After many years of hand stitching with some use of a Tippmann Boss, I'm preparing to buy a powered sewing machine. I've spent many weeks, possibly months, researching my options and narrowing my choices, and would welcome some answers to some specific questions I have.
First, some context: My focus is on holsters and belts, primarily concealment and sporting holsters and heavy dress/casual belts for carry. I'm not looking for one machine to do everything (garments, wallets, cases, holsters, bags, belts). I realize any machine has its "sweet spot" and I'm wanting to focus on what I do the most of. The range would be two layers of 6/7 oz. veg tan on the low end to 4 layers of 9/10 oz. veg tan on the high end.
At this point I'm looking primarily at a Cobra class 4, a Cowboy CB 4500, or a Campbell lockstitch.
(1) In the opinion of those of you on with the appropriate experience, is the Campbell worth over twice as much $ in terms of stitch appearance, stitch quality, machine durability, changeover/setup difficulty, or any other factor?
(2) Is the learning curve on a Campbell machine too steep for a novice sewing machine operator?
(3) Is there a significant difference in changeover/setup complexity or difficulty for a one machine shop between the Campbell vs. the Cobra/Cowboy?
(4) How big an issue is it that the Campbell machine does not reverse to lock a seam?
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience!