Members Danne Posted October 26, 2021 Members Report Posted October 26, 2021 So I have a hard time to decide if I should get a machine with a vacuum or not. And the reason is limited space. So I would appreciate some recommendations from those of you who have skiving machines. I will mainly use it with a rubber feed wheel to split leather for watch straps and for small things like wallets and card holders. (mostly combination tanned and chrome tanned, like Alran goat and Perlinger Noblessa and similar leather, but also some veg tan for watch straps. And exotics (Alligator/crocodile) This discussion is not meant to discuss how hard it is to split with a skiving machine, but if it's even an option with a machine without vacuum? The thing is right now I have space to "fold in" a skiving machine without vacuum to the left of the white cabinet (first photo) In case I would go for a skiving machine with vacuum, it will be too wide, and I will have to remove the white cabinet (where I have my computer) and in that case build a frame for my table and skiving machine, and also move my computer. A lot of work with welding, transporting the frame for powder coating and such. And with a machine with vacuum I will have to use 3-phase 400V and it's not really a problem except if I would move to another apartment without incoming 3-phase in the apartment (but not that common here) , unless I buy a new machine which I could get as single phase 230V , but would prefer to buy a used one since I feel it's a waste of money to buy a new machine, when it's a quite simple machine to service if needed (Or I don't feel intimidated by it) My desk right now: The plan if I will go with a machine with vacuum. (It will be either a Fortuna or a Fratelli Alberti. Quote
Members Arturomex Posted October 27, 2021 Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 I have a Techsew SK-4 machine without the vacuum suction. I now wish I'd purchased the setup with the suction. Regards, Arturo Quote
Members mike02130 Posted October 27, 2021 Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 Well, "Wild Harry" swears by a vacuum. I have one without a vacuum and I have no regrets. Like you, I use it for small projects like wallets, straps and purse gussets. I will sometimes run a 3' x 5mm strap through it and split it down to 3mm or so to make a shoulder strap for a purse. I'm familiar with your work and have read your posts and I don't think that you need to spend the extra money for a vacuum. Quote @mike02130 Instagram
Members Danne Posted October 27, 2021 Author Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 3 hours ago, Arturomex said: I have a Techsew SK-4 machine without the vacuum suction. I now wish I'd purchased the setup with the suction. Regards, Arturo Can you elaborate why you wish you had a vacuum? Quote
Members Danne Posted October 27, 2021 Author Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 17 minutes ago, mike02130 said: Well, "Wild Harry" swears by a vacuum. I have one without a vacuum and I have no regrets. Like you, I use it for small projects like wallets, straps and purse gussets. I will sometimes run a 3' x 5mm strap through it and split it down to 3mm or so to make a shoulder strap for a purse. I'm familiar with your work and have read your posts and I don't think that you need to spend the extra money for a vacuum. I have talked to a couple of crafters today who use skiving machines without vacuum, and one of them have even compared with a machine with vacuum and he didn't feel like he needed a vacuum, and he is one of the best crafters out there and use his machine a lot. So I think I will start with a machine without vacuum, and since I will buy either a Fortuna or FAV, I will be able to sell it for around the same money I payed for it if I would feel the need to upgrade. Also, I can't really see how it would be rocket science to just 3d-print an attachment for vacuum if needed. Quote
Members Spyros Posted October 27, 2021 Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 So to be clear, I don't know. I haven't even see such a machine up close. But is the vacuum purely for better dust collection? I mean how many handmade wallets are you going to make every day and how much leather dust is that going to produce? To be honest with you Danne, are you 100% sure that something like a Scharffix is not sufficient for your volume of work? Quote
Members Danne Posted October 27, 2021 Author Members Report Posted October 27, 2021 23 minutes ago, Spyros said: So to be clear, I don't know. I haven't even see such a machine up close. But is the vacuum purely for better dust collection? I mean how many handmade wallets are you going to make every day and how much leather dust is that going to produce? To be honest with you Danne, are you 100% sure that something like a Scharffix is not sufficient for your volume of work? Yes, I think it’s mainly for dust collection. At least according to those I talked too. And that will not be a problem, I mean I do this as a hobby. No a Scharffix will not work. For stiffer leather used for watch straps it would work. But I need to be able to split for example goat leather for wallets down to around 0.5mm. Quote
Members mike02130 Posted October 28, 2021 Members Report Posted October 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Danne said: Yes, I think it’s mainly for dust collection There's not much dust at all. It is more for the scraps or splits from the leather. Without a vacuum you need to reach into the bell and pull out what hasn't fallen out. Say hej to my friend Erik Sörstedt if you see him. Quote @mike02130 Instagram
Members Spyros Posted October 28, 2021 Members Report Posted October 28, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Danne said: Yes, I think it’s mainly for dust collection. At least according to those I talked too. And that will not be a problem, I mean I do this as a hobby. No a Scharffix will not work. For stiffer leather used for watch straps it would work. But I need to be able to split for example goat leather for wallets down to around 0.5mm. I wish you were close by to try mine. And mind you, mine is not even the original, just a not-so-cheap copy. I can tell you that it works with any thickness and any softness, with mm accuracy. It's all about what type of blades you put in it (I'm buying Japanese "Feather" brand razor blades, which is absolutely and by far the sharpest thing I've ever seen in my life) In fact it works much better with thinner and softer leathers as you get to bend the leather around the roller which makes it easier to control. There's a bookbinder who uses it a lot, if you search for Scharffix on youtube you'll find him. It doesn't get much thinner than the skiving these guys do in bookbinding. It is however not suitable for high volume, because you have to be focused all the time, one wrong move and it will absolutely go right through your leather in the blink of an eye. It is however very suitable for low volume and for someone like you with the great dexterity and attention to detail that we can see in your work. The massive benefit for someone with a small space like you (and me) is that you use it and then you throw it in a drawer, it takes no room at all and you mount it on your table in seconds. And the cost of course. Edited October 28, 2021 by Spyros Quote
BruceGibson Posted October 28, 2021 Report Posted October 28, 2021 I've never seen a need for a vac system for mine. Quote "Don't squat with your spurs on." www.GibsonLeather.com
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