Originally Posted by
rustybrown
Junkyard for buckles.
As for solid sewing machines. Anything 60s should ram through whatever material you may be thinking. Maybe $40, depending on your market. Just invest in needles and googling manuals to figure out how to string the bobbins.
This is the sewing machine I have
http://www.sewsing.com/Singer-1409-Promise-Review.php
It has a metal frame, so it's not just junky plastic, but I just got it and would hate to ruin it after only having it for a few months. Plus I think it would be kind of silly to spend $40-50 on a sewing machine when the only thing I would really need it for is making my own messenger bag (which would probably suck).
As far as the buckles go, I read that you can get a free sample pack of 15 buckles if you contact this company and tell them you're starting a business.
http://na.itwnexus.com/