Chapmaker

Drove down to Ontario last Tuesday and picked up my new Class 4. So far I have only done a couple of halters, and repaired a bunch of hobbles for a customer, but if this is any indication, I am going to have a long love affair with this machine.

Website? Business name? Any outlets in the U.S.?

I wish you Luck. I finally gave up, and will be picking up my new Class 4 Monday in Ontario. I think once people get hold of one, they hang on to it!

The Hide House, Napa CA. Nothing but good things to say. They ship next day, and accept returns of any leather I am not pleased with.

Ok, if you can buy wholesale, I suggest Aime Imports- they are in Texas. Or Harness Hardware out of Canada. I use both; if one doesn't have exactly what I want, the other one does.

I agree. Texas Dies. Turn around is about 5-6 business days.

I have made many a pair of chaps/chinks, but was recently asked to produce a pair of perpetual chaps for the rodeo queen to wear during her rein each year. These will need to have the appropriate lettering applied ("2015 PRCA RODEO QUEEN", for instance). So my question is, has anyone ever done this? I picture myself cutting out every letter, then glueing and stitching each one on just before I begin beating my head against the wall. I am open to any and all your experiences. Thank you, Nicholas

Thanks for the advice. I do NOT know what I am doing, which is why I am asking for so much advice. I would much rather pay $2395 for what I know to be a new warranted Cobra class 4, than a used unknown Weaver machine. I think I just answered my own question... Thanks guys.

Any one have an opinion about the Weaver "Master Lockstitch"? I have a chance to pick up a (supposedly) 2 year old machine for $2000. I am already nervous, he was asking $2500 and accepted my $2000 right away. I have not seen the machine yet. Thoughts?

So I am a chap/chink maker; soft saddlebags pretty regularly, chap alterations, saddle repair, motorcycle seats- just about anything to do with leather I guess. I am using a Reliable MSK 1541s, which is a Juki clone of course. It is really a great machine for what I do. Here is the deal- I want to expand my business into tack (as well as once in a while I am really pushing the limits of my Reliable). I would really like to build breast collars, bronc halters, etc., I already studied the market, and I think I can justify the expansion. My budget is $2500, but I can fudge on that a little if I must. I have considered the Cowboy (3200 or 3500), Cobra (class 3, or 4), Adler is pretty much out of my range, (and I am told that you have to buy every little extra). I am open to suggestions, and advice. I want to be able to sew at least 1/2", but probably not ever more than 3/4". Thanks much.

My post is going to be way to late to offer any usable input on this issue to the original question, but thought I would, none-the-less, add my input for reference. I own a Reliable 1541S, and have for two or so years. The primary use is in making chaps, chinks, saddlebags and the like. I have made an occasional halter, and some saddle repair. The results are as follows: Up to 1/4" leather, no problem at all. The machine has more than enough power, and this is generally where I work- below 1/4". On occasions, I will do a project that involves 3/8" (three layers of 9-10oz, for instance) with mixed results. If I split all the leather so there is little or no chance of going beyond this thickness, all is well. If, however, I am in a rush and allow this thickness to grow, I am going to have skipped stitches, and broken needles- again, it is not a power issue, but simple a capacity issue due to needle size and machine engineering (says I). Overall- a great machine, used within the design limitations, and I would buy it again. As for me, I am now looking for a second machine for the rare times I need to sew over the 3/8", and I am seriously considering a Cowboy CB3200, so feel free to give me your input. Hope I have been helpful.