Chinese Leather Sewing Machine - Is It Worth Buying?

I recently got this cheap Chinese leather sewing machine to finish my leather bag and it turned out to be really good. For the price of around 100 dollars it is well worth the money, even if you have to quit a lot of maintenance.

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SOCIAL:

[fhorst]

This is the first review I've seen of this machine where the base was properly built to take full advantage of the length of the sewing machine arm. Well done. You didn't sacrifice its capacity by placing a brace too far forward.

[seandepoppe]

I love my machine it looks to be the same. Yes tons of maintenance and adjustments needed. But for a guy who has never touched a sewing machine till this one i love it and crank out a ton of product

[xxmyspac]

i bought it and i was surprised how much i love it and was worth the money

[howtinker]

Very well made video. I love the magnet idea to pull the bobbin out. The stand and removable table is really nice too. As for the wife cranking the handle, that might not work for all of us but we can dream. Thank you for making this video and for sharing.

[coonehound]

Very helpful video. You were straight forward with no time wasted. Easy to understand. You are a Craftsman. Thank you!

[pirobotbeta]

I've had one for some time, made a stand and table much like the ones shown here.
The only advice I can offer: look at how you hold the crank handle in your right hand.
I tried palm up, palm down, palm facing the needle, palm away from needle.
Nothing felt right or like I had much control.
It works best for me (and my weirdly baby-sized hands) if I grasp the handle like it was a screw-driver, and I was trying to tighten the handle-screw itself!
This puts my elbow roughly center of the flywheel, and I turn my hand in a circle, rather than 'hauling on a crank handle'.
Works for Me, no guarantees for Thee!

[johnettebeaver]

Anyone with any industrial machine should learn how to maintain them. My husband has kept my 8 machines working perfectly for 40 years, but he also makes me learn how to maintain them. He worked for Sears for 22 years and is an amazing sewing machine tech as well as almost anything else. I have a Consew 206 RB-1 Commercial machine, 4 Sergers, a blind hemmer, an embroidery machine, the same machine that doesn’t have the embroidery module and actually some other machines that we pick up and repair and then give away to people. I have been blessed to make my living for many years designing and fabricating Commercial and Residential Awnings, Marine Canvas and Upholstery, Slip Covers, Draperies and Cornices and soooo much more. Sewing is an art form we used to teach but is a dying art. I see that Adler sitting back in the corner 😃😃

[vieuxacadian]

I cant help but to drool over that Adler machine in the background .

[johnettebeaver]

Now that’s a stand made correctly for a leather machine!

[mechcanada]

I bought my sewing machine a few months ago and love it. The legs work fine if they are positioned properly, so try different placement before throwing them away or building a base. I use the legs when sewing and sitting on a chair. Works really well that way and even when I stand it on a desk and stand and sew it hardly wobbles if at all. I put some tape around the top of them so they stay in place when I pick it up to move it around.
I found that I do not have to thread it on both tension wheels and for me it works like that, by just using the second wheel tensenoir. The sharp teeth at the bottom has not been a problem for me making knife sheaths and some covers for my various shop tools. I did not file any edges down as some have as they have caused no issues. It has given me a lot of hours of fun.

[Wachuko-]

Done! Got the machine early this week and today I made the stand from your plans. Poifect!! Thank you!!

[Tubefish]

I dream of one day being referred to as a “Big Swede”! Brilliant! Cheers mates!!

[craigmonteforte]

Great review and descriptions I’m handicapped that only one hand, arm works due to a Tramatic Brain Injury I do sew with a Chinese clone walking foot sewing machine I bought on eBay. 15 years ago I would need to convert the Cobbler machine to a motor driven one but it looks like that may be achievable With my injury I sometimes need to modify shoes. To get them to fit more comfortably Over a leg brace I need to walk with I’m pretty sure I’m going to wind up with the same machine as yours btw I’m a ewtired Woodworker so I am pretty good with tuning machinery and making accessories for them as that is often the case with Woodworking machinery

[MrjackieG]

It appears you need to lubricate all the critical rotation parts. It should turn much easier & smoother. Polish the bobbin carrier with a dremel wire brush.

[Afro]

Very good video. I have had mine for a couple of years now and love it. Also, buying one of these machines was the only way I could afford any kind of leather sewing machine. Keep it oiled and it will do a good job. :D

[arailway]

I did all right until you got to the, "I had my wife . . ."
Mine balked something fierce.
Thanks for your excellent work.

[walterashley]

About to order one mainly for leatherwork, as well as a bit of canvas projects.
Great video, Instant Subscription!!!

[flexwinggpipi]

Like the way you converted it into a flatbed machine. I have several machines including s Seiko barrel arm industrial that I don't use but I might convert it to use the table and clutch motor

[danielcorrea]

I purchased one and I am going to make it electric. Nice little machine for my use. Good luck amigo.

[anarchytelevision]

I really love my machine, These machines definitely need some work when they come straight out of the box butt I find them to be very user friendly Easily customizable and modibible i've done Some customizing and modifying to my machine I've also made a couple of videos and put it on my channel showing what I have done, Thanks for taking the time to make the video👋🏻👀👍🏻