ComputerDoctor

Re-cut the edge if allowable, so it is even and then finish the edge to your satisfaction, then if need be, use 'Super Glue,' very sparingly and hold in place or clamp until dry and then 'sand' any excess glue away and then use 'Edge coat' not edge dye and any imperfections will disappear. This works for me as the black edge coat I use covers all of those little gaps. Please understand that I am an amateur but this works for me. Sam:)

I have bought a huge selection of 'snap rivet's' of all sizes and kinds, my latest being the 'Jeweled ones,' that look 'classy' on some pieces. I buy mostly from SLC and Tandy, in Springfield, mo, in person and once in a while from 'Hobby Lobby,' in Joplin, MO, close to where I live. Prices at SLC for the large 100 piece packs are really cheap and great quality. Lots of the packets of rivets also have the appropriate 'snap head' in the pack and this makes it easier for the purchaser. There are many sizes so make sure you have the correct tools to set them. Sam:)

Thank you my Friends! I really appreciate your advice and opinions:) Sam

Thanks Wiz, I appreciate it:) Sam

Thanks Floyd and may I ask what kind and model machine you use? SLC is my favorite place and I buy lots of stuff from them and at 70 miles away, it's not to far to travel. My nearest 'Cowboy' retailer is in DFW @ 350 miles! So far, it's a toss up between the Class 26 and the class 3 or 4 Cobra's. All will feed and sew 3/32 to 5/8 for the 26 and up to 7/8 for the 3 and 4. Sam:)

Now I am as confused as before I posted this thread:) Apparently more research is needed! Money is NOT the issue but I want the right machine if possible, with good technical support if needed. So far, I have sewed with a Cobra class 3 and it worked very well and may work for what I need but the thinner stuff may not feed properly????? A Janome HD3000 I demo'd at a dealer was absolutely worthless on all but the thinnest textiles:( Oh well, life is about choices and I may be like Don Quixote dreaming 'The Impossible Dream.' I live in Southwest Missouri, so dealers for industrial leather sewing machines are few and far between. Thanks for the replies! Sam:)

It has been a long and nerve wracking struggle to choose my first leather sewing machine but I believe I have found the one I need in the Cobra class 26 model. My concern has been doing my best to make a good purchase the first time for light weight wallets, check books, journals, purses, briefcases and lots of holsters and knife sheaths no thicker than 15 oz combined thickness. I won't be making stirrups nor saddles nor anything real thick. I live close to a great COBRA dealer and I feel this will be a real plus for me. I'm looking for real life experience with this machine and pro's and con's of its use. Thank you! Sam:)

That looks real good! Nice work When you get your swivel knife, it will initially feel very weird so don't try to use it on something important, rather practice on scrap as practice makes perfect. Sam

Very nice work! Sam:)

Mo, I'm going through the same thing you are as I am looking for my FIRST Leather sewing machine and there must be a thousand different ones AND, they are all the BEST according to their retailer's I find that 99% are from China but I won't 'bad mouth' that fact because I'm sure I will end up with a CHINA one anyway:( What bothers me most is there are hardly no 'Overlap' machines that do thin leather like on some wallets and purses and do knife sheaths and thick holsters like I also make! I have actually been told that most need 2 machines, one for the light stuff and one HD for the heavy stuff---how very convenient:) Personally, I think it's important to buy from someone that is close, that has great customer service, if needed, which I'm sure it will be:) I'm not a 'Globalist' at all and I wish that the United States produced what I need. Some play with the "Made in America,' thing but have to admit that all of the parts are 'foreign sourced.' Oh well! Sam:)

It absolutely amazes me that those little ol' scrap projects, just started on a whim end up taking a LONG life of their own and can be so difficult:) I have so much scrap that I could spend months just working on weird, impractical stuff---that would still be artistically beautiful, at least to me:) Sam

Yes but I eat a lot of Bean Burrito's---SO Toasted Sourdough with lots of butter and pan fried Eggs over easy is my Sunday meal, right before Church--Yum yum:) Your sheath is a nice project and looks good! I am constantly looking around at my scrap and all kinds of weird stuff to use for a new project! Sam:)

Superglue works for me, used lightly: Immediately held together for maybe a minute or two and then clamped for a couple of hours or overnight. I have used every glue mentioned and had the same problems if over zealous with its application but we live and learn:) I do like the idea of making the product larger and then trimming after gluing and sewing, just be careful with the trimming. Sam:)

GOOD Maybe these actions at trade parity will allow someone-anyone, to develop and produce HD leather sewing machines and other consumer products in the United States, using our resources and American CITIZENS for labor. Fair is fair:) Sam

Is this machine workable on leather projects short of Saddles? I believe it takes 138 thread as the maximum it will use. I make Holsters, Knife Sheaths, thick cowboy type wallets, briefcases and journals, with nothing over about 3/8 inch combined thickness. I want to do decorative sewing on belt blanks also. I have been told that in my HOBBY shop, that a Cowboy 3200 or a Cobra class 3/4 would be overkill, so I need some opinions please:) Sam

I would appreciate any and all experienced or even opinionated comments on what, in your applications and opinions is the BEST Leather sewing machine for a new person (9 months) to purchase in the 2- 3 thousand dollars price range???? Currently, I fabricate everything that is represented on this forum except for 'Saddles' and some very thin and artistic purses however, I am tired of hand stitching for what seems like hours! I project advertising on social media and making more sales than I do now, when I can produce product that has consistent quality on a timely basis. Thanks for any comments. Sam

Or you can do like I did, in the southern California foothills, since about 1966 until 1999 when we moved to Missouri: Hike around and kill and skin your own:) Sam")

Congrat's Albob! That is a really nice setup. I've watched so many Youtube video's of that machine working and I am just about to buy my first HD leather sewing machine myself. I am sort of concerned about amortizing the costs involved though, trying to justify the idea that I will expand my market and sell more product and then it would be worth it. As it is now, with the low volume I sell, I can still painfully hand stitch, which never really looks professional, at least to me. I'm going to buy a Cobra class 4 from 'Springfield Leather company,' since they are who I buy product from and they are very, very friendly, instructive and helpful to me, a 'newbee' with only about 9 months of experience. Can't wait to see your stuff! Sam:)

Just finished this and it's ready to hang on the wall in our den. Sam:)

Gorgeous Sam

Good work and beautiful for sure! "Barenia and Chevre Chagrin I have no idea what type of leather this is and where did you get it? Sam:)

Very nice and I love the natural pattern of the fish skin. Sam:)

Way to go! Innovation is the mother of invention or however it goes! Companies charge way to much for a block of wood to hold the stamping tools. A Cobra class 4 machine is my upcoming purchase although I really like the Cowboy 3200 and have watched lots of Youtube videos of their operation! I am so tired of punching holes and had stitching, which takes forever! I'm a Southern Calif boy, born in Lynwood, raised in Paramount, lived there and in Bellflower and Downey and then moved to Hemet, CA, before moving to Carthage, Missouri in 1999. I miss the ocean so bad I can smell and taste it from here! I had a Ocean powerboat, Sailboat and Zodiac in several private Marina's from Huntington beach to Ventura. I deep sea fish and scuba and I really miss that! I'm a Motorcyclist too, for the last 55 years and 85 motorcycles:) Write a review of your new toy after you've taken it for a test spin. Sam

" And I’ll agree with ya. There’s been some silly comments on this thread... " Clintock quote Yeah but all were done to edify, instruct and build confidence in us newbee's Sam Quote

Looks great! Good work:) Sam