Machine for Sewing Thick Leather?
 

Looking for a machine that will stitch thick leather - like for heavy duty dog leashes. Was looking at used industrial machines on e-bay. Don't recognize most of the names. Anyone have any suggestions for machines that are good or to stay away from?

If you are going to do a lot of stitching on thick leather a basic industrial machine is not designed for that. Even tho it may state it will sew leather it's not going to hold up long. You need a real leather machine to sew thick leather.

This site has one type of leather machine:

http://www.tippmannindustrial.com/pr...products_id=29

Scroll down to Leather Machines:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/

You'll also need special thread, which isn't cheap. I've done leather work for many years & you can rack up a lot of cost. If you just need to repair something I'd suggest you find someone local, like a shoe repair place, as they'll have the machine to do the job.

Thank you.

This is what I had to do a few years back. It's a lot cheaper than ruining your machine. I took my leather purse in to a shoe repair place and they were very reasonable on price.

Phaff 545 (I had one eons ago. This puppy sewed through leather like it was silk. )

Consew makes a good one.
So does Adler and Juki.

Look for industrial upholstery machines. Most come with a heavy duty table and motor mounted underneath. And use a knee lift, make sure it comes with a walking foot (two metal feet, not like a home sewing machines walking foot) and a reverse lever.

I sew leather purses which can get heavy. I stopped at Ralph's a local industrial sewing shop in Denver. They have all types of machines with walking foot. I saw new and used machines and tried many of them. I bought a Kingmax GC0302 which sewed all my materials. They make many different models you might want to check them out. Kingmax website is www.kingmax.us.com and i would call and talk to Jack he will help you with your questions. Ralphs website is www.powersew.com. They help me alot! Its not just buying a machine its the support and all the attachments to make my products better. Make sure you get with servo motor its a must! Good Luck

You need an industrial walking foot machine for your leather work...Juki and Consew are the ones that I know about. I'm sure there are others.
There is a special thread that HAS to be used...and a special type of needle for leather. It doesn't create a hole but a slice in the leather to put the thread thru.