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The Sheath/Holster Makers Forum This is the place to discuss all forms of sheath and holster making.

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  #1  
Old 03-11-2014, 02:18 PM
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anvilring anvilring is offline
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simple question on sewing machines...

I have an STH_8BLD-3 Seiko machine... I need more "umph" and a slower/more controlable stitch speed, so which one?

Cobra Class 4?

http://www.leathermachineco.com/prod...ndard-package/

or the



or???? I can't see a needle and awl as I don't do that much work. The Seiko is a good machine but really not for two pieces of 6/7 wt. and the welt.

thanks for any comments...

m


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Old 03-12-2014, 08:29 PM
Larry Peterson Larry Peterson is offline
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Location: I was born and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah. I now live between Manti and Ephraim, Utah. We built a home here about 10 year ago.
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If I may respond,

Many boot makers use a 2 or 3:1 slow down pulley that increases the torque and slows down the stitching speed. In my opinion, this is a really good option if the machine is an industrial or heavy duty machine. I faced this same dilemma a number of years ago when I started making boots. The upper portion of a "Dress Wellington boot" has four layers of leather (outer, liner, and side welt) with the side welt in the middle. Sometimes I also used a stiffener in addition to the basic layers. I was able to sew the side up if I used # 69 thread. If I wanted to use a heaver thread The machine (236 Singer post) just could not get the job done.

I made a very foolish move and bought a "Tippman Boss" hand crank machine. The Tippman folks make all kinds of promises and boast how the machine will sew 3/4 inch leather stack. The Boss has caused me untold grief along with 4 times shipping it back to the factory. It now sits motionless in my sewing room just waiting until can buy a boat. It will make a good anchor.

My fellow boot makers have pure praise for the cobra IV. It is technically sound and with the speed reducer, is excellent for saddle making and welt sewing.

Another alternative is to use an awl and jerk needle. I wish you well,

Larry Peterson
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Old 03-12-2014, 10:22 PM
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smithy smithy is offline
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A friend of mine gave me a 1920 Singer model 15-30 leather sewing machine. It is absolutely smooth running, has a 1/3 hp motor, and just needs cleaned up. Of course, I have to learn how to use it. I have to learn about needles and thread weights and things like that...but it will keep me off the streets. Any opinions about the suitability of this machine?
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Old 03-14-2014, 08:29 AM
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SVanderkolff SVanderkolff is offline
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Larry
If you don't want or use the Tippmann put it up for sale around here. It will go very quickly. I have one and they work great for sheaths. They are finicky to set up but if you are using a relatively consistent thickness of leather they will do the job. I haven't seen to many 3/4" thick sheaths.
Thanks
Steve


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Old 03-15-2014, 07:59 AM
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anvilring anvilring is offline
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Hey thanks for the comments... I just checked back in on this thread as it was delayed in posting since I was a new user. Anyhow, I've thought about the reducing pully: I suppose what I need then is a smaller pully on the motor yes? What is this servo reducer I've heard of that solved the same (speed) problem on the cobra? Anyone know? In the last few days, I've come to sort of figure out "how" to set up my Seiko so's to do really quite well so now all I need is more speed control. I'll post some picx so perhaps someone will comment.

smithy: you are about to find out what all of us already know: ALL sewing machines are the devil to set up and use consistently. That's the problem. Old machine=(usually) even more problems. I'm not saying you can't use it, but I've given away two Consews and one old Singer K70 simply because it's like trying to use a model A ford for a daily driver... None the less, you "could" get that one to do just fine and you won't know unless you try. See if you can get someone with ANY EXPERIENCE with modern leather working needs/machines to come over and have a look. You'll be glad for the help!


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Old 03-16-2014, 04:14 AM
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The Cobra 4 comes set up from the get go to sew as fast or as slow as you want (the servo motor) Call Steve at Leather Machine Co. and he'll explain it all. I have all Cobra equipment in my shop now.

Paul Long


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Old 03-16-2014, 09:12 AM
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Fulmaduro Fulmaduro is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smithy View Post
A friend of mine gave me a 1920 Singer model 15-30 leather sewing machine. It is absolutely smooth running, has a 1/3 hp motor, and just needs cleaned up. Of course, I have to learn how to use it. I have to learn about needles and thread weights and things like that...but it will keep me off the streets. Any opinions about the suitability of this machine?
Smithy, last October at the Heartland ABS Hammer-In in Topeka, Kansas ABS Journeyman Smith Brian Thie did a class on setting up and using an old Singer sewing machine for his leather work. He has had a lot of work published recently and his knives and sheaths are top quality. He is a great guy to ask questions of, whether you are ABS or not. Send him an email and he will be glad to give you some info. His website is below.

http://www.mepotelco.net/web/tknives/

Tony Z
Kansas City, MO


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