Is starting leathercraft with a Singer 111W155 worth it?

[Pavlov'5 Cat]

My cousin in Toronto is selling a Singer 111W155 for $ 600 CAD and I'm thinking about buying it to start learning leathercraft. It's a walking foot machine and looks like it's in good shape but it doesn't have reverse stitching. I plan to make leather straps and maybe try some small bags. Is this machine suitable for beginners or will I encounter problems without a reverse function? Can I still get parts if something wears out?

 

[liz_gets_crafty]

That's a classic machine and a great price! Did you ask your cousin why he / she's selling it? Anyway, I think that's perfect for a beginner! It will handle everything from thin garment leather to multiple layers of veg-tan for those straps and bags. Parts are still pretty easy to find too since a lot of the common parts are interchangeable with other 111 models and even some Consew and Juki machines. The needles are also a standard size. The 111 series doesn't have a built-int reverse lever but I don't think it's a dealbreaker, especially if your focus is for straps. For bags, you'll just need to manually spin your work 180 degrees to backtack at the start and end of a seam. It's a bit of a quirk but you get used to it quickly.

Make sure you get a good look at the feed dog and presser foot to make sure they're in decent shape. If the machine's been well-maintained, it'll likely last you for years!

 

[Stitch101]

The 111W155 is a reliable industrial sewing machine that's great for leather work. It can handle heavy materials quite well, and you can still find parts for it through Singer and various aftermarket suppliers. While it doesn't have a reverse function, that shouldn't be a big issue for making straps and bags, you can always backstitch manually or use bar tacks instead. If it's running smoothly, $600 CAD is a fair price. Just make sure you give it a good test before making a purchase.

 

[l34therman]

@Pavlov'5 Cat yeah, the price is a reasonable starting point, especially if the machine is in good shape and comes with a table. but if you're not sure, check local classifieds and industrial sewing machine forums in the Toronto area to see what similar models (like the Consew 226R or Juki LU563) are going for.
The Singer 111W155 is a classic and highly soughtafter machine, so its value is often stable

 

[Pavlov'5 Cat]

I've asked my cousin about the motor and manual and I'll check the table setup and compare listings this week. If everything lines up, I'll decide by next weekend. Would you say the Consew 226R handles strap thickness better than the 111W155?

 

[anzengruber_78]

That's a classic machine and a great price! Did you ask your cousin why he / she's selling it? Anyway, I think that's perfect for a beginner! It will handle everything from thin garment leather to multiple layers of veg-tan for those straps and bags. Parts are still pretty easy to find too since a lot of the common parts are interchangeable with other 111 models and even some Consew and Juki machines. The needles are also a standard size. The 111 series doesn't have a built-int reverse lever but I don't think it's a dealbreaker, especially if your focus is for straps. For bags, you'll just need to manually spin your work 180 degrees to backtack at the start and end of a seam. It's a bit of a quirk but you get used to it quickly.

Make sure you get a good look at the feed dog and presser foot to make sure they're in decent shape. If the machine's been well-maintained, it'll likely last you for years!

Thanks for the tips. Planning to sew some moto bags and maybe a leather seat cover. Do you know if there’s a walking foot setup that fits the 111 series, or should I stick with what it came with?

 

[Pavlov'5 Cat]

Thanks for the info on the Singer 111, @anzengruber_78. The lack of a built-in reverse was one of the factors I was weighing.

As an update for everyone, I did end up buying the Consew 226R from my cousin. The machine was in great shape, and having the reverse lever was the deciding factor for me. Good luck with your moto bags!