REVIEW TECHSEW 5100-SE (Part 2) - Sewing a Dopp Kit Made from 37oz Waxed Canvas

[@daviddoyle2738]

Thank you for making the video real and not perfect. The small error with the spindle was honest and something I might do.

[@sparksupplyco.4603]

Nice work! Sewing machines are awesome pieces of equipment, they make you a master of patience!

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thank you!! Yep moving to a sewing machine is a whole new ball game 💯 There is always something to learn.

[@jadesluv]

Damon: the reason you are bending needles is because you don’t have your tension discs tight enough, the discs are suppose to be touching each other, with the thread in between. With enough pressure provided by the conical spring so the thread can slide through the discs but not fall out completely out and cause a loop which gets hung up in the spring.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thank you! I will look into this. I appreciate the knowledge 👊🏽

[@hatemaltahir3868]

Thanks for much for the information.

[@wjcason12]

Damon, Great video! Thank you for sharing...for even the less than perfect machine operation. This video will help me understand I need to be as patient as possible as I begin using the Techsew 5100. This was a great example of real-time use. Much appreciated! Bill

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks Bill! Looking back at what I didn’t know in this video shows the growth as a craftsman. Being self taught, patience has been a main virtue that keeps me from quitting or getting so frustrated you hurt yourself or ruin good leather. Thanks for the comment!

[@lennytaylor5610]

Great looking Bag! it was good to use Canvas and Leather instead of all Leather! You are an inspiration knowing that this was your first Leather Machine!

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks Lenny! Yeah definitely nice to mix some textures. I appreciate the comment!! 👊🏽💯

[@davidbishop5736]

The video shows the thread is wrapping around the bottom tension adjustment even after you corrected it earlier. I discovered on my machine you can mis-adjust the relative tensions on those two adjusters and I will have the exact same problem. Generally, when the tension gets too loose you will get loops that will wrap around the lower tension adjustment. If you watch that thread as it enters and leaves the bottom tensioner you want it to stay fairly taught. If it starts to loop you will end up with it tying a knot around the tensioner just like you experienced. Run tests and make sure that thread does not start to get loose near the lower tensioner. Play with that upper tension adjustment to see how it affects the tension between those tensioners. They effect each other. Make sure you thread the machine exactly like the Techsew video shows. I have seen other demos where people loop the thread around that lower tensioner in the wrong direction. Check it to make sure it is correct. It is easy to do wrong. Also remember when you change the thread sizes you will need to adjust the tension. Keep up the good work and keep your fingers away from the sharp bits because this beast will happily try to sew through sheet metal.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thank you! I’ve gotten so much better on the machine since this video but there is definitely an art to getting the tensions right. I don’t see this happening too much now that I have her dialed in!

[@jadesluv]

Damon: and it appears as though you have the thread wrapped partially around the tension discs and not completely around the discs. You loop the thread around the discs one time.

[@FatManLeather]

I checked the specs on this machine and if it does what they claim I'll be getting one. I use a lot of 8-9oz veg tan belts and holsters and such but I also wallets and bags. I was looking at needing two machines to handle the double layers of the thick leather with heavy thread and one to do the lighter leather. Thanks for the review.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

No prob! I have some heavier needles and thread for thick leather projects, but then switch out for the lighter needle and thread for wallets and such. I just try to batch my projects so I’m not wasting time switching things back and forth. The needle size is the main factor for what it can do, as you have all the power you could need. 👍🏽

[@techsew]

Thanks for your review! We're so happy that you're pleased with your new machine. Please reach out to us any time with any questions!

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Yes definitely happy with my choice of machine! Thank you Techsew! 💯

[@warchildhalo]

Thanks for doing the review. I'm also looking to buy one of these machines and have never used one.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks Jason! If you have any questions let me know!

[@shavonmarie6995]

Bless your heart. Thank you for sharing. When winding the bobbin, you are not supposed to wind it yourself. Just the thread into the little hole in the bobbin, pull it through, and hold it while you let it run its course for a few seconds. Then cut the excess thread hanging out and continue to wind the bobbin untill full.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thank you for the feedback on that! 💯

[@sailolcott]

Nice work Damon.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks Jeff! 👊🏽💯

[@jadesluv]

Damon: the part of the machine you are calling a spindle (holds thread) is called a bobbin, the spindle is the metal post which the bobbin fits down over while you are filling the bobbin up with thread.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

This is some great learning! I was still very new to sewing machines when I made this.. maybe time for new vid? 👍🏽💯 thanks again for the knowledge

[@Bunka526]

I make custom bags with old firefighter gear. I switch between a consew 206rb to a consew 7” post machine. This machine looks like it will do everything without switching sewing machines

[@bobderrick248]

Damon, great variety of videos. Looking at a do it all machine. One large demand is Patches on Leather Vests and Jackets. Will the 5100 handle the lighter demands of this purpose? Thanks/ Bob-Pendergrass

[@LifeOnBeagleRoad]

Fantastic review brother! We just purchased the 5100 not too long ago. Have you done any canvas that was less than 37oz? 10oz maybe?

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Yes lighter canvas can work ok, just need to reduce the tension a bit so there is not too much tension on the thread.. the fabric will bunch up

[@jayjohnson1440]

So, I currently have 4 industrial machines in my workroom...for drapery, etc, and most of the time, If I experience a needle breaking outside of hitting something harder than the needle, It's because I didn't pay attention and did not thread through the tension discs appropriate. Other times, the tension is too loose and that could cause the thread to move from the disc and wrap itself around everything, causing it to pull the needle to the side as it goes down.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks man!! I will look at the tension on the disk for sure!! I appreciate the tip.🙌🏽

[@vieuxacadian9455]

You cant have too much light . LOL , My work stations look like an operating room with so much light . Check how you load your machines friction disks . We operators are the fault most of the time . You can get threaded knobs at Loews to replace those tiny wing nuts that will simplify table removal . much respect and good luck .

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks for that tip! I might have to check that out!

[@lynnsgarage6785]

Thank you for showing how things can go wrong and how to deal with them. I think I learn more from things going sideways than from just watching stuff that went well. Did you purchase the sewing machine directly from the factory?

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Thanks for the comment! Yes was trying to show how it goes when doing a real life project. It really is an industrial machine. But yes purchased directly from Techsew website

[@robertd6925]

What's the thinnest material you've done with it?

[@Dahna_]

SO does techsew call thier bobbin a spindle? Thats unique.

[@LebecEgirlSews]

Where did you purchase the 37oz Waxed Canvas?

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

OA Leather Supply 👍🏽

[@jake_aerodrome_leather]

Do you feel the 5100 is overkill versus the 2800 which may be better suited to smaller goods?

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

What’s up Jake! It very well could be.. I just knew that I might want to make heavy duty bags and briefcases at some point so that is why I went with the 5100.. I think the 2800 or even a flatbed with speed adjuster could work for a majority or my projects.. but with the 5100 when I’m working on smaller goods, I just downsize on the needle, reduce the tension on the thread & presser foot, and it can handle small goods as well.. if you look on my IG i do all my wallets with the 5100 as well @damonmarkmadeit

[@jake_aerodrome_leather]

@@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511 Thank you for the detailed response. I been on the fence between the 2 machines, but this helps me settle on the 5100.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

@@jake_aerodrome_leather glad it helped man! Good luck and stay in touch 👊🏽💯

[@dennishinckley6326]

I can see he threaded it wrong in the video. That is why it broke. Needs more experience on the machine. I love my 5100.

[@afterhoursmfg-alldayallnig5511]

Yep def threaded it wrong on that one!! Getting better each day on the 5100. Thanks for the comment man 👊🏽💯