Slickbald

I just got the quote on the Kingmax 441... $100 MORE than the Cobra list! ROTFL! I'm way to opinionated to take most other opinions personally. Experience is what it is, and everyone has their own. I spoke with Steve a great deal and discovered our worlds were pretty small. He has me sold on the Cobra (mostly he and you all have me sold on STEVE!) I'll likely be getting one at the Southwest Show in October, cash flow not withstanding! Thank you all for your opinions and recommendations!

Thank you both! The info came from the Kingmax dealer in Denver, and I came here for just this reason! (I don't trust salesmen!) They do look identical on the their web sites. My main anxiety with this type of machine is my belief that I'll spend as much time working on it as using it, or be down while it's "in the shop" as it were. I built production equipment for 15 years and am darn tired of dinking with them frankly. I'm looking for dependability, dependability, and dependability; quality stitching assumed equal between the brands. Cobra Steve is rumored to be calling me to discuss, but I would still like opinions on any either of the two brands here if anyone is willing... This is an end of year purchase, I have time to pick and choose! Thanks again!

At a visit to our local industrial sewing supply house for thread, I inquire about Artisan machines. I'm told with no lack of certainty that the Kingmax brand is the actual maker, and Artisan (and I suspect Cobra) are marketers. The same way most tools are made in the same building, by the same company, and marketed through (ordered and sold by) Skill/Dewalt, Grizzly, Milwalkee, etc. Anyone that has worked in high tech knows about contract manufacturing and re-branding. The Toro-4000 and Cobra Class 4, are the same machine as the Kingmax GA441 (manufactures brand). The only real difference is the table style and a couple of bells and whistles. I'm told they are less expensive in the Kingmax brand and will confirm when the quote comes in tomorrow. The question: Does any one have experience with the Kingmax brand? At this point it comes down to customer service and price; love some opinions of any brands of this level stitcher. Thanks! Chris

They are wound onto a 1/4" hard plastic tube. Very standard in industrial applications, which is why the order quantity is so high.

Hey Folks! I'm out of pre-wound bobbins for my boss and am considering having a lot made. 15 dozen is the minimum. Considering I'm hoping to upgrade and use the Boss as a backup, that means I'm buying a "lifetime" of these, or going into the pre-wound bobbin business. At a raw cost of $0.51 per bobbin, would (you) buying them at $9 a dozen be a worthwhile convenience/value? I am negotiating a better price, and will shop around; this is the local place. Anyway! I'm needing your thoughts and opinions! Thanks! ;o})>

@JLSleather Thanks! I called and ordered a quart to try. The old formula Tanner's Bond worked as well (leather tearing), but the new Barge is crapola. I'm having to inject more into liner applications with a hypo to get a good seal all over. I don't have time for that!

I don't care for the new Tandy/Barge cement either and will likely try the Fiebings. Has anyone found a comparable "snot" to replace the old Tanners Bond?

Good info on the cobalt- My cobalt skinning knife (Dawson Knives, Durango CO) hasn't had that issue, but it's a different application. I bought a Hackbarth 5" with the D2 tool steel. Looking forward to it's arrival! Thanks for the guidance all!

I was hoping for some cobalt, but chromium is a good second. I'll give them a call- thanks!

I need a new head knife. I'm not spending a dime on stainless steel blades. Does anyone out there make a head knife with high carbon tool steel? I'm looking for a Rockwell above 55. Pretty doesn't count-