JREESER1

I found so much helpful, vital information and encouragement on these forums that enabled me to decide to take the plunge and select a Cobra 4P from Cobra Steve, in April. You can not imagine the on again-off again roller coaster I rode up to the decision to commit. Buy the largest machine and you will save money and effort. Better to have more that enough machine and potential than too little and $1500-$1800 regrets. I have had 2 huge struggles with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma twice since 2009. An original onset of the insult to my immune system that allowed my resistance to fail and brought on by a bout of viral infections including shingles lead to the cancer taking a hold and starting the nearly impossible, deep trench that is cancer. I could not justify the commitment without knowing my lifespan and how long the Chemo, radiation therapies and finally a stem-cell transplant would take or more important let me stay here and be strong enough to even learn what I needed to know to use a 200 lb machine to do delicate stitching and quality, good looking products. Don't get me wrong I am still a very long way from where I want to be but I learn something every day that I can file into the process to make better pieces faster and easier. I began with hand sewn bags, pouches and have graduated into holsters, belts and Harley accessories. I get tired easily and wear down quickly so I have to dole out my energy the smartest ways possible. And I must strike quickly, when I feel good enough to get going and run the feeling out until I begin making errors. Without the Cobra 4 and Steve's unyielding commitment to his customers I would have given up and quit or continued the time consuming efforts of hand sewing. I need to see progress or I loose the enthusiasm and I cannot loose this craft. Leatherwork and the people on this Forum have become very, very important in my life and a big reason to keep going. I enjoy and will do anything I am proud of and want to learn to do. I also know anyone that will commit to finding their own learning processes and practice, practice, practice can, with the hundred years of collected knowledge and wisdom found in this wonderful forum must and will aid us all on the journey of making all of the things we need to make for what ever reason. And be very proud and fulfilled. Might not be happening on the first stab but it must happen! jr

You will not regret dealing with Steve and his staff. Any question or need will get a response. The machine will make your life easier. Once you get the hang of it, you will be surprised at how quickly long projects get finished. Be sure to check out the Al Bane videos on YouTube, especially the threading, presser foot tension adjustments and oiling sections. Also consult Steve about the correct needles and thread combinations for your projects. He has seen it all. Above all ENJOY and practice, practice, practice! jr

Tom, I have watched you jump in and help anyone needing an innovated, stunning solution to pattern problems. You have a special talent, and a gracious generosity. You truly inspire bringing the very qualities that make this such a unique site. From all of us; THANK YOU! jr

dmt.com Good stuff! jr.

I am sure any of our vendors would happily provide specs, compatibility or any other questions you have. I have full confidence in the advice I have received on all products I have ever had any question about. I have read your contributions to the forums and understand how you view quality. I trust my Cobra 4P to the oil I received from Cobra Steve. I am sure your Adler has the same or tighter tolerances, and I bet the oils available from our venders meet or exceed Adler specs. By the way, the white will penetrate veg-tan if I neglect to wipe off the excess and drips, especially from the presser foot, that form after I lube my machine, but this is not staining, in my opinion. Any oil will penetrate veg tan, wanted or unintended. jr

You know what you are getting from any of our "Banner" advertisers. I would never take a chance with any unknown lubricant. Modern new formula motor oils have ruined many overhauls because the engine builders were ignorant of the new formulas and assumed motor oil is motor oil. I rely on the experts that deal with sewing machine lubricants every day. Cheaper to be safe than sorry. IMHO jr

I know it is expensive at $15.00 (Elite price), but the Tandy Edge Coat Applicator Tool, # 3437-00 works very well. I use it to apply glue for holding stitching gussets seams, as well as the intended edge coating. The liquid, adhesive/tint/dye, is applied evenly and neatly. If you clean it with warm water immediately after use, it stays easy to use for any purpose I used Q-tips. jr

I put a reply on your original post under Leather Sewing Machines. jr

The screws attach the switch for the light to any convenient place on or under the table. I mounted mine is near the servo-motor switch, under the front right. Use the little magnet hooks to string the cord away from getting snagged or in the way. My small light is mounted by its magnetic base to illuminate the presser foot and needle to aid my old eyes in maintaining a straight seam and threading the needle. I use #138 thread on a 23 needle, on 6 ounce and thicker leather. Anything thinner than 6 ounces is hard for the walking foot to maintain proper stitching. I have used #92 thread on the 23 needle, but I think the holes are too large for that thread, and it does not look right. By the way I have been able to get the proper 794 Schmetz or 7X3 Organ leather needles on line only from Cobra Steve or other vendors whose banners are at the top of the forums. No one locally carries these big needles. Also order some extra bobbins and wind them before you need them. There is an excellent pinned topic in the Sewing Leather Forum on 794 needle point types and thread sizing. One thing you must do is practice. Use leather scraps from your projects and fold it to duplicate the same thickness and play with stitch lengths and thread tension settings. Use the videos to set presser foot height on the "banana" bracket on the back of the machine. Mostly use Steve and his staff for help and suggestions. Have fun! Do not be afraid to experiment. Get comfortable! jr

You will not regret either; the great machine or your relationship with Cobra Steve and the entire crew at Leather Machine Co. If you run into any problem where you need advise or help, Steve and his staff will answer any issue and not make you feel like you are imposing or feeble. You have become a part of their family! jr

Welcome. You will find the best people on this site. By the way, my avatar is Raven Tracks. I love the Corvus corax.

Wonderful! I love your innovation. Improving things you feel are not quite what you want. I like the addition of the the copper rivets, as well. I use them as often as I can. Good job, my friend! jr

I will attest to every word your wrote, CyLee. I only live two states away but Steve came through for me and I continue to have all the confidence in the world for him and his staff. They all go the extra mile to make sure I am getting what I need, from advise to bobbins. I feel The Leather Machine Co. is more friend than vendor! Be sure to look up the Cobra 4 video by Al Bane on Youtube. If anything needs clarification, call Steve. Good stuff!!!

Anything that will be exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet) will hold up better with polyester. Everything I have read says polyester resists mildew and abrasion better. All of my machine thread is polyester. I have had great service and response from The Thread Exchange. (thethreadexchange.com)

I can attest from my own experience, you will be very happy with the Cobra 4. I am so very pleased with the machine, and with the service and responses from Steve at the Leather Machine Co. I know you will be happy and satisfied in all of your dealings with Cobra Steve. jr

I bought a Sailrite LSZ 3years ago and it did a good job on leather up to 6-7 oz. The problems with thicker leather is the tension is released when the presser foot is raised to 2.5 mm and without the tension the stitches go away, into birds nests and missed stitches and the locking stitch is missed. I tried for 3 years to play with presser foot tension and top thread tension but no dice on anything over 6.5 ounces. I have beat lymphoma twice and did not want to confine my work to thin leathers or hand stitching which I did until the 2nd cancer, I felt I was running out of time to get 'er done. I still use the Sailrite for lightweight sewing and it does a beautiful job with zippers and bag straps. It has real limitations with sewing straps to d-rings and other hardware. Can't get close enough to the hardware with the available foot selection. So long story short I bought a Cobra4-P from Steve at the Leather Machine CO. He is truly one of the best human beings on this or any planet. He went out of his way to get me what I needed not what he could have sold me. His help and service from his company is beyond superb. The Cobra will do it all, all you need to do is understand the tension functions, presser foot tension and how to use the cylinder arm. I have not a bad word for the Sailrite and consider it the best portable light weight machine for the money. And it did all I asked within its capabilities. It sews straight, flawless seams with #92 or sometimes #138 thread on 6 ounce or thinner leather, either veg tanned or chrome. It just has limitations that I should have researched better three years ago.

On chrome tanned, I feel an inside seam looks cleaner. Most of my bags are done with lined 5-8 oz. chrome tanned, including the gussets. One word of caution, there have been times, especially if the gusset is not very wide, a lot of force is required to invert the bag and straighten the seams between the gusset and the front/back panels. Inside seams also allow for the wider corner seams to not detract from the bag. This is only an opinion. I have seen magnificent examples of outside seams, but given a choice I prefer clean straight inside gusset seams. I don't think there is a right or wrong way, just preferences.

Many thanks to the questioners, answerers, contributors, moderators and the advertisers who always go the extra mile to help, even with a competitor's product. And a special thank you to Wiz,

Nothing touches "As Time Goes BY"....... You need to see it from the 1st episode, suffer through the first few droll episodes, confusing cast definitions and roles nuances. Then settle in to the delight of THER VERY BEST old fashion romantic comedy, EVER,EVER!. The cast, headed by DAME JUDY Dench leads on to situations common to everyone. And when you end this magnificent series and take time to ponder and digest sheer comfort and bygone un-hassled or un-hustled goodness. Get A hold Of Last of the Summer wine and prepare to be rapt an d laugh you self sick. THE BEST REASONS TO OWN A TV.(period) Blind BBC managed to find 2 stupendous nuts....Thanks Claire for reminding me!!!! Thanks.

There are 144 sq. inches in a sq. foot (12"x12") and 9 sq. feet (3'x3') in a sq. yard. An argument with a bureaucrat over the size of a red flag on overhanging pieces protruding from a vehicle on a commercial driver's license test is how I remember. I was the one that said 144 sq. inches. Even after being proven wrong he was not going to pass me until a supervisor intervened. jr

The only person that has never made a mistake, never did anything. I've come to the conclusion that some mistakes turn out ok, some are better but never regret trying.

I have no doubts about my Cobra4. Steve and his crew at Leather Machine Company, make owning and learning about the fabulous stitcher very easy. Personally I have not one regret or even a second thought about buying my Cobra and will recommend the machine and Steve and his crew to anyone. jr

I think stuff you make for yourself or close family that has an unintended uniqueness just makes it more special and something that will bring good memories when good friends and your loves talk about you. Enjoy and revel in your humanness. Never regret something you create. No one in the universe will make another exactly like it!

thethreadexchange.com Good folks, pay a living wage and I have ordered multiple times!

The great folks on this site, like you, keep me coming back.......every day. And everyday is all I can ask!