Ken Nelson

I am wondering if the problem is the shuttle driver and not the hook. Ken

I spoke with Dan Nagel at Campbell-Randall last evening. He indicated Juki 441 Bobbin and the shuttle for this machine interchange and it looks and measures the same as my Cobra Class 4 shuttle. I am going to try to get a picture posted here today. Good idea by the way. Thanks Ken

It is not letting 346 pass or is it working with 277 on the top. This machine had not been used for a long time, and it had 69 top and bottom with a 200 cloth needle in when I got it. I am sending pictures to a tech tomorrow and will try to get some posted here tomorrow night. I am thinking new driver may be required. might try to alter the one on it before I order a new one. These machines started life as a Sieko and basic parts are still available for them which is a huge +. Thanks all. BTW Wiz, already tried what you suggested. I wish I had your knowledge on these things.Ken

The problem seems to be there is almost no slack between the shuttle driver and the the shuttle. My Cobra Class 4 has slack between the shuttle and the driver. This machine was built up from a consew 754. I am wondering if someone replaced the shuttle with one that doesn't fit correctly or if I am missing something here. Ken

How much play (slack should there be in a shuttle on a 900B. Mine is too tight to allow the thread to complete its journey around the shuttle to form a stitch. Any fixes out there? Thanks. Ken

Sew it, then mold it. HTH Ken

Wiz, That is impressive. My hat is off to you. Ken

Does anyone know where to get Coats Dabond thread in Peasant Beige? I used to get it from Ferdco but haven't been able to find a source since they quit. Thanks Ken

I have built a lot of saddles on a short arm 441 clone. Right now I have a Cobra class 4. I have all the attachments. I have never needed a 24 in arm building anything in my shop. A Class 3 would work fine for me building saddles and if I were to replace the one I have, it would be with a 3. It will last until you are an old man in a saddle shop if you take care of it. HTH Ken

I started out with Harry Adams Saddlemakers shop manual and the Stohlman series. I had a friend up in Montana that talked me through some puzzles. After 60 some, I worked for a really good saddlemaker for a year. Real education. I had two college boys do apprenticeships in my shop when I was in New Mexico. Took them 3 saddles to turn the corner. Both got good, really good in a year. HTH Ken

I always use a stitch groover and it is easy to follow the stitch groove. Part of learning to sew. Ken

I have a Cobra class 4 that almost never misses a stitch, front is wonderful and back is just as nice but a bit different. It is easier to sew with than a tippman Boss, (and I have had one). The Class 3 would be a good option for you, same machine but a shorter throat. Dealer support is one of the best. Do not be afraid of a powered sewing machine, if they are set up correctly, the learning curve is short. Your hand stitching is very nice though. As you get to building other products, a sewing machine will be a real asset to you. HTH Ken

Now all I have to do is find a middle thread guide for this machine( one by second thread tension and thread guide pin on jump foot body) and this machine will be ready to be put into service. Ken

Thank you so much sir. You have answered a prayer. My hat is off to you. Ken

Foot I have been on the hunt for is the one on the right, second picture. Do you have a picture of the left side of the machine, looking down from the top by chance. Thank you, sir. Ken

Ferdco used a narrow foot on this machine, The one I have is a wide foot, smooth on the bottom, which I am guessing was for sewing cloth type materials. I can modify this foot but the guy I bought this machine does sew quite a bit of webbing and canvas as well as leather. I would like to find another foot and I will modify the foot on it to better sew leather with. I still haven't found the thread post (guide) on the left side of the machine next to the jump foot. It isn't a 1/4 inch or a # 6 metric. Actually, I got the beast sewing good. Thanks for all the help. I wish I could post pictures, I know it would help. Ken

Good idea on the pics but my computer is not doing pictures right now. DRAT!! This foot on this machine can be made over into a harness makers foot but I want to keep it and get the regular one or another blanket foot ( which I think this one is). It is the square shank like the 441 clones but just a tiny bet smaller Scant 5/16 Vs 5/16 on the 441. Overall length is 1 11/16 where the 441 foot is 1 13/16" I have found out for sure the machine was built up from a 754 Consew , which it seems is a current model but none of the dealers I have contacted have not even talked to me about attachments or parts. Thanks for the ideas and help guys. It is appreciated.

UPDATE: I got hold of Tony, he has very few parts for these machines left. Hoffman Bros I have not been able to talk to a live person. Ferdinand sold a lot of these machines, and I find it hard to believe someone is not handling spare parts for them. I need a harness makers foot for it most of anything. Thanks for the info. Ken

Would you have a working number for Tony? I used a Classic he built for years. I wish I still had it. It was a wonderful machine. Thanks Ken

I got this Ferdinand 900B home to find I need some parts for it. I have called Bob Kovar and Leather Machine Co and both told me to call Hoffman Bros in Chicago and I tried to but got the automated switchboard and finally told no one was available to take my call. Leave a message. I need for sure a harness makers foot for this machine. I need the thread guide (rod) next to jump foot on the left side of the machine. I need the thread guide on bottom of needle bar. Does anyone know of any bone yards for these machines? I bought this machine for a young friend as a starter machine. It sews good and shows almost no wear but has been handled pretty rough. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am doing this as a favor to a deserving young fella and am not making any money on it. Thank you. Ken

I cannot think that fast let alone sew nearly that fast. I am envious! LOL

I have a chance to buy into some new Atkins walking foot sewing machines out of a factory that is closing down. Anyone know anything about them. Who builds them, capabilities, any good, etc. Thank you, all. Ken

I just bought a 900 B Ferdinand sewing machine. Guy told me it only has the one bobbin. Can anyone tell me what size bobbin it uses or if it uses the same as a 441. Thank you Ken

Clay Miller, Temple Texas made the smallest one I have ever seen. Tiny, Like a little less than 1/4" long. perfect stamp. I think he is on the forum somewhere. I can get his # if you would like this weekend. He is very reasonable on his tools for the quality they are. Bevelers are out of this world good. HTH Ken

Thank you fellas. Appreciate it.