Thanks Wizcrafts and kgg. I’m new here and don’t quite know how to respond to individuals or quote yet. I’m located in South Carolina and will primarily be sewing handbags,totes etc in Veg tan leather, waxed canvas and cork in the 5 to 10 oz weight. I currently have an old Singer 111w155 that I’m using. It sews great. I just need a cylinder arm. I collect sewing machines. Especially domestic 1st editions. I currently own about 30 machines ,but most are domestic with 4 industrials. I retired from costuming in the theater,film,opera and dance world where I was a dressmaker and tailor for over 30 years. I don’t want to be bothered with peoples body image and fit issues any longer so this new endeavor will occupy me and not have to deal with folks insecurities about their bodies.
I’d typically be sewing a double layer of 5 oz veg tan leather transitioning to a single layer. I just don’t want to stop every time I get to a transition to change the bobbin tension. I’ve never had to do that in my career and don’t want to make a mistake purchasing an industrial machine that requires that much attention.
I’ll look into the Cowboy machine. I live in a rural area so I’d have to travel to test any machine I decide to pursue. I do have a Cobra dealer about 1 1/2 hour drive away. But the user in the video I watched was using a Cobra 26 and was changing the bobbin tension at each new transition. That’s why I was trying to avoid them.