Cobra Steve

Regis, there are literally hundreds of bar tack stitches. There are bar tacks that sew belt loops onto pants, or many times are used for adding strength to a seam, like the corners of pockets. These are called straight tacks. Where ever there is a stress point is where you will find a bar tack stitch. A bar tack does the same thing as a back tack. It sews over the same stitches twice, for added strength. The only difference is, it is driven by a cam, so it only does 1 stitch type. You can change the cam, gears, and clamp to achieve different patterns as well. There are box x stitches that are common on seat belts or on nylon webbing projects. A box x stitch adds strength as well. You can also change the cam, gears, and clamp to change the patterns on box x machines as well. There are also programmable tackers. These are computerized machines that allow you to change to hundreds of different patterns. The only thing that you will need are different clamps(clamps hold the material in one place so the machine can sew the desired pattern) enabling you to have the ability to use one machine for many different tacking jobs. This is just the basic stuff regarding tackers. Thanks, Steve

Hi, after looking at the photo, it looks to me like it was not sewn twice(on top of each other), because that would be almost impossible to do, especially at the corners. It was probably done on a machine that is capable of sewing with a heavier thread. The thread looks to be a 207 or 277. You could use 207 on top and 138 in the bobbin. Make sure that the machine that you buy, has the capabilities to handle this combination. Thanks, Steve

Hi Out East, the Classic #9 is a great machine. The price is even better! I know Tony Luberto personally, and he will be able to help you with all of your questions. I have his number at work if you need it. Thanks, Steve

Hi Tony, so much for global warming. Thanks for f your concern. Please send your rain! I'm 25 miles from one fire, and 20 miles from the other, but that's the way it always is out here. There is ash on my street. Thanks, Steve

Hi Chouinardragon, Barra is right, however, you mentioned in your post something about 2 rows of stitches. This is normally done with a double needle walking foot machine. Sometimes you can sew 1 row and then the next, but you better be pretty good at sewing straight or it will not look professional. They also use a double needle for strength. You can change the stitch length on any machine. Thanks, Steve

Hi Hobby Tom, like Johanna says, contact all the dealers and see what they have to offer, the info is free, but you can be sure, no matter what you buy, I will be there to help you with any problem you may encounter. Thanks, Steve

Thank you, Mr. Wyvern. Call one of us if you need anything. Steve

Hi scissormedic, yes there is a machine for you. All of the Sewing Machine Companies sell the machine that you need. I suggest that you contact all of these companies and talk to them, getting as much info as you can. This info is free and valuable. You can then make an educated decision, based on what you have learned. Thanks, Steve, and thanks for the post.

Regis, sorry for the delay, somehow I missed this one. For upholstery work the formula is to add 1/16" to the size of the foot, so if you have a 1/8" cord, you will need a 3/16" cording foot. If you have a 3/16" cord, then you will need a 1/4" cording foot, and so on. It will vary when it comes to leather, so as Ryan says, measure the leather that you are going to cover the cording/welting with. There is a better way to do it. Most upholsterers use a right toe zipper foot, so there is nothing to the left of the needle, except for the left edge of the center foot, which many people grind down so you can get closer to the welt or cord. The advantage of the zipper foot over the cording foot is versatility. You can use the zipper foot for zippers(obviously), and for sewing right next to any size of welt or cord. With the cording foot, you can only use it with one size welt or cord. You can also sew closer to the welt or cord with a zipper foot. Remember, you want the right toe zipper foot, not the left. Thanks, Steve

Hey buddy, if it does the job that you want it to, then you made a good choice. Seiko has always been a quality machine, at one time they made Brother, and Consew as well. thanks, Steve

Hi everyone! Well our new website is now up and running! Please click on the Leather Machine Co., Inc. Banner ad and visit our new site. Please check out all of the different categories and, if you don't mind, add your comments and opinions. I appreciate your support. Thank you, Steve http://leathermachineco.com

Johanna, lookin' good! Keep up the good work, Steve

Harvey, ideally you would want 2 machines. One for light to medium weight, and one for medium to heavy weight. The lightweight machine should be a flatbed for sewing up to 20oz. leather. In some cases you may be able to sew a little heavier. The important factor is the thread size. Most of these types of machines will sew 138 size thread top and bottom, and in some cases 207, however you cannot use 207 in the bobbin, there's not enough clearance for the thread to pull up and make a nice tight stitch. This is where the heavier machine comes in. Most heavy duty machines are more versatile than lightweight machines. You can always sew thinner leather with a heavier machines, because you can use a 138 size thread as well as a 346 thread. You cannot do this with a lightweigjht machine. The reason for both machines... it is a hassle changing thread and needle sizes every time you want to sew different weights. This is just an overview of this subject, but it is a good starting point. Thanks, Steve

Thanks to all. Call me for anything. Your friend, Steve

Bruce, you are right. The information available today regarding sewing machines is vast. If the consumer has questions, Art, Ryan, or myself (and others), will make sure that we give them the best information that we know. This is a good time to buy, as you say, however the reasons for buying vary. There are the people that buy based on price, the people that buy from the company that they trust, and the people that don't give a darn about either. This is the group that will be filtered out, and may the best man win. To those who buy based on price, remember, desperate men do desperate things. You do not want to have any regrets in a year and a half from now. For those who buy from the company that you trust, we all thank you, we could all split the remaining potential customers, and all make a living. I say to the potential customer: call all of the sewing machine dealers and listen to what they have to offer, then make your informed decision. We all deserve a chance to satisfy you. You will not regret learning about each company. Thank you, Steve

Kevin is a good friend. He is always available to answer questions. Integrity, credibility, and honesty are what he is made of. You owe me Kevin.(lol). Your friend, Steve

Talonzz, this machine will be better served as a conversation piece. It is truly a collectors item. As I recall, it had the long bobbin that traveled front to back, not at a radius. You should not try and "fix it up" or polish, paint or clean with chemicals. This will drop the value of the machine. That's all I can tell you. Thanks, Steve

Hello to all. Everyone has seen what is going on in the Sewing Machine world. Most of you know me as being an honest, hardworking, man who will go out of my way for you, the customer. My customer service is well known and documented. The COBRA line of stitchers are made in the finest factories. You all know that price is not the deciding factor when purchasing a leather stitching machine. Recently Tim Cox of Zack White Leather told me that his customers preferred the COBRA over my competitors 4 to 1. After sewing on our machines, I am sure that you will agree. It all starts with my factories. My factories goes above and beyond when finding sub-contractors to make certain items for our machines. There are "A" factories, "B" factories, and "C" factories in China. You can be sure that you are getting nothing but the best when purchasing a COBRA machine. I know first hand that this is not the case from other companies. Price is no object when I purchase anything, and everything from our factories. The only thing that matters to me is quality. I have no choice but to be better than the competition to stay in business. I will NEVER cut corners when it comes to my customers. Tony, my mechanic is the best in the world, (and I mean the world) at what he does. He has literally set up over 1000 machines to do what they are supposed to do. He is the best. I urge you to really consider these facts before buying: 1. The quality of our factories. 2. Our mechanic (Tony). 3. Our customer service (Steve) These are the main reasons that set COBRA machines apart from others, and remember...after the sale is more important than the sale itself, because after the sale goes on forever. In 6 months from now, if I can't help you on your machine, and give you the service that you deserve, then what are you going to tell your friends? You can be sure, they are not calling me. But if I take care of you and you are satisfied and happy, then your friends are calling me. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. and I intend to use it to my advantage. I promise you (and promises were meant to be kept), that I will not let you down for as long as I'm alive. Thank you, Steve

I know you all will all get a kick out of this: Hey Jerry from Artisan, HAPPY BIRTHDAY you old fart!

Welcome aboard, glad you are here! Steve

Thanks, guys! I really do appreciate the support. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. Steve

ps0303, I haven't sold a spool of polyester thread in years. Most everyone uses Bonded Nylon. Thanks, Steve

Hi Gregg, nice to hear from you again,(sort of). The last thing I want to do is go down this path again, however I do appreciate the feelings that you have for me. I know why you feel the way you do and if the situation ever happened again, I would do the same thing for you, regardless of ramifications from my boss. I'm not saying that you're points are valid or not. With that said, I think that you should have sent Johanna a PM regarding your opinion. How is it living in Washington now? Are you still a Raiders fan or are you a Seattle Seahawk fan. Call me if you ever need me, 1-866-962-9880, thanks, your friend(no matter what), Steve

Hey buddy, soft means that the thread has not been bonded. You want bonded nylon for holsters. It will allow the stitch to be consistent and stronger. Thank, Steve