Machine sewing

[Major 2]

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I know many of you sew by hand ( as do I ).
Over the years, I've made props for films, sewn my hands raw.
But, when I had large numbers, or on a dead line, I sent the projects to a few vendors to machine sew for me...

just being here, I befriended a few leatersmiths here and learned some tricks in finishing and tooling.
Because of this, I'm thinking of getting my own sewing machine.

I've seen The Tippmann Boss , but have not used one.... good ? bad ? ...I've heard both about it.

Electric ? Artisan Industrial Leather Sewing Machines anybody have one ?

what do you use , what's the cost ?


I figure maybe thickness up to 3/4 "

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've been thinking about the Ferdco as a good choice. http://www.ferdco.com/index.php

I also saw some machines on ebay that are basically the same machine with a different name on them for a better price yet.

[Dogface]

I have been using a Ferdco (Juki Pro 2000) for about ten years.  Occasionally I do sew by hand...knife sheath or such for the look...but the Juki is tops.  You can use various size thread depending on the needle you use and stitch length is easily adjustable.  Stitching near to spots can be challenging in that the foot may slip off the spot and throw the stitch line off.  Trial and error will tell  you just where to put your spots.  Thread tension is a tricky item as well.  Should be just right or thread can gather below and/or stitches are too loose.  Too much tension and the thread can break.   It all takes experience but once gained it's a great machine.  I got mine used from a friend (since passed...RIP) who repaired sewing machines. Full set up, machine, table, lights, motor....$2500.  Best money I ever spent. 

Arf,
Dog

[Trailrider]

I've been using the Juki TSC441, which is the basic machine Ferdco uses to make the Bull and the Pro2000.  I've got a synchronous motor set up which allows me to do a single stitch at a time (with a little practice on the foot switch). I have a large handwheel that also allows easy turning of the needle feed mechanism for single stitches, etc.  And, very important, IMHO, there is a reverse lever and stitch length adjustment. There are a wide variety of presser feet and feet plates available for all sorts of different tasks.

Most folks think that the size of the machine depends on how many layers of how thick leather you need to go through.  Actually, it is the size of the needles and the thread size that will feed reliably through the machine...regardless of make, model, etc.  The Juki-based machines will take most thread sizes from heavy carpet thread up to and including #4xx-something (MIL-SPEC 5- or 6-cord).  The only thing I find somewhat less than covenient is that I find the stitching comes out more evenly (using nylon thread) with the bobbin thread waxed.  There are several ways to wax the thread:  you can use a wax pot, mounted to the top of the machine which heats the wax and applies it to the thread; or, you can run the thread through the pot filled with Selari's cold wax, which is soluble with turpentine or mineral spirits.  I wax the bobbin thread as I am winding it, by running through the Selari's in the wax pot.  I have about six bobbins, 4 with #207, 1 with #277 and 1 with #138 thread (4-cord, 5-cord and 3-cord, respectively).  It's a bit messy, but my production rate isn't that high.

The TSC-441 size machines are not real good at sewing with regular cloth-sewing size threads like Mom's sewing machine, and I keep an old Sears machine around for odd cloth jobs.

(BTW, I call my machine "Kate".  Why?  Because Juki is owned by Nakajima, and Nakajime made a torpedo bomber during WWII that was called the "Kate" by the Allies!)

[outrider]

Major:

I have used the Tippman Boss for approximately two years now.  Once you get it set correctly and the tension adjusted..it is fine for small projects.  It is not very easy to use when trying to do bullet loops...since you need two hands to control the loop and the third hand to operate the Tippman handle...only kidding about the third hand...also, the Tippman only has an 8 inch throat which hampers you when you are trying to turn your project to sew a seam.

I just recently (I believe I already told Wingham about this) purchased a brand new Ferdco Pro 2000 with the saddlers accessory package, and the electronic servo motor.  I am still in a learning curve with this machine, however it sure does do one heck of a nice stitch.

Ever seen the 6 hour long tape done by John Bianchi?  He has used the Ferdco Pro 2000 for the past ten years, and he swears by it.

Before making a decision...call Ron, at Ferdco...he is very open and will steer you in the right direction.


Trailrider...I like that little story about the "Kate".


Outrider
#2353