Older sewing machines for thick leather sheaths?

T

Taz

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 28, 1999
Messages
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I've been debating getting a leather sewing machine; my hands get numb after hand stitching for a while, probably carpal tunnel starting up! At first, I was looking at the CowBoy Outlaw manual stitcher and Weaver Cub, and then started checking facebook marketplace for walking foot sewing machines that can handle thicker veg tanned leather.

Anyone have some older models that will do well with thick veg tanned leather for sheaths so I can start making a list of what models to look for? I tried searching for walking foot sewing machines and cylinder arm sewing machines, but don't know particular models to check out. I try googling the models I am finding to get more info, but the Google AI isn't always accurate! I know the Singer 97-10 should work, and saw some Pfaff 145/545 H4 (higher lift) that may work and some Adler 167-gk-373 that look like they will do the job as well? My sheaths are typically around 3 layers of 8-10oz, so it adds up to around 3/8-7/16" thick total usually. I would upgrade to a servo motor and speed reducer if it doesn't already have one. I would love a cobra class 4 or something like that, but I am on a budget! I missed out on a Weaver Cub for 1100 last week :(
 
I don’t know about any of the machines you’ve listed but unless your familiar with operating one, looking to maybe buy a used one on Facebook marketplace might not be a good idea. If you do, bring some leather and insist the seller stitch it up and show you in detail how the machine operates. I was in the same position a couple years ago with the sore fingers, eyes going and time spent hand stitching and just finally said enough…bit the bullet and bought a Cowboy 4500. And after getting to know it after a while I wish I had bought it earlier but my previous shop didn’t have any room. I didn’t know anything about leather sewing machines and frankly was scared to buy a used one from someone I didn’t know. I know you said your on a budget but a new machine will come set up ready to go with very little tweaking needed to get the results your wanting. Here’s one of my first practice pieces I did on my machine to see what it could do. IMG_1547.jpeg
 
Good point about knowing how to use the machine! I've been watching youTube videos of the various machines, threading them, etc. to see if I can find people making thick leather sheaths with them and if they will work or not. Google Search brings up AI stuff, and isn't always accurate, so I am trying to get first hand accounts from people who have used some of these machines before.

Maybe I will go with the Cowboy Outlaw since it's manual and a bit simpler to operate and thread and I can go at a slower pace. The local Tandy has them in stock, not sure if that will offset buying online for cheaper and shipping? The Pfaff 145 H4 I was looking at was no motor, so I was thinking of trying to fab up a flywheel to hand crank it. The Adler 167-gk-373 has a new servo motor and table for under 1K, so thats a very good price! I would bring some test leather pieces if I bought used and make sure it works and they showed me how to thread the machine and stuff. I have found videos and online copies of manuals, too, so I have been looking at those for oil points, threading, timing info, etc.
 
Go and check out “leatherworker.net” a lot of knowledgeable folks there that I’m sure could help you out, very friendly leather forum.
 
Yeah, I have been reading and searching that site the past few months to get some info!
 
Got a line locally on a used Weaver Cub, so I think I am going to try to snag that! Since it has a hand crank, I wonder if I can rig up a servo motor to it down the road by replacing the hand crank with pulleys?

I did a LOT of reading on leatherworker lately; several of the machines I found locally/semi locally tapped out at about 3/8-1/2", but small threads. Adler 205-373 or -370 may work, but I only found a -64 (non walking foot, basically a Cobra 20 that can mark up the back of the leather).

Also found a Union Lock-Stitch machine for 500 locally....until I saw someone on the other forum say it can sew PENNIES...WTF! That's scary! I think it's a bit too much machine for me, especially with how complicated it is to adjust! LOL.
 
Hoping to pick up the Cub on Friday! Bartering one of my chef knives towards it, too, which is nice!

May do a servo motor and run it at hand speed down the road so I can keep 2 hands on the sheath, but with the edge guide, it shouldn't be bad doing it manually, too.
 
Lady with the Cub wants a 2nd knife towards the machine, so it looks like Tuesday will be the pick up day!

Now to find some thread and needles!

277 bonded Poly or Nylon? size 25 needle? It used the 794 needle series, same as the Outlaw and Boss and some others.
 
Congrats keep us advised on how it goes. I use 207 size thread with a size 25 needle on my Cobra 4.
 
Will do! Going to get some Nylon and Poly threads in 207 and 277 and 24, 25 and 26 sized needles and see what I like!
 
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