks,

Ed

I've been using a Thompson PW-400 for a few years.

I wouldn't use it for harness leather, but it has no trouble handling two layers of 5-6oz. Three layers gets tight, but I've done it.

[Michael Sheldon]

The only size recommended in the book is 69. I doubt I'd go bigger then 92. Dunno if the current model (PW-500) is any different in that regard.

It really isn't a harness machine. It's aimed at the upholstery market.

[Regis]

Michael,

Appreciate the info. #69 & #92 will work fine for me. Have you found leather needles in 135X17 or are you using 135X16? Is your machine pretty much standard or did you get heavy hand wheel like Sailrite offers? The PW-500 is a couple hundred $$'s less than Sailrite (that's a whole side plus some liner). Do you use your strckly for leather or do you some other work?

Again thanks,

Regis

[Michael Sheldon]

The leather needles I'm using are 135/16, with an angled bevel, and I'm very happy with them. The shop I bought the machine from had a pretty good assortment of needles.

I've got the stock wheel on it. A larger one would be nice in that it would be easier to grip, but I've never even wanted more leverage. I use a single-sided foot with it that makes it easier to sew close to the edge and still see what it's doing.

I once put some heavy velvet through it, but 98% of the time I'm using it for suede, nubuck or other chap-weight leathers. This year I might be running heavy canvas through it to make some awnings.

[Regis]

Ed,

I just read the TuffSew site about their 9" straight stitch walking foot machine and they support larger thread like you want.

Here is what it says:

"THREAD

Size: 69 Bonded Nylon Thread Recommended (but will handle 46, 138, and 207 weights"

Here is link: Tuffsew walking foot

Regis (still procrastinating)

Hi Michael,

How well does your PW handle size 138 thread? 207?

Thanks,

Ed

[Art]

Here's what it also says:

"Heavy materials and multiple layers prove no match for our explosive built-in walking foot."

I don't know if I would have phrased it that way.

Cutting through the crud, the sailrite and the tuffsew use the same casting I think, what they put inside is another story. If I am buying a portable, I will go with the 7" over the 9" it is just smaller and that is what you want, isn't it?

I know the sailrite is a good machine with more canvas oriented features than the tuffsew, like get the leather foot instead of the standard canvas foot, it won't mark as much. The canvas foot is quite agressive, of course, that's what they make grinders for. Sailrite also makes left and right feet. I don't have a machine I haven't taken a file or grinder to for modifications that make life easier, it IS my machine.

You guys are of course doing the guy thing (I know I R one), you're comparing instead of sewing; just buy something and don't look over your shoulder, if it don't work, sell it and get something that does.

Art

Ed,

I just read the TuffSew site about their 9" straight stitch walking foot machine and they support larger thread like you want.

Here is what it says:

"THREAD

Size: 69 Bonded Nylon Thread Recommended (but will handle 46, 138, and 207 weights"

Here is link: Tuffsew walking foot

Regis (still procrastinating)

[Regis]

Art,

Quote: "You guys are of course doing the guy thing (I know I R one), you're comparing instead of sewing; just buy something and don't look over your shoulder, if it don't work, sell it and get something that does."

I like that! I will order today! Hopefully you won't see it on ebay in 6 weeks.

Regis