AlZilla

@SUP I've got some 1911 grip blanks that claim to be coco bolo. I'll have to dig them out, but if they'd fit for you, I can mail you a couple on Monday. Just flat pieces of wood, no holes drilled or anything. PM me a mailing address, if interested. No cost and not worth messing with the small cost of postage - I've been on the receiving end of enough things like this.

There's a video shot at LMC showing them running in a bunch of class 4 heads prior to sale. They must not do the same for the class 26 because there's no way you could miss that noise. Obviously, they're going above and beyond to get this one resolved. 4:30 of this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KOLNoN1sVI8

I thought I read somewhere that fringe serves to help wick moisture away.

Al Bane has a video (which I can't recall exactly) where he slowly overshoots the corner but doesn't sink the needle. He stops and shortens the stitch with the length lever until the needle is where he wants it, then sinks it. Turn corner, return stitch length and continue sewing.

You know, I think I'd call Cowboy Bob. These bloody 135 needles are a mess. He knows what he's talking about AND he sells them.

Here's an older thread by rookie 206 users with similar problems. Maybe something in there will help: https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/75812-consew-206rb-5-jam/

Try sewing cloth. Maybe jamming the wrong needle in there is causing the thread to stay when the tension arm is trying to pull it up, causing your looping. I get screwed up on needles. I have a machine that uses TYPE 16 needles and 2 that use the same 135x16 as your machine. Picking the right machine was just warm up for the real challenge - getting the right needle!

That should be the one. Here's a helpful chart: https://tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

Funny that it was sewing before you moved it and now you have looping. Are you using the same thread, thread size, needle size, etc as when you tested it? Sewing the same material and thickness you tested?

Congratulations on the new machine! I'm not sure if you're saying the belt slips in the pulley, or if the pulley turns and nothing else does. A - If the belt is slipping - yep, you know. Tighten it. B - More likely, you're saying the latter. If that's the case, I don't know anything about that machine, but I'd be looking for a safety clutch somewhere that needs a good smacking. I'd agree, it has to be a simple thing. [EDIT] Hang on - You said "...pulley stops and the belt spins". Seems like the belt has to be loose, doesn't it? [EDIT AGAIN] Round 3 - will it hand wheel through full revolutions?? If not, I'd be looking for something binding up in the bobbin area. Maybe something shook loose during transport.

I bet the 277 has a clutch motor. If the 206 works for everything you're currently doing and you're right about lower pricing meaning you sell more product, then you'll have a revenue stream and options. Make the 206 pay for a cylinder arm.

I don't know anything about that particular machine but I do wonder if it includes a table/motor and if it's the model with reverse. Hopefully this one will work out for you!

As always, the detailed knowledge bombs are appreciated. Much to learn in this little hobby ...

A tangent, but related. Is #92 or #138 or whatever "size" a diameter or breaking strength? I had assumed "size" was a diameter.

I've been following this and appreciate your situation. I understand completely the cash out of pocket situation and not wanting to buy a used machine. I've been quiet because the sewing machine sages here have all the information you need and I'm a rank amateur. That said, I think you'll regret going with a flatbed over a cylinder arm. Maybe consider a Cowboy Outllaw. Manual and not as sexy as some of the other options, but it fits your budget and sews the size thread you need. Maybe those totes and clutches could be a little thin, you'd have to investigate.

That lever on the right side ought to be a clue. Doesn't tell ME anything, but maybe someone.

The Sewing Machine Sages will be along shortly with their incredible insight. Meanwhile, one rookie to another, if it was stitching right up until you rethreaded it with different thread, and now it's not, I'd say the problem lies with the thread or the threading. That's what changed. Did you change thread size and maybe throw the upper tension off? Also, I'd look closely at that thread path and make sure it's threaded exactly the way the seller wants it done. But since you have a Cobra, I'd call Leather Machine Co. They have a stellar reputation for customer support and I'd be surprised if they don't have it sorted in a few minutes over the phone.

Great, more books for me to find...

If you don't *need* that machine right away, that's a great plan. I acquired a 111W about 6 or 8 months ago that had been sitting for north of 10 years. I've been on and off tinkering, cleaning, freeing it up, replacing this and that and now I'm stitching 138 top and bottom quite nicely. And I've learned a lot along the way. Keep at it.

I think this is the holster to which the OP is referring: https://www.riverjunction.com/5859 It reminds me of so called "Pawn Shop Engraving". A very crude engraving committed about a hundred years ago upon otherwise perfectly good firearms. People today make a point of collecting these atrocities, while others see them as inexcusable (I'm in the latter camp). "Trench Art" is another matter - some guy with nothing but a nail and a holster doing the best he can, I'm totally on board with that. But, hey ... "art" is in the eye of the beerholder, so who am I to judge?

Wow! That's a VERY special order! I bet a person really cries when they break a $22 needle.

Not that I expect to ever have one of those machines, but I'm curious what got you to the 5mm stitch length?

Aha! This led me down the rabbit trail of Singer Class 7's and the ISMACS page for class 1 to 99. Well worth a persue and includes the Class 9-1. 18 feet long and sews 1.5" thick. I see a whole new vista of Singer sewing machine collecting for me. Thanks everyone for indulging my curiosity.

Just curious ... are there any machines that sew a thicker stack then the 441/clones? I haven't seen any references to needle systems bigger than the 794s, either.

OK, how about this ... does the machine have an automatic thread trimmer and it's activated by the cable when the presser foot is lifted?