Is this $100 Leather Sewing Machine Any Good?

I bought this Cheap Leather Sewing Machine from Amazon to see if it is any good. I really hate hand-sewing leather, and this is hopefully the answer. But is it any good?
Here is the machine I bought for this episode!
amzn.to/3uY97Yi
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[@MsLeahSweet]

If this machine has any issues down the road, I definitely want to know in a video. This was a great opportunity to give us an honest opinion and I feel like I can trust your judgment. I know a lot of leather crafters wouldn't lie about their reviews BUT some of them are also endorsed by the company that provides some of their machines 🤷‍♀️ so sometimes it's hard to tell if the review is genuine or not when I'm doing research. This video gives me a better idea on if I want or need a cheaper leather sewing machine now, or if I need to wait and buy a really expensive one later

[@НикитаПыко]

I'm useing same one for a year now, for heavy duty leather works - saddles, armor for roleplayers, etc. Works fine for me, there is nothing to breake there at all. But it took few hours to bring machine to "nice and polished" condition. What i done also (not included in this video) - flattened its leg a little so it stops biting the leather that hard and changed handle to more handy.

[@jehrad0]

Dude, I swear you are the most valuable channel to anyone that does anything. I’ve had this machine for 2 years and have not come across a good video about how to assemble and use it. This is perfect. Thank you for being the absolute best!!

[@SkillTree]

Wow, thanks! I am so glad to have helped out some! I hope you have fun making stuff with it!

[@davidbell2535]

Mainly acres is great help.

[@killaloekittens2834]

Ha ha Ha! Great comment. I just bought one because of this guy. And I just subscribed too. Great content so far. I hope you finally get to enjoy your old purchase!

[@blackcrasanblade]

@@killaloekittens2834 im debating on buying one since watching the video i prefer hand sewing but my hands go numb time to time cause bigger project ideas so 90% to buying one but plan to do something like the stand i tend to use thick thread but use beeswax added to my thread why im leaning to a AWL more then a machine i do this stuff as hobby along with small knife making from rebar with a forge i made from stone over a old rusted iron pipe that was used as water pipe from the look to allow airflow and use carbon transfer for steel to use i like to repurpose that stuff to not have to make new ones and helps keep some trash to a new purpose win for me and win for the earth i do what i can to help re use what i can find use for if not use found and it metal ill melt it down i to a ingot

[@jollyjackass]

@@blackcrasanblade if you like to hand sew try out some ritza tiger thread sometime. Discovered the .6mm thread 2 years ago and won’t buy any other thread since. It’s got enough wax off the spool and the smaller thread diameter really cuts back on the hand fatigue.

[@diplexnormal3353]

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for making this video. I don’t plan on buying *this* particular machine but I am buying a Amazon Leather stitching machine that’s made by the same brand and it’s a few hundred more dollars more expensive than this one but I think it’s a great investment. I have a lot of projects that I’ve had in mind and I think that this simple industrial piece of hardware will do more than what I expect. I don’t own one yet but I have advice to anyone that wants to know how to maintain these machines to keep them in tip top shape, my answer is simple, *lubrication!* oiling every friction point and keeping tabs on them after using the machine every now and then will keep it running for as long as you can supply needles for it. More importantly, add grease to parts of the machine that won’t make a mess and to parts that deal with high bearing loads or stress, that is a little secret from me.

[@leemcgann6470]

If you are mechanically inclined… you could make a foot treadle to power the machine so you can use both hands to guide your leather.

[@SkillTree]

That is a good idea! I should figure that out for sure!

[@leemcgann6470]

@@SkillTree i have been looking at these for some time. & that is the first mod.

[@CaptDrake6969]

These machines are absolutely great. I have used a weaver 205, which is 3k easy, and bought one of these a few years back because the weaver wasn’t at my house and I’m a lazy lazy boy. These beasts can handle just as many, if not more, than the weaver. Getting used to keeping lines straight with one hand is a hurdle, BUT you can easily modify it to have a motor! Just buy an Amazon motor, attach a sewing machine pedal, groove the hand wheel, throw on a belt and bam, you saved $2800. Plus you can detach the motor if you’re going to an event or lose power. Best investment ever. Edit: I put a groove in the hand wheel for a belt with a dremel bit socketed into a battery drill. The battery drill stands up, so I just scooted the drill to the wheel, pulled the trigger, and just spun the hand wheel to start the groove. It’s not the most fun task ever, but it’s insanely worth it. Also take off the hand crank if you’re using the motor or you’ll hit yourself with it repeatedly, trust me lol

[@JelilatAdesiyan]

Hi! I’d like to add a motor to mine. Any videos that show how to do that?

[@toekanos]

I have it myself and I love it.. Very reliable when you thread it correctly and it stiches allmost everything.

[@wilsoncalhoun]

I have one of these. Sure it's rough and nothing even approaching modern, but it's also just a hundred bucks. Once you deburr, clean, and grease it it's a hell of a lot faster and cleaner than hand stitching for about the same price as a good set of punches. It's obviously not as good as a several thousand dollar industrial sewing machine but for what it is it's great.

[@micwell2247]

it's definitely a larp/museum type machine, but, it works. when set up it dies have the antique looking quality

[@kristieanderson6878]

I love your review! I am a hands on woman and have the fingernails to prove it. 😂i don’t mind hand sewing projects in the winter but I want a quicker alternative during busier times or when a friend needs something in a hurry. Thank you for being real! I don’t usually use affiliate links but you definitely earned it!

[@AztecViking84]

You can use the same wire intended for fishing thread.. in order to gently pull the bobbin out.

[@Davewutsup]

I recommend adding Greece to some of those pivot points rather than oil. You will end up with much smoother action and less noise. I've been watching vids on these particular sewing machines. I'm considering ordering one, and you can rig up foot pedal or electric motor to the crank arm position

[@chriscmoor]

ar·ma·ture noun 1. the rotating coil or coils of a dynamo or electric motor. 2. a metal framework on which a sculpture is molded with clay or similar material.

[@NickyNooNah99]

The purpose of the cantilevered shuttle bed is so that you can put a boot or other long work piece onto it. It's not designed to be supported like that.

[@NickyNooNah99]

I also don't think you know what 'Armature' means.

[@bluesfella]

Love the video, and I love your whole presentation. Me and my kids have watched 4 videos of yours in a row after discovering you today! I have one simple request, though. Can you turn down the volume of the background music just a bit? I've been a guitar player for 30 years and have lost a few frequencies in my hearing where normal speech is. So I, like many others, have a really hard time making out your words over the music. It's quite distracting. That being said, I love your channel, and we are off to Harbor Freight tomorrow to buy supplies for the cloak you made in another video! Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@Coldmac2011]

I have the exact same machine, and you are 100% correct about everything. The only advice I can give is put some lock tite on the crank nut and bolt. It likes to work loose with use

[@Coldmac2011]

The foot should turn as well

[@Terry-n1i]

Lol. Truly enjoyed your vid!! Been wanting to purchase one of these, wasn't sure?? After your vid, im gonna throw down and get one. Wish all vids i watch, were as entertaining and enjoyable to watch!! All while passing on great info with actual humor... Thanks!!

[@mkuhnactual]

Some sort of pedal mechanism for this so you can have both your hands free and power it with your foot/feet would be really neat.

[@NinjaHempKnight]

The only thing I noticed when you actually test the machine is that the presser foot is leaving some pretty aggressive marks in your leather. some other review videos I’ve seen on this machine they ended up sanding those down some to reduce the marring of your leather.

[@David35445]

I sprayed a couple of coats of plastiseal (that spray on plastic stuff) on the teeth of the presser foot. I was concerned about filling the teeth down because that is a consumable part.

[@possumwithaswitchblade]

I filed my presser foot down a bit and it helped a lot. Also, there is a bolt that lets you adjust the height/pressure of the foot to suit the thickness of what you're sewing which makes a world of difference.

[@NinjaHempKnight]

@@possumwithaswitchblade That is good to know. I'm been doing leatherwork professionally for about 6 years now. I've always saddle stitched everything, but as you know it really slows down production. I'm contemplating getting one of these, we'll have to see. Thanks for your input!

[@dubmob151]

is it best to adjust the pressure to the minimum amount that is still able to hold and move the material when sewing?

[@jeffreyfitzgerald1779]

Thanks, I've been wondering about this thing for a long time.

[@jarodmorris611]

I really like how excited you get. I've seen a few other videos and your zeal is infectious. Oh, I meant that to sound like a good thing.

[@stereodreamer23]

This machine is a GREAT value for DIYers on a budget. Not everyone can afford a $3000 Singer Upholstery machine, and this simple little manual machine works well for it's price. People who give it negative reviews are mostly people are part of the "Mom and Dad Bought me an iPhone when I was 10" crowd--never had to do anything for themselves, and spoiled with consumer goods that come ready-to-run, in surgically pristine packaging and completely idiot-proof, ikea manuals and automated setup. In other words, people who really have no business commenting on a DIY product...

[@noraternier6768]

I have one of these. Your video is excellent. It helped me. Thanks.

[@sethtaylor2911]

So much of that machine and your setup is making me think of my wife's late grandfather's electric tools we got when we bought her grandparent's home. Everything looks like it was made before the 1950s with no user safety considered at all and he had bolted everything to random 2x4s.

[@SkillTree]

Sounds like he had some fun building his world around him.

[@Julia-ru9ms]

u have no idea how much i needed this video, adding to my cart rn (using your link ofc ;))

[@onegreenev]

Get it working well then mount a pulley onto the crank flywheel and set up a small foot operated sewing machine motor and belt to make it automated. Press the pedal a little to sew slow and full on to just crank away. A cheap way to get into doing leather work and have an automated sewing machine for those hard to reach places and while you are at it just leave the handle in place for those times you need that extra slow speed and just do it by hand. A no brainer.

[@earlelzy9975]

I have been looking at that machine for quite awhile and think I will save up for it. Next Christmas.

[@annuuuushka]

Just got this the other day - having to delve into the rabbit hole of hand crank sewing machines because the pedal fucking scares me. But thank you for breaking down the assembly and modification for us (someone had to, since the manufacturers didn't send instructions!). I've been watching a lot of videos lately about various mechanical sewing machines and this one is BY FAR the most fun.

[@cavalaxis]

Just got the same machine and came here for setup instructions. Which is neat, cause we already followed you!

[@lauraweiss7875]

I chickened out and saved up for the TechSew. It was worth the wait.

[@gloamishvonsatyrburg4635]

I had decided not to get one of these but now you're making me reconsider

[@robertcook3533]

Your carpentry skills make me happy.

[@Roadghost88]

Main thing to know about this machine is that it beats the heck out of sewing leather by hand. Second thing to know is it's built like a tank. 3rd thing to know is it only beats the more expensive 'do any stitch' models on price. Great for hobby leather people. Pros will not be happy.

[@jimflorman2198]

My good sir, I bought one. Whilst I am excited, I find myself DEEPLY confused about needle versus thread sizes. I usually sew holsters and knife sheaths, so slightly heavier thread is important. I cannot find any easily understood information about needles versus thread size versus leather thickness. Any information you can provide would be deeply appreciated. Yours in creating, Jim

[@davidbendig961]

This is the first time I see somebody happy about handcranking this thing...I watched Tim of Big Dog Forge make his amazing version of this and it made me want to get one. To have a good control over the action I want to be able to have both hands available. The open mechanic workings are cool and with little efford and a bit of paint it will be a great steampunk device everyone would be proud to own.

[@kipfleming9004]

I don’t know how I found this video. But I love this hipster pirate.

[@RealDustyChandler]

Do you have a video that shows your sewing technique using this machine? I'm new to sewing. Thank you.

[@d3faulted2]

Just want to point this out, you could have tied your thread to the one they left in the machine, and just pulled it through.

[@Glimmlampe1982]

I think that machine is hand cranked, so maybe you could find the table of an old mechanical sewing machine and fit it to it? So you have a pedal to power it and have another hand free

[@DonsArtnGames]

Must... resist... buying... must resist.... must.... *buys the machine* Darn you Cl3ver... your enthusiasm beat my ability to attempt to save money for the holiday season. 🤣

[@LarryGarfieldCrell]

It really messed with my head that your background music is the same as Metatron's theme music.

[@MrKirby365]

This could be wrong That was always told load your bobbin so that the thread makes a "(P) for perfect sewing"... So far I have not found a machine where that information would be inaccurate.

[@phpprodesign]

smoke another joint to make another video. Also you do want the arm sticking out with out the prop up. Im just buying to attach nylon leash lines to make halters

[@scottc3165]

Great video. Very informative. i just looked through your other videos = Dude, you are amazing. A little out of the box maybe (which is good), LOL.

[@adamsons2890]

This is great. So I’d be able to sew canvas straps together?

[@VondaInWonderland]

I've been thinking about getting one of those for over a year. Dang, making the base looks like something I would start and not finish tho, kinda like when I decided to change my radiator, with one screw left that I can't get in, it's just sitting in my driveway :/

[@sabastianlove1286]

SEW worth it. Love mine.

[@LunarCrystal07]

When winding the bobbin, did you try using that bottom tension wheel instead of holding the tension with your other hand? It's been 10 months since this vid was uploaded. I'm curious.

[@thedevilsadvocate8766]

In regards to the stand you built, just a little constructive criticism. The "Block O'Wood" you used for the machine base, you mentioned how the crank wheel wouldn't fit unless you trimmed it or raised the machine itself higher. A third option might be to mount the machine off center of the block where the crank wheel hangs off the side far enough to function. The main argument against that I can see for this option would be the balance of the whole unit but simply adjusting the legs positioning to accommodate balance or even installing the unit and mount block directly to a work station without legs would probably eliminate this issue. Like I said, just some constructive feedback to make others projects potentially easier on them. Pax.

[@stoner4]

man that is freaking cool!!

[@konradolejarz5004]

What’s the thickest thread you can use with it?

[@popscratchie3985]

What thread do you use with this? , I've heard it comes with something akin to fishing wire and would not want to use anything like that.

[@johndoeee888]

I use all purpose upholstery thread. Didn't really like that fishing line in the bobbin. But the upholstery thread is smooth and inexpensive.

[@popscratchie3985]

@@johndoeee888 thanks for the reply. 😅😂

[@jeremyhubaker1199]

TELL YOU WHAT ADD A FOOT PEDAL AND THAT WOULD BE A GOOD MACHINE FOR THEPRICE

[@erichealey1434]

Great video. Thanks for an honest review.

[@MakerCuisine]

Fantastic video, looks like a worth while machine now

[@gergemall]

Excellent 😊

[@maryturner2819]

Can I use waxed thread

[@David354211]

Hi, I know this is an old video, but what kind of thread do you use on your machine?

[@kptcavman]

Depending on needles using. I just started myself good luck

[@samTollefson]

Please reduce your background music by at least 1/2.

[@SkillTree]

I know. This was a wierd thing in the editing process where it would export louder than it was when editing. We got it fixed now but there are some videos that bother even us with how loud the stupid music was. Thanks for dealing with it lol. Sorry for blowing out your ear drums

[@grittykitty50]

Good video, however your music was just a tad too loud and created competition with your voice.

[@Ukepa]

great video! can't imagine many people getting this thing working, let alone, liking it. it's strangely attractive and I love the simplicity

[@robertbutler8004]

A little bit of this guy goes a very long way.

[@Tomacazy17]

10:45 he said "play with the wood" 😆

[@SkillTree]

*nice*

[@wonderbubbles4092]

I love mine. If you run into tensioning issues or other technical problems try Harrison Hightower on KZbin. Not as entertaining or easy to listen to as Cl3v3r here, but useful information.

[@dragonscaskentertainment5139]

I returned mine because I couldn't get it to work, but might try and get a new one

[@toddachten2224]

I couldn't make it past the 4:29 mark! Background music was ANNOYING AS........!

[@garylewis7729]

Mine came fully assembled ready to go. I hooked an electric motor to it and have never looked back. I’ve sewed everything including tarps,upholstery, bags,belts and leather 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Keep it lubricated and it will last a lifetime.Get yourself one .you’ll never regret it

[@scottc3165]

did you buy yours on Amazon? Maybe a link? Thanks!

[@12801270able]

What electric motor did you hook to it? I'd like to do the same thing.

[@raedelsol9046]

sewers note that you probably already know. when they are that complex never un-thread it. cut the thread at the spool and just tie your next thread on and pull it through from the needle end.

[@Totallynonplagerizedleatherguy]

So glad I read this before I did anything with it…

[@DumitruUrsu]

Meh, it's not that complicated. I haven't used in a year, and when I rethreaded it, i only made one mistake, near the spinning head. And the more you do it, the easier it becomes

[@NourDette]

Thanks for this💛💛💛💛💛🍒🍒

[@FrankDouglas]

Other than fighting with the bobbin the rest of it's not that bad

[@FrankDouglas]

I got the same one for Christmas this year, the little parts were in a baggie for me. And it came with a pair of gloves LOL but the instruction sheet that you got is unreadable even if it can be seen it is definitely a bad Google translate at best

[@solonys9775]

The oil on the metal is usually Cosmoline, and is indeed common for shipping unpainted cast parts; even high-end table saws come covered in it

[@SkillTree]

I legitimately didn't know that! Thank you for teaching me something today!

[@solonys9775]

@@SkillTree You are welcome! After all, isn't that why we are all here, to learn new things? :)

[@raedelsol9046]

Sergers and carbon steel cookware are the same, though sometimes they use a thick layer of beeswax on the cookware. Beeswax is soooooo hard to clean off completely

[@DarthTrazyn]

@@SkillTree I know I am late, but knives and swords often come covered in a similar grease, it keeps the metal from rusting since carbon steel (which you want a sword made of) will rust

[@sparkythawelder]

@@SkillTree The soviets used cosmoline for long term storage of firearms.

[@joelongstaff7601]

My wife bought me one of these things a few years back. After cranking for far too long, about 15 minutes, I decided to mount it to an old treadle sewing machine base. After putting a new table top on, that left the free arm clear, I had to add a couple pullies to redirect the drive belt. Now it seems be have become a family tool. My wife did a lot of sewing and my daughter makes hand bags. The length of the free arm is incredibly useful. Great revue and we couldn't agree with you any more.

[@bobbyhero123]

Little tip, I use a rare earth magnet to pull out the bobbin. With that, it comes out easily. Also, love your pros and cons for the machine. I've had similar experiences with mine. Oh, and I plastidip the foot to keep it from maring the leather.

[@mrelia]

The nice thing is you can just leave the magnet stuck to the machine somewhere out of the way and it will always be there when you need it.

[@DaniLong]

Magnet for bobbin removal: This is the way.

[@michaelholbrook4401]

When I first started leatherworking, I considered one of these machines, but after thinking about it, decided against. Not because I didn't want to fine tune it myself, or that I thought it wouldn't work, but I considered the type of seam it creates in my leather versus a reliable saddlestitch. Once a section of your thread wears down, the whole seams comes undone, where with a saddlestitch, the remaining stitches still hold tight, giving you a chance to repair the seam without your project falling apart. How long will it take for this wearing down of the thread take? Who knows, depends on the use, but that's the main reason I did not go with one. Plus, unlike your's, my leatherworking hobby is meant to be a time-killer, hand stitching suits that. :)

[@David35445]

Been running mine for a couple of years now, I have to admit, mine was far better looking out of the box than yours. And that screw head you had to mill down, mine was already done. I used the stand for my ice fishing camera, lol. The channels on the back of the crank wheel are where I used some white lithium grease. Just a touch is all you need and it works so smooth I barely have to make an effort to crank it.

[@SkillTree]

Thanks for the tip! I will be picking up some lithium grease right away to give it a shot!

[@RattsWakeUpCall]

Where do you get white lithium grease?

[@David35445]

@@RattsWakeUpCall auto parts store.

[@felixdzerjinsky5244]

Very informative....but, lose the loud music. By the way, the ears above the needle are for turning the walking foot so that you don't have to move your material. Just turn the foot in the direction that you want to sew, and it will stitch in that direction...without turning your material. This is how you can stitch things onto sleeves, repair shoes, bags, etc.....

[@dubmob151]

I used the tripod base to that was provided and it seems plenty stable and sturdy. Mine didn't have the set screws for the legs that some others did, but just press into base. That has a tendency to fall out when picking it up to move around, but a small wrap of paper or tape secures it fully from falling out. It's better with that base because it leaves the arm unobstructed to allow it to be put into recessed areas.

[@jin1063]

Thanks! I have had one in the corner of my shop, still in the box, for probably 2 years. I was very disapponted when it arrived and I seen the condition of it, like yours, mine came in a busted up box. I looked at the condition of it and just left it and have continued to hand sew most of my leather projects. I had forgotten all about it till seeing this video, I am now inspired to actually assemble it! Thanks, again!

[@SkillTree]

I hope you let me know hoe it goes! The setup really isn't all that bad. Let me know if you have any questions as you do!

[@pimpinondemhos101]

Sooooooo.. how goes it??

[@jin1063]

@@pimpinondemhos101 Still working on cleaning out space so I can have a dedicated work bench for fabric and leather sewing machines. Bench is built hope this weekend to bring it in the shop and then set up the machine.

[@jin1063]

@@SkillTree Well, finally had the time to get the shop cleaned up and the sewing machine assembled. Cleaning it up of all the grease and styrofoam took the longest. Then cleaning up the edges of all the metal; I took some lapping stones and smoothed all the edges I could and then built a nice wooden stand for it. Thanks, Brother; really glad I seen your video! Now that I have it cleaned and assembled, I love it! I wish I had done this 2 years ago!

[@Jack-hs3fb]

I've watched a number of videos about this machine, but Cl3ver is by far the most engaging presenter so I will gladly watch another video about this machine.

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much! That means a lot!

[@ronalddaub9740]

He even showed the 2 holes in bobbin case and spring

[@superstaffer]

love the video. I've had mine for over a year now. it was BEAST to get operating correctly.. it it took me weeks of tuning and fiddling to get it operating correctly. but after that. DUDE. its worth the money i saved. i have a leather business on the side and also use it to make custom camping gear and packs. its been great. i love it. if you have the time and patience to invest in getting it operating right its worth the 100$

[@GrantStinnett]

My wife bought me one of these years ago for $250 before they hit the US market. There was no option for a leather sewing machine in the US for less than a thousand dollars or so. I forgot about this machine for years and realized recently they are selling on Amazon for $100. Crazy how easy they are to get now.

[@DH-xw6jp]

Do you have any plans to make an update video on the the machine is doing? Any problems that have cropped up, and any further mods you have made to it.

[@beardedgremlin8117]

First

[@commandrogyne]

1:38 im pretty sure you're right on the money! My machining professor (who worked in a machine shop for like 35 years) says that cardboard and other wood products are HUGE rust magnets because of the tannins. Anything that gets packed in cardboard, especially long term (such as something thats shipped overseas, will be sitting in a warehouse, etc,) needs a generous coating of oil, as well as some kind of isolation layer, just in case. I suspect that this is drop shipped from existing stock in china, so a heavy layer of oil and plastic wrap checks out. Not always fun to recieve, but definitely better than recieving a rusted and unusable machine!

[@brt5273]

You can get your money's worth out of this machine really fast. Maybe even craft enough to sell and earn the cost of a better machine, if that's your fancy.

[@bubbalansdale6301]

Loved the vid. Love your channel . Always keep it oiled. I scoured mine down, smoothed the rough edges, and gave it a coat of paint. Nylon or teflon washers on the pivot points of the rocker arms reduce wear and help it run a lot smoother/quieter. I've sewn plenty of holster leather with it even going up to the size 24 needles and 207 thread. There's just a little DIY and a learning curve. Filing down the teeth on the presser foot a bit is a big help on relieve the marks it leaves. My only wish would be a bigger bobbin for stitching belts. I've wasted a hunnerd bucks on a lot worse gadgets. Enjoy :)

[@bubbalansdale6301]

This dude has a good play list that helped a lot: kzbin.info/aero/PLIECxGWdazf3IGWiCK3lUXvTXwHlNE0IJ

[@stewartmarshall4112]

Yeah, Size 24 and 207 for me as well. Had mine about three years now. Once broken in and the rough edges smoothed up, it works fine every time. I did go to a slightly heavier oil than 3in1. I use Marvel Mystery Oil, from auto parts stores, Walmart, etc. The bobbin holds less thread, the heavier the thread, which is a bummer on bigger projects, but I bought extra bobbins and holders off eBay and keep a half dozen standing by for a quick change for longer seaming. I also made a slightly shorter foot for mine and can get almost half an inch stack of leather under the foot now. The machine walks thru it like butter.

[@HNXMedia]

Had one of these for a couple years now. I even have a video on replacing the racer bearings. This is a great video on this machine. It is not for everyone, but I works for a lot of the things I do.

[@amandatillman7716]

What is a racer bearing

[@peters7196]

Timing! I was just looking for one today and was thinking about this exact one! Hand sewing thick leather is a physical and mental pain. What kind of thread is that? Looks like just cotton thread, does it work with thicker waxed thread? Also, did it come with needles or can you just do anything that is fairly heavy and not going to snap? Thanks, Cl3ver! Also for a laugh click the affiliate link and watch the product video... "your coloured life all in the peas"...ok... Why not upload your video as a review, it way better than the ones on there.

[@SkillTree]

GREAT IDEA!! I will 100% do that! As for the thread, the weight I am using iis B-69 and is cotton. I read that you don't want to use waxed in the machine as it will gum up the tension disks and cause too much tension, snapping the thread. As for the needles, it came with a pack of 10. There are special needles for sewing leather so you want to make sure you grad some of them if you need replacments. I get mine from Michaels.

[@bubbalansdale6301]

Bonded nylon or polyester works best

[@TVCAVEMAN213]

I am a bit disappointed, but not surprised about how close minded some people are. That type of Sewing Machine has been used for decades, Primarily in third world countries. Street Vendors use these not only to repair shores, but also to make sandels. Maybe a piece of car tire cut in the shape of a sole, Add a couple of leather straps, and You now have a pair of CAR TIRE FLIP FLOPS. They are very valuable to someone that does not have any shoes. Good Luck with your project on that machine.

[@evannielsen9013]

Okay so for what I did with mine is polish all the bobbins makes them spin easier. Next buy a lot of the leather needles. you will go through many. Now I also made a deck for going around the lower arm. so I have better control with sewing the leather. So i think this machine is so worth it. You will need to practice with it.

[@neilatkinson174]

When it comes to pulling the bobbin out of my machine I keep a magnet handy, it saves so much swearing.

[@unclesmrgol]

you don't want the mid-arm support if you are going to cobble. You need to insert the arm into the shoe.

[@M4st3r0fN0n3]

*looks at the 15x15 canvas drop cloth ive had for 10 years* *also looks at the various scraps of leather i have laying about* *also the 5 lbs of beeswax and 20 lbs of parafin wax* Yep, its on the list

[@SamuraiJack44]

Great content. The background music was overpowering you talk. Turn it down please. Other than that it was great content. Thank you for all that you do

[@MrKirby365]

Oddly enough the way you fill the bobbin on that machine used to be considered a very be considered a very big feature because you didn't have to hand wine the bobbin like that's how we used to fill our bobbins we hand wound them at 1st. That also made it harder to control the tension of power the thread was wound onto the bobbin which led to more mistakes and not as good looking stitches.... Although the bobbin can make minor differences in your world it can occasionally decide occasionally decide as to whether or not a sewing project will turn out or be total garbage... For some machines there is attention screw included on most of the bobbin cases for some machines it's more of an automatic thing but I imagine for that machine there's gonna be some kind of tension screw and if you start having issues with your thread nesting nesting on winding really fast being really fast on winding not slow enough if the stitches are too tight or too loose it could have something to do with the bobbin case

[@qiqqaqwerty1713]

Excellent video mate! Thank you very much for such informative and cool video! Keep the good work and good fights! Cheers from "Down Under" !

[@scratchcrafter]

Super cool! would it be necessary to dampen the leather so that way the needle goes through with ease?

[@SkillTree]

No. In fact I would advise against it as it would make the little ridges on the presser foot leave indents that you would never be able to get out again. As it is now, this machine has no trouble at all going through pretty much whatever I can fit inder the needle.

[@NinjaHempKnight]

You never want to sew wet leather, by hand or with a machine.

[@articlegaming0016]

maybe you could make a foot pedal with a rod that connects to the handle, so you can pump it with your foot instead of having to turn it by hand

[@benmak917]

I've went trough your false enthusiasm. But handing this kind of archaic machine was good. I think you make one small mistake by placing wooden support under arm. No loads are required for this addition. But It's limiting your free arm reach for leather boots or other tabular projects. After all nice project Bro. 👌

[@possumwithaswitchblade]

So glad you love it since I was one of the people who voted you should get one. Looking forward to seeing what you make with it. Next step: attach a motor. I bolted a pulley onto the crank wheel to make my machine belt-driven, using a windshield wiper motor from an old Ford. Helps a lot when you want to be able to control your piece with both hands. You can probably come up with something more elegant, but that's what I had on hand. A treadmill motor would be ideal, because the range of speeds is wide and continuously adjustable.

[@Sabe-Stormrage]

Don't know if anyone mentioned this but, like some of the older machines you can run the string thought one of the tension wheels while you are trying to put string on the bobbin. That way you don't need to hold it in tension and can just focus on distributing the string evenly on it.

[@RattsWakeUpCall]

Yes, basic sewing skills come in handy.

[@markolson7877]

I've had a CLSP for almost 8 years...sits in my basement...used it for a project sewing baseball gloves; I've evolved into way finer leather work and dusted it off the other day... Thanks for this reminder demo, I feel / felt the same way about it...I'm excited to using it again... Thank you!!!

[@jlg395]

Do you guys think that this man is as annoying in real life, or it's just something he thinks he has to do on KZbin to help get followers?

[@rebeccajury3424]

I wonder if you could mount this onto a treadle from an old sewing machine so you could use both hands? It looks like there is a groove in the flywheel for a belt so it should work.