Hi Rev,
I did a web search on this machine and it seems to be a good medium weight machine and would do well for light weight projects (like leather upholstery and possible chaps) it is too light for doing holsters mainseams though. do a web search Singer 211G156...it will come up with a very good description. Other materials include canvas. light wieght leather,,,etc. oh yeah... it seems that it is gear driven