Leather sewing machine

outrider · September 17, 2012, 06:48:00 AM

The Adler 767 is a mediyum weight sewing machine that would be good for doing lighter work such as chaps. It is too light for doing the heavier stitching required in the holster arena. Without doing the research it probably goes up to maybe 207 thread size (if equipped with a 190 needle system) otherwise it would probably take the 69 size thread (135 needle system)

Slowhand Bob · September 17, 2012, 07:14:42 AM

Just be patient Red Cent, the way my hands are going down hill, should have me selling out cheap pretty soon! There are fingers on both hands that are locking closed on me when I grip anything small very tightly. I spent the day in the shop yesterday punching holes and by quitting time I needed to pry the punches from my fingers. SE Regional is less than two months away and I have nothing made for it yet. Growing old aint fer the timid.

outrider · September 17, 2012, 10:46:16 AM

Slowhand...truer words were never said.

Techsew Ron · September 19, 2012, 11:28:40 AM

Quote from: Red Cent on September 13, 2012, 10:34:13 AM
I think I would like to buy one. I have done some research and found some "progressive" machines and I have looked at the Tippman. If you had a top dollar of $1500.00 to buy one (just the machine), is there a clear choice? I won't have high production. I would expect precision capable and able to sew thick leather.

Feel free to guide me to other posts that would apply.

Figured I'd offer my 2 cents. At the $1500 price range you have 2 options:

1- Hand operated machine like the Tippmann Boss
2- Heavy duty drop feed machine like the Techsew 3650HD or GA5-1R.

As you know the Tippmann machine is a hand operated, compound walking foot machine capable of sewing up to around 3/4" thick. Plenty of people use this machine and you can find lots of opinions on them.

A machine like the Techsew 3650HD will sew up to about 7/16" thick, very useful entry-level machine for sewing holsters of all kinds. This is a motor operated machine that comes with a servo motor and speed reducer.

At the $2000+ price range, you're looking at a 441 clone like the Techsew 5100 (based on the design of the Juki 441) which is really the best machine you can find for holsters and other heavy leather work. These are compound walking foot machines capable of sewing anywhere between 6oz and 7/8" thick.

I'm new to the forum here and I'll be happy to offer any other advice on leather sewing machines if anyone has any questions!

Cheers,
Ron

outrider · September 19, 2012, 06:13:57 PM

Well I for one am happy to see a sewing machine person on this forum...welcome

Slowhand Bob · September 19, 2012, 08:08:05 PM

Ill go so far as to say very welcome to you sir.

Techsew Ron · September 20, 2012, 09:27:25 AM

Thanks for the kind welcomes Outrider and Slowhand Bob !

Marshal Will Wingam · September 20, 2012, 09:51:35 AM

Welcome to the forum, Ron. This is a great place to share information. Looking forward to your posts.

Red Cent · September 23, 2012, 02:00:43 PM

Techsew Ron, I'm all ears. Like SASS gear, I researched for quite a while. Doing so on the machine.

WaddWatsonEllis · September 23, 2012, 09:16:56 PM

Hi Y'all,

As a relative new comer to posts on this thread (but a lurker since it's inception), I am thinking of a Techsew 3650 ...

I would love to hear any comments from people who are using it ... yea or nae!

The website makes it seem rather easy ... but hey! It is the companies website ... like taking a used car salesman at his word (And my apologies to any used car salesmen with mores or morals)....

TTFN

outrider · September 24, 2012, 09:37:10 AM

Wadd,

The 3650 is basically the same as what we have been discussing in this thread with the exception that it has a 10.5" cylinder bed as opposed to what most of us use (16.5" cylinder bed). It takes up to and including 350 size thread which is quite ample for what we use...I personally like the 277 thread on top and 207 bobbin...so your ok thread wise....it basically comes down to preference and budget.... one important thing is the service. I have no experience with Techsew, but I do know the service from Ron at Ferdco, and Steve at Cobra is top knotch...do alot of research before you take the plunge...cheaper is not always the best route...it depends on what you are using it for and how much do you anticipate using the machine....I have been using my Ferdco Pro-2000 Bull for over 5 years now and have never had a hick-up....at least one that the machine caused...your on the right track...find some users and see what their opinons are..go over the the Leather Workers Forums and ask

w.b. masterson · September 24, 2012, 12:26:08 PM

Outrider,
Do I understand that Ferdco is going out of business?

BAT

outrider · September 24, 2012, 12:59:37 PM

I have not heard this...

outrider · September 24, 2012, 01:03:18 PM

W.B. I have just checked their website and it does appear that they are closing ...hummmm interesting

Techsew Ron · September 24, 2012, 03:43:07 PM

Quote from: outrider on September 24, 2012, 09:37:10 AM
Wadd,

The 3650 is basically the same as what we have been discussing in this thread with the exception that it has a 10.5" cylinder bed as opposed to what most of us use (16.5" cylinder bed). It takes up to and including 350 size thread which is quite ample for what we use...I personally like the 277 thread on top and 207 bobbin...so your ok thread wise....it basically comes down to preference and budget.... one important thing is the service. I have no experience with Techsew, but I do know the service from Ron at Ferdco, and Steve at Cobra is top knotch...do alot of research before you take the plunge...cheaper is not always the best route...it depends on what you are using it for and how much do you anticipate using the machine....I have been using my Ferdco Pro-2000 Bull for over 5 years now and have never had a hick-up....at least one that the machine caused...your on the right track...find some users and see what their opinons are..go over the the Leather Workers Forums and ask

Just to add, the 3650HD is not a walking foot machine like the 16.5" cylinder bed machines discussed earlier in this thread. The feeding mechanism of the 3650HD is drop feed (material is fed by the feed-dog beneath the material being sewn).

The Techsew 4100 and 5100 are our walking foot machines. Feel free to ask any more questions!

Ron

Slamfire · September 24, 2012, 07:01:18 PM

If'n ya'll don't mind, my two cents worth, "HOOK& AWL", tha means , a awl punches the hole then the needle comes through the awl hole grabs the thread makes the stitch, This the type mach., has been around since about 1850, mine is a "CHAMPION W/ 10 IN. THROAT" it is right at 100 yrs., old,you have to peddle it!!!! like a bicycle sews 1in.( max) , makes beatuiful stitch. The "COBRA/ 4000" that would be my next choice, as far as a single needle mach., w/ 16.5 or 25 in throat.( the more room the better) The tippman,,,,,boss,,stitch for stitch when set up right!! as good as any bodys. I'm with these other pards look around ,buy at yor best price ,,,take your chances.

Hootnix

Red Cent · September 25, 2012, 01:33:13 PM

The walking foot feeds top and bottom and the drop feed, bottom only. Is that correct? Which is preferable in the leather business? Especially the thick stuff.

Slamfire · September 25, 2012, 06:12:14 PM

DITTO

Hootnix.

Techsew Ron · September 25, 2012, 10:35:57 PM

Quote from: Red Cent on September 25, 2012, 01:33:13 PM
The walking foot feeds top and bottom and the drop feed, bottom only. Is that correct? Which is preferable in the leather business? Especially the thick stuff.

Correct. Walking foot machines are more common in the leather business as they will feed leather more evenly and not leave any marks on the top or bottom of your leather.

We have an educational guide up on our website for those interested:
http://shop.raphaelsewing.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5

Best regards,
Ron

Massive · September 28, 2012, 02:40:32 PM

I think truly prefered for our kind of gig is a needle feed. I would love to hear a love in for walking foot because that is what I got.

A needle/awl machine is conceptually even better, particularly if you use linen and want an old school machine for that. But the problem is you are buying and old machine, and unlike some of the stuff being made today, it is not designed/accessorized for out specific need. You have to choose between various saddle and high speed production machines, all with their specific quirks. Would be cool to have both. Never pass on one if you find it cheap at a garage sale.

Except check first to see that it runs, or that it has parts available...

I would not buy a Boss, unless I found it at a price I could flip it at, and that does not often happen (because people like them). First, fair or not, people do not like the new aluminum frames. Second, a lot of people do not like the machine though some seriuosly do. Enough negative vibe that I would normally steer clear, except 90% of the sewing machine complaints you hear relative to not working are operator/set-up related. 3 the people that are serious enough to figure them out will eventually upgrade to something else.

I am interested in the Luberto Classic Cub, and might buy one. Totally different head place than the Boss. I am pretty sure I can do without a Boss. The luberto is vapourware, lots of promises, no web presence, who knows if it will ever hit the market. So that's attractive!

LLuberto full size Peason clones are pretty highly regarded though...

I should say that when it comes to what you would and would not buy, price can be as a factor. If you only want to get down and start selling holsters, and you know you can pay for it... I would buy one of the Holster set-up machines and drive on. But if you like playing with machines then there is a lot of stuff to consider, and if the price is right, you can get in and out on these machines for pretty reasonable bucks, but you wills spend a lot of time playing with your iron.