Leatherworkers

mlovett · Mar 5, 2005

Looking for a leather sewing machine. Manual fine. Finaly fed up with depending on outside leather workers. Any one have a used machine needing a new home. Thanks M. Lovett

DC KNIVES · Mar 5, 2005

I'm sure you have looked at the new prices for one hence the request for a used one.A new Tippman Boss runs about $1600.First I must ask why not do it by hand.Using a Tippman is not as easy as some would think.A good sharpened awl works fine .You can also do what I do.I sharpen the shank of a 1/16" drill bit,mount it my drill press and turn it on.Quick and easy and doesn't mess up the leather like drilling does.It also burnishes the hole.Besides used Tippman's are hard to find, especially in good shape.Hope this helps.Dave

R.W.Clark · Mar 5, 2005

Its going to be hard to find for a good price. Mine was a old Champion retired by Buck Knives years ago that I got in a very round about way (meaning it passed through several hands, not that it was shadey). It was a steal at $600. Most industrial machines (even ones made in the 20s like mine) will set you back over a grand.

Try asking around at local shoe repair shops. Sometimes they have an old machine that is just taking up space in the back.

Jeff Pelz · Mar 5, 2005

Sorry I'm keeping mine. Finding a good machine is not difficult. The shipping might place you in the poor house. Look to see if there are any leather trade shows events are coming to your area. Dealers some times, will have used or demo units for sale at the shows. And look around for businesses that use these sewing machines, sometimes just asking will land you a deal. I pick up my Singer 29-4 from a prosthetic copany for $350.00 with a electric motor.

Jeff

R.W.Clark · Mar 6, 2005

Jeff, that 29 looks a little light for heavy sheath work. What weight can it handle? I know looks can really be deceiving. My Champion can do 1" without blinking but it is a cast iron monster.

anvilring · Mar 6, 2005

will just bounce off of a good Randall style kniife sheath. The Tippman Boss is slow and the stitching does not look the same as a "needle and awl" machine. A good machine for sheath work will not set you back a thousand or even two; it will set you back about $4500.00. The Campbell machine is about the only thing left. Some other older machines are/were made by American Needle and Awl and the Champion Clark mentioned (boy is he lucky!!) but parts for these are like hen's teeth. I too for years have been frustrated by the price/problems associated with a good needle and awl machine. So not long ago I bought a used treedle/hand cranked Singer 29 and it is a piece of $hit. Not really of course because these machines as I've come to find out were never made to sew two or three pieces of 6/7 wt. leather together; glued no less! These old "patch" machines can and will do light leather work but that's all. Don't waste money on one is the advice I'd give. What I've learned to do is true needle and awl stitching myself and I'm slow but happy. I''ve made myself a good stitching horse you sit down at to work. True needle and awl looks so much better than all this hole drilling stuff some people do it's not even in the same league. And it's faster! once you get the hang of it. Here's those pics from a thread I started sometime back. You can see that POS of a Singer in the background....

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328713

regards, mitch

mlovett · Mar 6, 2005

My wife is a fairly accomplished leather worker, having worked tac-, While training equestrian students in Germany, howerer she has had several surgeries for carpal tunnel,, hand stiching too ruff on her, and I'm swamped working on the new R. W. Loveless approved Big Bears. I'll Keep looking, Thanks. M. Lovett

anvilring · Mar 6, 2005

on order, find a true saddle maker with a needle and awl machine and make a deal with him/her. A needle and awl machine is the only way to go. I've got a guy here locally (Cleveland TX) that will stitch whatever you send him for five bucks and up. Let me know if you need a phone #...

regards, mitch

mlovett · Mar 7, 2005

Thanks Mitch, a PH# may be helpfull if we dont land a machine. Have a saddle maker now, but bad about missing deadlines. Thanks again. Mike, You can take a look at the New Big Bear at robertsoncustomcutlery.com

R.W.Clark · Mar 7, 2005

Mike, if you are having a hard time and can't land your own gear, feel free to drop me a line. 99% of my work is subcontract for other makers nowadays. My Peerless Champion needle and awl machine can stich that sheath in a few seconds (no joke).

I am in Corona, and if you spent much time with Bob, I live right by the Chinese resterant I am sure he took you too.

Serously though. Couple days turn around on those would be normal barring injury or illness. Let me know if you are interested.

Here are some examples of its stitching.

Leatherworkers

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