Un-Boxing and Evaluating Cobblers Sewing Machine

[@cids1599]

Well if you didn't have high expectations I wonder why you ordered it. There are over a hundred videos out there on this Chinese Cobbler sewing machine. The machine is worth every penny. Gets the job done. You said you paid about $150, well if you shop around you can get this thing for $109. You can also get a 3-year warranty for $22 on Walmart online sellers plateau. This machine is easy to operate manually. There's also an electric version for $100 more. The reason why this machine has legs is that it was supposed to be mobile. Meaning you could pick this up and put it on a cart and go find a place to sit on a busy street and do repairs on the spot. This machine is User Friendly, Simple in design and guaranteed to do industrial work. So thankful to have this machine brought into our country for those of us who cannot afford a $5,000 or $10,000 machine here.

[@udieyazahar5496]

You are life saver. Your explanation is very detail. The seller i buy from didn't even bother to explain how to use. Thank you very much for your video. God bless you.

[@donaldporta]

You're welcome!

[@WiWaChanpi]

I am going to buy one of these, so Thank you for this video. Opening that box, for me, would have been daunting without seeing how you did this! One thing, When threading with a new spool, make it easier to do. When removing the current spool, don't remove it all. Cut it at the top. leaving enough thread to tie a lot in it. Put the new spool on, tie it to the old thread, then simply pull it thru. It won't go thru the needle, most likely, but it'll pull it thru everything else.

[@donaldporta]

great idea, thank you

[@WiWaChanpi]

@@donaldporta you're welcome. I was a commercial seamstress for years, and this is how we did it!

[@zachjablow599]

Sir i just wanted to say that you just saved me a bunch of time and you did it clearly and concisely. Thank you.

[@anarchytelevision8445]

I really do like my machine, I find it very user-friendly easily modifiable and customizable, I've done a few modifications and customizations to mine I put a couple of videos on my channel also, I appreciate you taking the time and putting a video out 👍🏻😊

[@puppetskin]

Thank you very much for making this video. I just bought one of these machines and am excited for it's arrival and the subsequent finishing it will probably need, as well as all the leather ideas I can finally realize. Gotta hand it to the Chinese, eh? As a qualified seamstress I can leave here a threading tip. When I want to change thread, I simply tie the new thread onto the end of the old thread which I cut at the old spool. I tie on the new thread, loosen the tension and pull it carefully thru up to the needle. There I cut the knot away (sq knot) and thread the new thread into the needle. This technique works for sewing machine and overlock machines and it should work with this machine as well.

[@donaldporta]

That is an amazing idea and I will use it, thank you my friend, Don

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

Cathy Jackson. If it is binding then surely it is knocking on something. Find out by following the noise then do what is necessary to stop it. If it is because the tracks are not cut right then you may need a machinist. But maybe something may be loose likeif it was working and suddenly it doesn't then maybe a nut is loose or a bolt shifted. Really you haven't given much information in your explanation. Hope you do well. If you yet have time maybe you could exchange it but if not then you could take it to a shop. Seems there are lots of ways to solve the problem. Again... Well wishes.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

@Cathy Jackson figure it out?

[@carrollshirkey6276]

Got mine yesterday on my birthday. A gift to myself. lol. I appreciate your video and will look for all the glitches you've shown. I hope this baby will sew buckskins because I'm tired of all the hand sewing. Keep videos coming. We all will appreciate it.

[@donaldporta]

Happy birthday!

[@samking4179]

fantastic video! you are one of many great people showing and teaching the world incredibly important things! thank you!!!

[@donaldporta]

thank you my friend, it is always great to read a positive compliment!

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

I ordered one of these about 2 days ago. I'm very amped up to get this machine. It's simple design and being made of metal looks like it could last a very long time. I have a simplicity. Bought it in '92 i think. I've had it in shop x2 for tuneup. The craftsmen have both given me compliments on it. All metal. Bought it I my 30s now I'm in my 60s. I think this new machine will be the last one I'll need to buy. Thank you for this video because i had no idea what to expect. Now I'm much at ease. Thank you. Yes. Thank you so much.

[@djrajiisab]

Thank you for such a detailed explanation of this machine made in China and customized in America. I have no idea why i am watching you but you got me as soon as you started talking. I love tinkering and your description on how to make this machine work smoothly has made me want to buy one. It is April 15, 2020 now and the machine is on eBay for $119 free shipping. I'm going to give it a spin. Thank you for this meditative post. Just amazing. Most comprehensive review I have ever seen. You did not miss a beat from unboxing to sewing.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you for the wonderful praise, good luck with your new project--- Don

[@4vrceltic]

Donald Porta what leather projects do you make on their machine? Thank you.

[@johnfurr8779]

Thank you for the quality video. The sound may not be perfect but the content is just what people need to see to determine if they want to purchase this machine.

[@Seamstressed]

My machine arrived yesterday and I'm glad I found your video. I was aware that some changes would be needed and you explained a lot of important technical aspects. Thank you!!

[@cids1599]

There's dozens of videos out there that help to work out any mechanical or operator problems.

[@Reb4ful]

I don't own this machine, but I must admit, I was captivated while watching this video and your detailed explanation on on how to care, file parts & maintain the proper functionality of this machine.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you for the great review---Don

[@Reb4ful]

@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta@@donaldporta ...As far as I am concerned, you more than earned!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I can't help but thank you very much for this video. I've been thinking about buying one of these for a little while but was on the fence about it because so many people are making it seem like you almost need to be a machinist to get it working at all. Heck, a lot of them complain most about no instructions, not knowing how to thread it, having to watch countless hours of KZbin videos just to get started sewing with it, the presser foot chewing up their leather, and spending days to file off all the sharp edges. I clicked on this video because it showed up in my "Suggested for you" list, and I'm very glad I did. Thanks again for this clear and concise demo of how simple and easy it really is. You've earned my subscription.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you very much my friend!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

You're welcome!

[@orlandopizzio5647]

You know,it`s a key video for make my own decision about to buy a machine like this one,for diy purposes.Contains the answers to my questions.Thanks,that`s one it`s useful!

[@magdalenaortega9065]

Wow! Excellent video! You did a great job capturing all the steps necessary to spruce up that sewing machine and thread it correctly. All about the details... Thank you!

[@1986yamahafazer69]

Not just a good review, but an excellent review! Thank you.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you very much my friend---Don

[@Native_love]

@@donaldporta Yes! Thank you for the review and the tips!!!

[@youraccount7003]

Very helpful review. I am considering buying one myself and this has helped immensely thank you.

[@bendeollos3701]

Thank you taking the time to review this and by showing how you modified the unit to make it better with standard household items.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@12mikeg12]

just bought this unit last week, spent a few hours tweeking things... your video added a few things I was missing so thank you for posting this..

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Nice Video ! Today I'll be taking delivery of an older model ShopSmith, and plan to go over that machine in much the same way that you've done with this working machine, so this sets me up really well to proceed. TY for sharing your setup and craftsmanship.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you for the comment---Don

[@Native_love]

Thank you Donald! I ordered mine yesterday! I'm not afraid of hard work so hopefully I'll have it up to speed in no time. God bless you and your family! Thank you sir for the excellent review and tips!

[@donaldporta]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@crazycoyote1738]

Than you for taking the time to help other ppl. God bless you.

[@Le_Kret]

I am using 111 years old Singer 15188 from 1908' It's running like gold :)

[@HNXMedia]

I am now confident enough to buy one after watching this video. Thanks.

[@donaldporta]

Glad I could help

[@marttclupper3556]

Thank you for the great video... I just unboxed mine and now look forward to improving it and then using it, and I can do all that with confidence because of your shared info. Bravo!

[@donaldporta]

thank you Martt

[@Chungustav]

Very helpful. There is another channel that has extensive videos also but yours really shows your experience and knowledge

[@donaldporta]

I appreciate that!

[@markpinther9296]

This is an excellent video. Great idea to use the white thread for demo purposes.

[@LeatherMadeSkateboarder]

Seriously thank you sir! I just got mine today and having watched this way before I ordered one, I knew right away which video I was going to have going when I set mine up. PIECE OF CAKE ~ took all of 15 min ~ To anyone else, the box was beat up when Amazon handed it to me. There were Styrofoam pieces falling from a pretty big hole in the bottom. I couldn't believe he handed me a good sized box, with some weight to it mind you, and with what looked to be a large revolver hole in the bottom + white styrofoam guts spilling from his van to my front porch...if YT had a photo option you'd laugh. Anyway I opened it outside, removed the machine, crank wheel, 3 legs, a leg mounting plate, big spool of blk thread (looks thin and not waxed) 2 sheets of paper and a plastic bag with hardware I didn't use (used mine) and a screwdriver with a shattered hard plastic grip. As far as I can tell that's the only thing broken. I propped it up on the legs, same as the man in the vid, solely to attach the hand crank wheel - zero chance that anyone buying this machine keeps them on the legs provided - and then promptly took the legs off and mounted it to the edge of my craft table. It came threaded with the needle in a tiny piece of leather and about 20" of thread, but I haven't bothered to thread it myself yet because if it's as simple as he's shown it to be (my eyes went from the video to the machine following along the path he showed and it looks easy) then I'm good. So (sew hehe) if anyone is stressing like I kind of was, having never messed with a sewing machine before, I'm telling you DON'T sweat it at all. I paid 160 bucks ~ opened the box and got the few pieces out ~ fired up the video I didn't look at the instructions at all and have it mounted 8 ft from where i'm typing in under15min. Wheel cranks, needle and thread are moving up and down

[@donaldporta]

nice, glad it helped!

[@magicman9486]

One of the best videos. Explains everything. Looking at one of these. Figure i will be a few days getting it ready. I will take most parts that i can remove and grinding them to a mirror finish. thank you.

[@donaldporta]

Awesome, thank you!

[@fsa1946]

You did an outstanding job on this video Donald. Thanks so much for posting it. I really enjoyed it and it was extremely helpful. I ordered one of these machines a couple days ago and this will help when it arrives.

[@cluek9780]

fsa1946 I’m echoing your statement, subbed.

[@possumsausage5029]

I'm echoing the both of you. Getting ready to order one now

[@serjiosarkuni7838]

Beautiful... Thanks a lot... I bought the same machine... And didn't know how to put it together... Your video was very helpful... Thanks again... I will watch it several times again...

[@donaldporta]

Glad it helped

[@richardnoble4654]

Thanks for this. I've recently got one, realy easy to put together, make a base for it and get some good results, but then, I am an engineer. However, I'm now going to polish it up. A really useful tip. Thank you.

[@kurzhaarguy]

I recently bought the same machine. Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@NITEGOD]

Enjoyed this video , thanks for making and sharing. I would have never figured this threading out ...

[@jmcbc1963]

I really appreciate your doing this video. My machine is coming Monday and I'm looking forward to the unboxing, cleaning and using it. Thank you once again, I appreciate you!

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@irishsailordog1391]

VERY well done. VERY useful. You have performed a wonderful service with this YT for potential buyers and I for one am grateful. Best wishes.

[@donaldporta]

thank you my friend- Don

[@RodKirkbride]

Great presentation. This machine, while being crude seems beautiful when transformed with a bit of elbow grease. I think the frame would benefit from a repaint. With some gold pin stripes!!! Great vid. Thanks.

[@CandC68]

You should get a commission. Excellent presentation.

[@liondirk]

This is the most comprehensive tutorial on anything that I have found on KZbin.thank you for a wonderful job and not only showing what was wrong but your fixes as well. I have been wavering on should I risk it to order this machine or not but I will now be ordering it soon.

[@gergemall]

Agree

[@sgainbrachta]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial! I figured it would take some clean-up, and you proved that point! I am looking forward to getting mine and getting back to doing leather work!

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

As an owner of an actual Singer 29K machine, I am really impressed with what these crudely made cheap machines can do. Of course with my Singer, everything is very finely machined, and glides like silk even though the machine is nearly 100yrs old. All the issues with this machine would seem to be solvable with better training and attention to detail at the factory (where they have cheap labor). I don't know why they don't offer a higher quality unit for say $100 more. It would still be a bargain. I am very tempted to buy one of these to play around with. Black Bear Forge recently built a table for one and added a servo motor and a large pulley. He has smooth, slow, heavy punching power, and shows sewing what looks to be at least a half inch thickness of layers of tooling leather.

[@BensWorkshop]

I'm feeling the urge to buy one to make a better one from scratch and see if I can sell them.

[@LukeDorny]

You mean big dog forge?

[@cids1599]

Actually this is a really affordable and awesome machine. When the power goes out you still have a machine the sew with. The word cheap doesn't go with this machine. Inexpensive and affordable is the correct words. The machine was made to be portable for cobblers or other leather Smith's to work on streets and corners in China. I've had more expensive American bought machines that crapped out on me. This machine might be simple but the design has lasted for a century. All I have to say is if someone here in the US has five or 10 grand to buy a machine here then go for it, but if you don't this is a perfect machine to accomplish work tasks at hand.

[@billnewman8261]

Good looking machine.I have one and it does a good job.It will sew thicker leather than you think. I really like mine.

[@handsewnshoes]

Great video. Thanks! I’ve had mine 4 years now and never heard of the oil points so that’s great. And nice sanding job :)

[@tylerdavis9670]

It is what it is, I bought one cheap and it came raw as hell. Oiled it, filed the sharp edges, modded it out and it now sews fine.

[@gergemall]

Thanks for the video .I bought one and it’s still in the box . Great job.

[@donaldporta]

No problem 👍

[@rmtries210]

Hello, very nice job going over this machine! Your video gave me just the help I needed to get mine (which has been sitting in my kitchen for a week now) up and running. Thanks for being so thorough.

[@donaldporta]

Glad I could help!

[@grahamhill8018]

What an excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate the shortfalls and offer solutions. I have been seriously thinking about buying this machine and thanks to your video, I now know what I am likely to need to do, to get it functioning correctly.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grahamhill8018]

@@donaldporta It was for me and I am sure for many others also.

[@markdmaker3173]

Awesome video! I’ve seen many videos on this machine and this is definitely the best one that I’ve seen. You must’ve been a teacher very thorough. After watching this video I have confidence that I can get my machine running proper. Thank you! When I get around to doing A leather working video I will link to your channel.

[@donaldporta]

that's very kind of you, thank you my friend!

[@SewingLara]

Thank you so much for this video. I am looking for a new machine and think this one would do the job. I wouldn't have considered it because I wasn't sure I could put it together. With your video, I think i could. Thank you.

[@donaldporta]

You are welcome!

[@Geopolitic157]

Very good detailed video on this for someone considering doing the same...I am interested in the hobby, and this helped a lot...Thank you .

[@fernandochavez4312]

Best review of this I’ve seen so far. Thanks. No French manicure on this guy, I’d listen to what he has to say.

[@donaldporta]

thank you!

[@KMoWearableArt]

Wonderful review and instruction. I just bought one today on ebay and it's shipping from the USA, or I wouldn't have purchased it. Thank you so much - I'm confident I can make this work now with your advice - I wasn't really certain when I bought it.

[@donaldporta]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bobjimenez4464]

The Nike Shoe Factory upgraded sewing machines for the crew and sold last year's models on Amazon.......A Very Thoughtful decision by management. : )

[@Contantq]

I assume the seven year olds had a hard time turning the units....

[@bobjimenez4464]

@@Contantq yes, the weak ones were eliminated.

[@DisgruntledMarineTheGrunt]

Thanks, now I feel better about my decision to buy one! If they held up to that hell. it's worth the $95 I spent on it.

[@skyjac92]

Recently ordered one of these, and this video will be a big help. Thank you for sharing!

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sirhustle6858]

Awesome video and tutorial. Thank you for this. I am now confident enough to make this purchase

[@jaymewalter5788]

I just purchased one of these to do small leather projects. I have a Pfaff that weighs a ton and is really difficult to use. Now that I have seen your video, I am confident I made the right choice in this so thank you. I did note that there was not much about needle use and would like further info on that if you have it. I also have an oler style workbench that I will use for the base stand and create a table out of that and bolt a small tool box to the bottom to give storage (which you also inspired me to do) so great job and we will be watching more!

[@donaldporta]

thank you my friend!

[@backpages1]

Bless you my child for producing this video. I would ask how you managed to figure out all that you've shown here, but your going to say 'common sense', so I'm not going to ask. Even my old Pfaff got confused when trying to show me. I know darn sure it wasn't the instructions (I use that term extremely loosly)! Obviously I have a bit of work to do before threading, so I will bid adieu, and 'till then! (Thanks again!)

[@demofactory]

Thanks for posting this very helpful tutorial and review. Take care friend.

[@tomberg6699]

Thanks, Very informational. I just purchased one of these machines from Amazon ($112.99). The one I got appears to have been a little better machined. One thing I would mention is if you reverse the legs (two in from and one in back) it is a lot stabler. I however do plan on making a base out of wood.

[@bassman-mv2ry]

Great instruction! on assembly, finish work and use. I like the base stand you made, wish I had the room for that, i will make a flat base that I can clamp to table or bench with a c-clamp. the manufacturer should put a link to your video in the box . Thank you so much.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stumpythedestoyer]

Wow great video. Thank you so much for doing it! I built up a lot of best case and worst case scenarios of ordering the machine after reading through the comments, but seeing unboxed makes everything a lot clearer. Thanks again

[@gewuerzkontor-muenchen]

Very good tutorial! Thank you very much for your video!

[@micksmom2293]

Excellent and helpful review! I have wondered about getting one of these patcher/cobbler machines for a while now, since they are so much less expensive than other leather sewing machines. I'm so glad you shared this. I might want to invest in one now.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OSM4HistoryBuffs]

Really good unboxing and explaining of all the parts. Thank you very much, well done.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timbarnett3898]

Your machine was a lot nicer an cleaner without being covered in grease. But mine had leather test piece an thread showing the thread mounting position like youra. The legs seem light weight an most use a custom base, saw one extend crank bolt an put pulley with variable motor with 12 to 1 ratio. I painted mine I find out if that's a mistake! Tim p.s. also experimenting with different shrink tape on foot so foot/boot advance grooves don't mark leather so much, but still advance as needed! Tim

[@johnbrown3711]

Nice job on refining the machine.

[@AM-dn4lk]

Thank you for the thorough operational and customization review. You did a great job.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you my friend

[@Just1Tori]

Thank you sooooo much for so much detail & taking us through the modifications and set up this machine! So extremely helpful. I've just set up my machine. I'm now going to buy a file ...so awesome thank you so much

[@donaldporta]

You are so welcome!

[@barbarasmith6414]

Excellent job explaining unboxing this leather machine👍

[@Scarywoody]

I am considering buying one, this was a great video.

[@macgyver2417]

Excellent tutorial, Thanks

[@christesterman]

Added to my leather learning list. I'd probably go with this instead of a $1500 machine just to see if I can make money or just treat it as a hobby and have a easier time stitching to boot. If your getting into leather crafting you should already have a lot of the stuff already....though a new base might pose a problem.

[@wickidcandle6915]

Great job Don! I’m saving this video for when I buy this machine. Your thorough review and advice gives me confidence to start sewing my own leather patches.

[@donaldporta]

Great to hear!

[@philochristos]

That was a great video with good camera work. The clear close-ups help.

[@donaldporta]

Thank you very much!

[@stwhite5135]

Thank you. Excellent video.

[@weechitamex]

Donald Porta : thank you sir for sharing this video . i'll have to invest on one of these . Best blessings .

[@Khamomil]

The grease is normal for keeping metal rust-proof. Guns are packed in grease too which, of course, has to be removed before use. You did a great job polishing that mother. Wow!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

pretty amazing machine for the price IMO ,over 10 years ago i purchased a Chinese Walking Foot Sewing Machine from Ebay and i got what i was promised sure the machine has a few flaws (minor )but has been working fine since i purchased it right out of the box i will add i am a hobbyist and i’ve been using the machine to sew Marine canvas and Vinyls for projects one boat and /or Auto interiors onmy personal Vintage cars and i’ve been very pleased with the machines performance i’ve also done very minor machining and polishing to mine similar to what you demonstrated to yours again for the cost shipped to my door i would highly reccomend the product to anyone interested of course a Professional would need a more costly machine to stand up to his or her needs as those do use better quality metals and parts

[@mattinkel7342]

Looked at one of these some time ago... this video is great.. thankyou ... think its worth the money when I have some spare ..the mods and prep look more than acceptable for the price

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

It looks badass, in an old world steampunk sort of way.

[@egads2]

Possibly on that spindle which tears the threat you can place a plastic collar under the entire arrangement, maybe a prescription plastic bottle that fits under there.

[@djohnson3678]

excellent un-boxing of the leather shoe sewing machine ! the evaluation of the process is most excellent ! awesome video !! 1000 thumbs up !!

[@donaldporta]

Thank you my friend--- your comments encourage me to keep doing more!

[@abbushcraft]

Thank you for sharing. I am really thinking of buying one now. Your video is very informative. i think I can run one now. Thank you very kindly.

[@glebvlasenko1141]

Thanks for the great video! Just ordered one, I’ll definitely make these changes to the machine.

[@donaldporta]

Glad it helped!

[@paulamartin6100]

Awesome video! thank you so much! I just bought me one of these machines and this video has helped A LOT in the set up!

[@cynforrest]

Thanks for all this invaluable info.

[@basanistes359]

Could you do a short video on setting up the bobbin?

[@michellee8913]

I cant get the thread to hook up with bobbin

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

@@michellee8913 put handle at 12 o’clock and bobbin holder at 3 o’clock. Works every time

[@bryanwalker7031]

Thank you for taking the time and posting it. My machine is on order and I expect it in a week or so. You've taken much of the anxiety out of the purchase. Lots to do in preparation, but it'll likely do me fine. Again, thanks.

[@thecaptainofrock]

Thank you for the video, I’m gonna go buy one now

[@Revlon10]

Thank you for the threading 🧵

[@donaldporta]

You’re welcome 😊

[@simplyrise5217]

It is what it is. I still love the simplicity. Modification is paramount.. stand into the recycling bin (maybe trash-bin). The product is already there, I suppose you need your personal-touch to 'clean-up' the rough edges. Thanks for the tips

[@markbyrum4743]

Let me suggest that you find an old Singer sewing machine treadle table you can modify and upon which you can mount your machine. My former father-in-law had a Singer leather sewing machine in his shoe repair shop. Worked great and the treadle table design allowed for a stable workplace and two hands to manipulate the piece being seen.

[@donaldporta]

Thanks for the tip!

[@markbyrum4743]

@@donaldporta since I made the reply, i discovered that the machine was a Singer 29-4. There are various videos about such a machine which shows how the base looks. Good luck with it.

[@48vdcwrld]

I got mine for $101.00 very pleased with mine...

[@donaldporta]

nice

[@미후루루집사]

It's amazing. Your friend's video is fresh and beautiful good video. It was a good healing time. Thank you very much

[@boogerhead0]

Your machine works so nicely, while mine will not lay a single stitch without breaking the needle thread. I watched another poster's vid to see how the cams/Pitman are timed, but still no stitches. Would you please make a detailed video to illustrate your machine's exact timing, cams, handle position, Pitman, and bobbin carrier (hook) positioning?

[@donaldporta]

I found that I have to lighten up the tension on the upper thread quite a bit.

[@johnridgeway6718]

Thank you. Very well done"'Start up procedure."

[@archivestereo]

This is absolutely excellent. Very helpful. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@donaldporta]

You're very welcome!

[@mayamachine]

Excellent video, thank you,, I've done so much leather sewing by hand.. it kept me from really making things i wanted. I intend on getting one of these. Won't buy another pair of moccasins.

[@georgedeedsnotwords2162]

Thank you for this video . I am thinking of buying one of these machines and this information helps . Now I know more of what I will be getting into and what it in tails . I will probably buy one anyways , I like to tinker also . "Deeds not words"

[@pastorjustin4181]

Excellent instructional vid. Thank You very much!!! 😎😎😎

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

I just bought one of those via Amazon for $116, but most of the ads I had seen on eBay and Amazon was for quite a bit more. I would have to say though, as much of a styrofoam mess as you had, mine was even more of a mess. I just got through unpacking it and trying to put it on the stand provided and I have those little styrofoam grains EVERYWHERE. They're all over the wood floor and coffee table in the living room where I was unpacking it. I suspect that my wife is not going to be a happy camper when she sees it in the morning if I don't get it cleaned up. Kind of hard to clean it up without using a vacuum cleaner. Can't use one of those since it would wake her and she would find out what I've been doing. :) The stand that comes on it is total crap. The unit does not sit anywhere close to level when on the stand. I think whoever welded the leg attachment points on the stand just welded them at whatever angle they fancied at the time. And when you have it bolted to the plate that the legs attach to, it is at somewhat of an angle. After trying a few different ways to see if there was some special way it should be attached to make it straight, I gave up and got a board to mount it on. 1/4" bolts work perfectly for attaching it to the board. My first attempt was to drill the holes in the rear board in the center so that it would be more stable. Not a good idea since then you can't mount the hand wheel. :) The paint job on the unit is also total crap. Numerous large areas where they just quit painting for some reason. As long as it works though, it's probably worth what I paid for it. It sure should beat having to use a hand awl stitcher to sew thick pieces of leather or canvas. My suggestion to someone buying one of these would be to unbox it outside and after throwing the larger pieces of broken styrofoam in the trash, use a leaf blower or air nozzle on your shop air compressor to blow all the small styrofoam grains away. I'm in the Houston area and you would think that since it is so humid, we wouldn't have problems with static clinging of the styrofoam particles, but even here, these grains stick to everything.

[@donaldporta]

Thanks for your note on the Styrofoam, that is exactly what happens!

[@RodKirkbride]

Lol. Styrofoam grains, like glitter never go away!!!

[@rwind656]

Future buyers, pick your Amazon vendor carefully, they are resellers. My machine was in better shape, packed better.