Gump

I have had my Toro 3200 about 10 yrs, and it is a 12 inch version of 441, 90% same parts. Does the same job as all other 441 clones. No machine can properly sew something thinner than the diameter of the thread you are using. I have used 92 nylon, but needles that thin are trouble when there that long. So no on sewing paper properly. No major problems, just a little hook adjustment after about 50 hours break-in. Came properly set up and still works fine.

I put the blade on a bolt and tighten a nut against it and put it in a drill and spin it on the edge of a stone. Works pretty good once you find the right angle.

Alzilla is right, if you want to sew two layers of 9 oz, a cb 3200 would be ideal. The main problem is getting proper thread tension, as most of these lighter class cylinder arm machines will only handle 138 effectively. 207 will act up at the worst time every time. I have a Techsew 3800, which is now a Cowboy 3200. Most parts from any 441 clone will fit, and they have the same punch power as a full size 441.

My Toro 3200 came with white lithium grease on the drive gears at the base of the machine behind the little swinging covers. That would be very good lube, as it doesn't drip off and is much easier to spray on rather than trying to get oil in there. So yes it is factory grease and proper for the purpose. As for the waxed thread, not needed, just use bonded nylon.

No this is not normal. Check that the latch is clicking when you put the bobbin case in place, and if not check for debris or plastic shims! Also check that the bobbin is sitting flush in the bobbin case, and that it is the right bobbin for the machine. Your hook should be even with the plate screwed on just about on top of the hook. Lastly, are the needles 135 x 17 size?

Round points are also known as sharps. My machine was acting up a couple of years ago, and I had dirt build up under the bobbin case tension spring. Cleaning helped for a while and then I just changed out the bobbin case. I bought my machine used and it came with two new bobbin cases so I guess that is a wear item to be changed regularly as needed. No visible trouble with bobbin case, but a change solved my problems.

I have the same machine and use a 20 or 21 size round point needle in vinyl with 92 thread. Bobbin tension should be just enough to pull thread straight as you pull it out of the machine. Once set, forget about your bobbin tension and just use your top adjustments. I can sew 2 layers of vinyl or 2 layers of 8oz vegtan with the same settings. Needle and thread charts are made for sewiong fabric. Most times vinyl and leather will require going up 1 needle size from recomendations due to grab of the vinyl.

With an 800 watt motor at 5:1 reduction, a speed reducer is not needed. It will run slower than cold molasses now.

Why not have the best of both worlds and get a Consew or similar cylinder arm machine with removable flatbed attachment. I have both a 206RB3 and a 227R cylinder arm and I use the cylinder arm for most lighter sewing, wallets bags etc. It is much easier to work with the cyl. arm machine, more space and room to manuever. I have a servo with needle positioning, and it won't work with speed reducers, so I am set up so I can bypass my speed reducer for high speed commercial sewing with needle positioning on.

The Artisan Toro is a 12" version of a 441 clone. Mine came with a 800 watt servo with a 2" pulley, and a 10" hand wheel pulley, giving you 5:1 reduction. All other specs match Cobra, cowboy and techsew. Had mine for about 8 yrs and only one adjustment was needed once the machine was broke in.

Thread comes in right and left hand twist. One is for each needle. The wrong twist will unwind because of the bobbin spinning opposite direction.

Dieseltech; Consew 227R is a cylinder arm version of the 206 RB. It has pretty much the same specs as the flatbed, except for the bobbin size, which is slightly smaller. I have both machines, and would keep the 227 if only allowed to have one. You can always put a flatbed on the cylinder arm.

Yes, that is the bobbin case opener. Put the bobbin case back in place and simply bend the opener up until it is level with the triangle tab on the bobbin case that it pushes to open the thread release, allowing the thread to pull around the bobbin. It looks like it only needs a mm or so of lift. To high and it can hit the cover.

I would suggest looking for a refund. That noise is mechanical, like the armature is out of round, and is hitting something inside the motor. I don't think it will cure itself until whatever is hitting breaks off or grinds away.

Get a treadle machine.