Inexpensive Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

[PocoJoe]

For those of you trying to sew multiple layers of nylon or connecting webbing to tents, I have found a very good alternative to the trusty SpeedySticher hand sewing awl...

The machine is called a "Chinese Cobbler Leather Patching Machine"

The machine is made in China, reminiscent of 1980 Chinese imports (think pre Foxconn) - rough castings, packed in Cosmolene. One reviewer called it "the finest gearing you can make with a hammer and a cold chisel".

The machine is a clone of the Bradbury (http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/bradbury/a1%20repairing.htm) made from 1871 to 1920. There are a number of YouTubes on how to set them up and get them sewing.

If you are interested in sewing leather, heavy canvas, or other materials that are either too thick or otherwise difficult to work with, I'd suggest looking into this machine. It is the only walking foot sewing machine that can sew with a leather tip needle through a quarter inch of oak tanned leather and cost under $150.

What is particularly satisfying about this machine is that it is hand cranked. When you make something with it, it really is hand made!

See you in the dust,

PocoJoe

[BBadger]

Huh... that is a nice find, especially if you don't want to have to do it with that awl, which gets pretty tedious.

[Toe]

My all-time favourite tool is the Speedy Stitcher sewing awl. It's no sewing machine but it works great for repairing backpacks and shoes and it fits in my pocket.