Machine for Sewing Thick Leather?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NEPA
Posts: 64
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?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 678
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.
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.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NEPA
Posts: 64
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.
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.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Orbiting
Posts: 1,448
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.
#6
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.
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.
#7
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Elizabeth, Colorado
Posts: 1
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
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: chicago, IL
Posts: 9,589
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.
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.
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