Sewing machine for sheaths. What do you use?

[JoshRG]

I know it's not even close to the same caliber of machine, but I was contemplating trying out something like this guy a while back -

@ about 4:00 in that video he's sewing 3 pieces of leather together. Thought that was decent for what it was.

I'd be curious on your thoughts @Horsewright

Now, I should preface all of what I'm going to say that this machine is NOT the best choice if you have the funds and space for a full size machine. I personally do not have any available shop space or I would have purchased a Cowboy or Cobra a long time ago. Like a few of the other makers already said, time is money and this machine will not compete with something like a Cobra/Cowboy. However, imo, this is lightyears better than hand stitching and after a few small modifications is useable for sheaths. I have done dozens of sheaths with this little machine and its still humming right along.

It should be noted that I use 3 layers of 7/8 oz leather and size 207 nylon/poly thread on all sheaths and while it can handle this pretty easily, that is pretty much the max that it will do. Also the bobbin is dreadfully small and I am usually cutting it close finishing two small sheaths before having to swap/rewind. Here are a couple sheaths showing the stitch quality...

All that to say, if you have the space get something better. But, if you are like me and shop space is limited this little machine might surprise you.

 

[Greg Covington]

Tippman Boss here.....older cast iron body model. I love it when it works and hate it when it doesn't. I've hated on it so much that it forced me to learn how to fix it....which is a good thing I think

 

[DanF]

Nice sheaths!

 

[J. Keeton]

Now, I should preface all of what I'm going to say that this machine is NOT the best choice if you have the funds and space for a full size machine. I personally do not have any available shop space or I would have purchased a Cowboy or Cobra a long time ago. Like a few of the other makers already said, time is money and this machine will not compete with something like a Cobra/Cowboy. However, imo, this is lightyears better than hand stitching and after a few small modifications is useable for sheaths. I have done dozens of sheaths with this little machine and its still humming right along.

It should be noted that I use 3 layers of 7/8 oz leather and size 207 nylon/poly thread on all sheaths and while it can handle this pretty easily, that is pretty much the max that it will do. Also the bobbin is dreadfully small and I am usually cutting it close finishing two small sheaths before having to swap/rewind. Here are a couple sheaths showing the stitch quality...

All that to say, if you have the space get something better. But, if you are like me and shop space is limited this little machine might surprise you.

Pretty impressive, sir!

 

[DanF]

Well, it does sew. Ordered one and spent some time cleaning it up (comes covered in something cosmoline-like), adjusting it, sanding, buffing (it’s rough as a cob!), and checking the timing. Found a group of people who totally adore the machine and are happy to share their hard learned tips and techniques on how to get the most out of it. I’ve used a 138 thread so far and have larger thread and needles ordered (one guy uses 277 thread for top and 207 for bottom so he can get more on the bobbin.
I’ve sewn three layers of 7 oz so far, but waiting for the larger thread to work up a sheath.

 

[kdnolin]

That’s interesting DanF , i hate stitching leather, so much I’ve only done it twice and I can’t justify spending the money on a Cobra. Keep us posted.

 

[DanF]

That’s interesting DanF , i hate stitching leather, so much I’ve only done it twice and I can’t justify spending the money on a Cobra. Keep us posted.

Lol, know what you mean, I really like leatherwork but arthritis makes me pay for it! Got a stitching pony looking for a new home now

 

[SaltCitySteel]

Now, I should preface all of what I'm going to say that this machine is NOT the best choice if you have the funds and space for a full size machine. I personally do not have any available shop space or I would have purchased a Cowboy or Cobra a long time ago. Like a few of the other makers already said, time is money and this machine will not compete with something like a Cobra/Cowboy. However, imo, this is lightyears better than hand stitching and after a few small modifications is useable for sheaths. I have done dozens of sheaths with this little machine and its still humming right along.

It should be noted that I use 3 layers of 7/8 oz leather and size 207 nylon/poly thread on all sheaths and while it can handle this pretty easily, that is pretty much the max that it will do. Also the bobbin is dreadfully small and I am usually cutting it close finishing two small sheaths before having to swap/rewind. Here are a couple sheaths showing the stitch quality...

All that to say, if you have the space get something better. But, if you are like me and shop space is limited this little machine might surprise you.

Josh your sheaths look great. I’ve modified my cobbler but still haven’t been able to get through 3 layers. What modifications did you make? Maybe I’m using too thick of leather. I’m at about 0.420” at the thickest part.