PFAFF model 138, good enough for sheaths??

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

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Aug 13, 2002
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I am looking for a leather stitching machine and there are a few used one on Kijiji. Not sure if I need to go with a "real" machine or if smaller machines can do the job.

For the two models (Singer 15-90 and 127Jlisted in the title, the gentleman says it will easily stitch 1/4" leather.


***Update: Edited the title because after a little research I found out that these are a little on the small side. I am now looking at a PFAFF model 138 instead.

What do you guys think?

Thanks
 
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The 15-90 is probably the better or the two for your use……BUT I think 1/4" is going to be the extreme end of the capacity and capability. It would be fine for stitching the decorative stitching on cowboy boot tops and similar chores, but I believe lacks the torque necessary for the heavier stitching you might require. The 127J is probably even less likely to get the job done for you. Also you have limits on needle size and thread size both being on the lower extreme for what you need to do.

Forcing these machines to work at or slightly above their limits will result is them getting out of time on a regular basis, many broken needles and general frustration.

Now, get an answer from someone who actually knows from personal experience with them, which I do not have.
My only experience is based on using a Singer 31-15 which is a slightly heavier duty machine and it would not do anything more than the trim work around inlays and then with even lighter thread and needles than I regularly use.

Paul
 
Paul, your experience is more than enough for me to decide that this will be too small a machine. I'll look for beefier models.
Thanks a lot my friend. :thumbup:
 
In the heavier machines, Patrice, make sure you get one with a walking foot. Lot more versatile and marks the leather up less. Worth the extra $$.
 
There's a website that specializes in Chinese produced goods. I won't mention the name because it's synonymous with rip off items of all sorts. Even so, the site is, I believe, a portal for goods, not a manufacturer of counterfeit, or any other goods.

Anyway, they list a whole slew of heavy duty/leather sewing machines. They have models that are post/cylinder/flat bed, and have models with various features like walking feet and likely whatever else you might look for. I'm not up to speed on the brands or features, so some research might be necessary.

The way I see it, if whatever I'm buying is coming from China anyway, I might as well buy it at the lowest price possible.

It's also entirely possible that all of them are junk, I really have no idea, but something tells me that, with all the manufacturing going on in mainland China, the Chinese probably know a thing or two about sewing machines.
 
If your in the market for a machine talk to Steve at leathermachineco, The guy know his machines inside and out. Stitchers are an expensive investment, you want to make sure to get the best one suited for your needs the first time.
 
To follow up on Sky's recommendation, which I agree with 100%, there is more to buying a machine than just the price. What about service after the sale? What about technical help? The cheapest machine in the world wouldn't be of much use if you don't know how to run it or hit a technical problem with no after the sale help. These are very important factors to consider for a first time, inexperienced buyer.

Steve or David at Leather Machine Co. (Cobra Brand) provide this kind of support after the sale and in addition their prices are pretty much in line or maybe better than most.

Paul
 
Walkig foot, got it. :thumbup:

I just emailed Leather Machine Co. to see if they ship to Canada? The other brand that I know ships here is Techsew so I'll be able to compare.

I would love to buy a quality machine from a reputable manufacturer but the fact that I may not be using it to make that many sheaths makes me weary of dropping 3 grand. :o That's why I started looking for used one closer to me but I understand what you mean.

I am real glad I have you guys to help me with this, thanks a bunch. :thumbup:
 
Kevin at Springfield Leather has an open invitation to help anyone decide on a machine. They do sell machines, but he said that he's still very much willing to help, even if you don't buy from him. Just a thought.

Hope what I wrote above doesn't send anyone down the wrong path. The Chinese machines are more a curiosity to me than anything else. I don't own one, and after purchase service is a REALLY good point. I'd bet that's especially true with a sewing machine. Not the same as an inexpensive hand tool.

In any case, I couldn't see a piece of junk in your shop Patrice. :)
 
psst, check out where most of these "serious" leather stitchers originate, you might snort your coffee. :p
 
A goodly portion, if not 100% of the "castings" ie. the shell of the machines are from Chinese sources. This includes the Juki clones. The internal working parts come from all over the place. USA, Italy, Germany, France etc. but they are pretty much all assembled here in the good old USA, and, of course, the warranties are administered by the same people that provide the support otherwise, Also here in to USA.

Paul

Edited to add. please see post #16 for disclaimer. Much of the above post is no longer the way things are done. They are now assembled off shore and then fine tuned here in the USA for the specific job for which they will be intended , for a specific customer. The warranties and support are still USA.
 
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Hey man, I sell sewing machines for a living. Pfaff is a great brand and you cant go wrong with it. I would recommend most Pfaffs with idt (Integrated dual-feed dog technology). Idt is basically a second set of feed dogs that walk on top of the fabric (or leather for that matter) and it helps keep everything nice and straight. Pfaffs are generally able to stitch through 3/16ths leather with only an 80/12 needle, you might want a thicker needle for thicker leather.

As a side note, pfaffs machines are assembled in taiwon in their own personal factory with german made parts. If you were thinking juki, they are made in japan and are a Japanese company. 70% of American clothes are stitched on a juki at some point or another. Juki makes fantastic industrial products meant to be run 24/7.

Bernina makes good sewing machines as well but are fairly expensive compared to pfaff and juki home sewing machines.

If you have any questions feel free to pm me.
 
ARKnives, thanks for your post. It's good to hear from someone who really knows. What's your take on the Juki clones? There are many.

Paul
 
I honestly haven't ever seen a juki clone in person but from what i hear from my customers, they're poorly manufactured. Unfortunately juki gets a bad name because of the juki clones and since its made in asia people automatically think its junkie.

From what my juki rep told me, the juki clones housing is made in the same injection mold company that dyson vacuums are made in, http://www.vs-i.com/frame.htm?01/01frame.htm .
 
This thread has piqued my interest, and I was concerned that I might be spewing dated and/or incorrect information and sure enough that was the case. So I called Steve at Leather Machine Company and asked him to read this thread and then register and post exactly what, where and why, at least as far as his company is concerned. He said he would.

So take my post number 11 with a grain of salt because it does contain dated and/or incorrect information based on current conditions.

My shop is 100% Cobra equipment, Stitcher, flat bed and splitter and they all perform daily to my complete satisfaction BUT all of my personal experience is limited to them at this time.

Stay tuned.

Paul
 
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Absolutely awesome Paul. That's the way it should be done, and I know I'm not alone when I say that I look forward to hearing from Steve.

ARKnives, I'm glad you chimed in too. This isn't my thread but I'm keenly interested in the subject. :thumbup:
 
Just finished using my Cobra for a couple of hours today. Love it. I do own another machine to compare it to and have lots of time at other machines. Wouldn't hesitate to buy Cobra again. In a heartbeat. As mentioned Steve is good people and has an awesome reputation for standing behind his machines. They are only a couple of hours a way so went down, tried it out and tossed it in the truck and brought er home. Gonna replace my larger machine with the Cobra 4 and am looking at one of their skivving machines too.
 
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