Looking to get first machine for footwear making, any thoughts on singer 29 and Politype leather patcher clones?

[Constabulary]

not riding boots but Lisa Sorrell is a custom cowboy boot maker and sells boot / shoe making supplies as well - maybe a good source for you:

https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/

[Aven]

I think this guy is doing what you want to do. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENjTdSGIdlw

Edited September 18, 2020 by Aven

[shoepatcher]

There us no way I would hand sew welts and soles on  shoes.  I build goalie pads.  I have hand sewn  a lot of them up by hand in 40 plus years.   I also have an Adler 205-370 to sewn them up the sides on a machine.  Machine sewn pads are superior because they maintain that constant same tension on the thread.  Shoes are harder to do.  A Mckay insole machine and Rapid E or Landis 12 curved needle will do a superior job and do it a lot faster on the welt and soles.  Just my opinion but also speaking from experience.  A shoe finisher will also make finishing the shoes and boot easier.

glenn

Edited September 19, 2020 by shoepatcher
spelling

[Snakeoil]

I am not an experienced leathet worker. Most of the work I do is hobby level repair. I own a 29K70. I have found that sewing a straight line with a patcher is a challenge. I suspect that you would never be happy with the appearance of you seams.