WashingtonCross

BuckleGuy has some nice buckles but unfortunately their shipping prices are ridiculous.

Hey there everyone! Looking to get a table sander for my belt edges. What is working best for you? The vertical belt orientation (something like this) or the horizontal belt orientation (like the Rigid)? OR does anyone use a disc type of sander? What would you recommend? I appreciate your feedback.

Yes...that's what I was thinking of buying. I even have a little in my garage to start me out. I mean $28 for a quart of contact cement is outrageous. $10 for the Weldwood...DONE.

I started out buying Tandy's Contact Cement for gluing two layered belts together and I now I need some more! But....I think the Tandy's stuff is very overpriced and most likely the same exact stuff you can get at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. I guess they think by putting "craftsman" before contact cement they can charge $28 for a quart?!?!? What does everyone else use? Thanks!

Do you have the machine in reverse? Is the wheel turning towards you?

Hello everyone! So, I a customer of mine sent me the best belt mechanic belt prong (picture attached below) I've seen. SnapOn tools makes the belts/prongs. How in the heck can I find out who makes these things? And better yet, how to get these? Definitely a tall order but I figure I'd ask anyway. Thanks for your help!

Hey everyone. What size needle does everyone use for #207 thread? I'm using a 24. Just curious if anyone uses something different. Thanks!

Hello everyone! I want to start sewing more complex stitch patterns on my belts. Like figure 8 patterns, loop diamond stitch patterns, cross stitching, etc. Can someone out there please point me in the right direction about the best way to do this? I'm thinking about buying a cheapy drafting tool kit and drawing out the patterns myself. Obviously, I want the patterns to come out even and symmetric. Like the belt below (click for bigger pic). What are your suggestions? Thanks a lot!

Great advice...thank you very much.

Yeah...that's I was thinking as well. It all depends on the guitar.

Hello all. What is the typical or standard size of a guitar strap hole? I'm thinking of using a 3/8 or 11/32 (osborne #13). Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hello everyone. I'm wondering what's the smallest thread people have used successfully with their Cobra 3 or 4 machines? I want to experiment with some different sized needles and thread, Thanks!

Hello everyone. I'm looking for the best way to seal my projects after using Fiebing's Oil Dye's so they won't bleed. Tried saddle lac and that stuff peels right off...blah. Has anyone had any luck with Tandy's or Eco Flo Super sheens? Appreciate the help.

The hook timing was slightly off. It's funny...I told Steve that having problems right at the beginning is a great way to learn the ins and outs of your machine. I could probably take the whole dang thing apart and put it back together.

Yes...finally. :-) thanks for asking. I appreciate everyones help.

With Steve's guidance, I adjusted the hook timing. The hook should be approx. 1/8 inch above the eye of the needle. Going to make sure the setting is correct again today. And the thread is going through the take up lever. Sigh....

Well...I had to take a break from the machine as I was losing patience after two days of trying to get her to work. Back at it today. Hopefully I can figure it out by today's end. Here is a video on what's happening: I know its something simple. Will call Steve a little later.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm waiting for Steve's call.

Update: the top thread is getting jammed in the shuttle race body. Its failing to go around the bobbin barrel as you can see in these pics. What a mess. It also seems that the spacing between the shuttle hook and the race body is preventing the top thread from going around the bobbin barrel, therefore pulling the thread from my right hand as I hold it before securing the first few stitches. Don't know how to fix this.

I did that just to make sure the shuttle race body, hook cover, shuttle driver was clean, etc. It's driving me cookoo. And thank you for your suggestion sir.

Here are some pictures to maybe help. He's not in the office today. Anyway...Here are some pictures to maybe help.

Man I wish the fix was that easy! But to answer your question no.

Yup Yes sir.

Hello all. I'll try to make sense here. For some reason, my Cobra 3 isn't stitching now. I've re-threaded numerous times, cleaned the machine, etc and it won't work. The top thread grabs the bobbin thread fine before sewing. I'm thinking something is wrong with the tension. The leather is is getting punctured by the needle, the leather is being advanced by the feed dogs. Before stitching, I'll hold both the top and bobbin thread with my right hand so they don't tangled in the bobbin case and the machine wants to pull the top thread from my right hand instead of the spool. If that makes sense. It's weird. Thanks for your help.

Awesome...thanks for your help!