Sewing thick upholstery leather ?

The 29 class machines are ok up to about 1/4" after that they get funny. They are a top feed only, handy for some things like boot top designs but not so good for heavy leather. For that you would be better of with a compound feed walking foot machine in the heavy class. Skiving may help. Perhaps you can find someone local that can do a few runs for you as you said an expensive guess to find out.

I tried sewing some more scrap tonight, and you're right...the 29 is a PITA. It wandres off and keeping a straight seam is next to impossible...on leather we get permanent holes on the first try and only one chance to get it right.

I'm not an expert (in fact a complete novice) but what I think is needed here is an industrial walking foot machine WITH bottom feed. And one that is able to sew the heaviest upholstery and bag/luggage leather. Other than that I don't know.

Can you recomend something that is well suited for this sort of thing ?

E.K

Looks like I'll be getting a new machine soon, was about to order but I'm not sure the 3000 is the right one for the things that I (may) need to do. E.g if sewing a jacket there is a 'problem' with the sleeves... sewing around 'em (circumference) is no problem on most machines but how about along the sleeve?? In such a case one would have to feed up the machine arm, right? And this requires something like the 4011 ? Or maybe a jacket is such a complicated undertaking that several specialized machines are needed? What do you think? E.K

I once worked in a Jacket planet. Depending on the style up to 5 different machine used on any one jacket. Perhaps we need to take this private. My contact info is below

Was that in our solar system? Sorry Ron, I just couldn't let that one go by me. Juno

We always knew Ron was out of this world, didn't we?

I second that!

Doreen in Alabama

The Jacket Plant was, but I am not sure I am at times ;)

That's okay, there's lots of time I'm not sure if I'm on this planet. Juno

Yep, he's an absolutely Stellar guy!! :)

Sharon

Well...5 machines may have something to do with streamlining the production... in any case the 29-4 with its rather unique universal feed could replace at least two of those machines. Have looked at setting out the sewing job to pros, awaiting reply.

In the meantime I had a closer look at this old brute and have indentified what I think is the main problem (for the time being). It sews dead straight up and down the arm, but sewing 'normally' across the arm causes the seam to crawl to the left at about 5-10deg angle...always! E.g when sewing a 2nd parallel seam to the right and aligning the foot parallel to the 1st seam the 2nd seam will creap towards the 1st. Initially I figured it was the thread that was pulling the needle to the left as it went trough the work, but after adjusting the machine so there is zero tension when the needle pierces..and it still crawls left...I think that can be ruled out. Have also tried different needles, same result.

Any idea what is causing this and how to fix it ?

Yes you are putting to much material under the foot. Something has to give and the material is the weakest link. That machine is a shoe patch machine not intended for the work you are doing.