LBennett

Thank you very much for posting this! I am looking forward to giving it a try !

i spent just under $800 got an extremely well maintained and used Consew 226r-2.. I build mainly belts, spur straps and some chaps, chinks etc. I've sewed up to 15oz weight leather with it. So you can find less expensive machines that will meet your needs but you will need to look around and really pay attention to do so. Out of the machine brands you mention though I'd go with the Juki or the Techsew just personal preference

If i had that situation.... Cobra 4.

Yes ordered a new bobbin case and it has been working beautifully since. I realised when I took the old bobbin case apart to look at the spring, that the spring was very worn, even had a bit of a groove forming in it. That is what the stitches look like now. ( the picture)

Thank you all so much for the replies! lots of very helpful advice. I have ordered a new bobbin case, but am also giving everything a good clean to make sure that "gunk" wasn't the issue. I'm saving this thread to my computer so that I can remind myself of steps and problem solving tips . Linda

Sorry I didn't specify how long ago we brought it in. Moved it into the house about 2 months ago, so lots of time to come up to temp. and the Thread is all stored in a container in the same room as the machine is in. I've tried to tighten the spring on the bobbin case, and it is as snugged up tight as I can get it, but there it still no tension on the bobbin thread. I was wondering if it is possible that the spring is shot on there? Thank you very much for the reply Ferg. Linda Also, I tried stitching with 138 on the bottom and 69 on the top, and then i got a beautiful stitch... and that seems very odd to me. I hadn't paid attention to which bobbin i had put in, and had grabbed the 138 instead of my usual 69.