jsmith

Try going to 6 or even 5 spi until you get the stitch you want.The # wont match up with where you have been running it.

My class 4 came with all the manuals and info one would need,with a little bit of translation I've been able to adjust and set up the machine to do anything one could ask. Also a call to Steve or David and you will get help as it may be needed. Jeff

Make sure that the machines you are looking at come set up for leather work, upholstery machines are high speed for the most part. You will find that without a speed reducer most lack torque enough at low speed(which is still too fast for anything but straight runs). The machine vendors who are on this site set them up for leather work. I learned this the hard way. LOL

I have never used the Chandler,the other two are great machines.Despite what the website shows the new Class 18 is the same cofiguration as the 206 Consew, I have been useing a new 18 some lately and like it alot as my Juki gets tired I'll be calling Steve to get one in my shop.

I've had my Class4 about 2 months I can't say enough good things about the machine and service from Steve,Dave and Cobra staff.I've used several needle and awl machines as well as 205s the Class4 does it all at quite a bit of savings. Some like Adler some like Juki, Some like Ford some like Dodge. Talk to all the folks you can, form your own informed desision from there.

Great dogs and great horses come into or lives and change us forever, she'll be right there with you every day. Our prayers. Jeff

I can't tell you how much I have loved my 4. I just finished relining my 6th saddle with it and don't think I missed a hole. Just Awsum.

I've been flyfishing for over 30 years and have built alot of custom rods with tubes remember the tubes job is to protect the rod ,beauty is secondary. The best I,ve used to cover is aluminum but settled on pvc as best compromise. As a guide I see how much abuse a rod can get, over build! Make sure to add length to allow for good padding in the end caps and use soft fabric like flannel for the sock. A 9 ft two piece rod is 4 1/2 feet of baseball stitch my hands get sore just thinking about it lol.

It might be worth it to call Cobra they have a splitter in the works right now.

My 2011 catalog lists it at $1945.00.

If you want to make purses go to the Cobra web site and check out the you tube vids of Pepper

You realy dont need many tools to get this style of tooling and do a better job.A swivel knife,beveler,pear shader,seeder will get you very close.It looks to me like all the floral elements in this pattern are all out of Tandy patterns and may have been a kit.It also sounds like you are getting pretty "cluttered" with all the elements you want to use but it's doable. Good Luck. Jeff

I agree with the rest it's well worth the price, I think I've about worn mine out. Jeff

Yes, I did get all the attachments. I've not yet tried all but I can see the place for them in my case. I have changed thread size twice with no problems at all just minor tension adjustments,I could'nt be happier. Jeff

Yesterday at 12 noon the truck delivered my class 4, 1 hour and 15 minutes later I made the first saddle repair with it. Set up was very easy it came with the sample stitching still attached to the thread in the machine, no doudt about how to thread. The dvd was easy to follow and will be handy for referance. Two calls with dumb questions got patiant answers and resolution of small issues. Steve and the staff at the Leather Machine Co. have been awsome to work with through the whole process Jeff Smith

Art, I have tapered the ends a bit but not really skived them. I 've also tried cutting and punching with and without melting can't see much diff. Most of my use has been tie downs for ropers and quarter binds on saddle bronc saddles. I did make my self a set of bed roll straps this fall and like the materail for them a lot. Jeff

Wiz Your vast experience with the uls is so rare I'd love to see you do some videos. It would have saved me years of re-engineering parts and functions on my machine. Jeff. PS I'm waiting for the truck to drop my new Cobra 4 , the uls won't get as much use now. Jeff

I've used brahma web quite a bit with no issues at all. It cuts ,sews and rivets no problem. I've even sewn it with my union lock with fine results.

It is possible to add a speed rducer to the union lock, Wiz is right on track as to the motor mounting options. I used a 12 inch fly wheel from an air compressor and pillow block bearings to slow mine to a crawl. It's a great stitcher as long as the Gremlins stay away, You will quit sewing one night and get up the next morning to find a new issue has infected your machine. I find it to be much like a hay baler,when its workin dont stop in the middle of the feild till you have too. Jeff

Yes you can settup a machine yourself. That said; before I found this sight and a few publications I bought a new industrial machine from a local sewing shop its the same machine as the 618's out there. However I had to buy/install a speed reducer and work out timing as well as other small issues,I've spent a coupla hundred $ more than the equivelent machine from a dealer who specializes in leather machines(including shipping). I'll buy from Steve,let them do the tuning. I get enough mechanic time on my Union lock LOL Jeff

Weaver has been a good source for 138 in most colers.They list white,black,brown,red,silver,blue,green,forsythia and henna. Cobra lists many colers as well,call Steve. Good luck Jeff

Lonnie There are several "Halfway saddles" in my circle of family and freinds. yours would be a show peice in anyones trophy room or tack room.Very Nice. Jeff

Get your self a skife or safty beveler and a couple of pakages of extra blades. They are inexpensive and do a very good job on alot of your skiving. Tandy,Weaver and most other suppliers have them. Jeff

I'm still waiting for one of my sons to help me post pics,their busy workin ,rodeoin and livin the single life. That gives me lots of time to get this saddle done before grandkids. Im working on skirt and rigging patterns, Ive been basicly scaleing down larger patterns. Does anyone feel that is the wrong way to go?For instance 11/2" above top front of bar is too high at least it looks it to me,likewise the back of the bars are only 2" behind the cantle so 4" back for skirt or so looks about right to me. Anybody thats worked on kids saddles please give me your experiaced opinion. Jeff

The wooden strap cutter is probably your best bet,I use them left or right as needed with fine results. If you are dead set on wanting a draw gauge Weaver sells thiers in right and left versions. Jeff