Ripper70

Okay. Taking MtlBiker's advice, I switched out to a #20 needle using the same #92 thread and making no changes to my last tension settings. Pics below show the result. The top photo shows the top side (leather), which at first blush, seems better and more consistent. The bottom photo shows the back side (upholstery) which shows bobbin tension just a tad too tight. The second row of stitches shows the front and backside result after tightening the top tension just one click. Any suggestions as to which of the other tensioning options available on the Class 26 would allow me to split the difference here or is it just not possible to dial it in with that kind of accuracy?

Still struggling with tension issues. Never mind the "tensioning-on-the-fly" between varying material thicknesses. I'm just trying to get a proper straight run here. At this point I've set the bobbin tension to a minimum and am trying to only use the top tension with micro adjustments to set the thread properly. In the sample pic below I'm sewing a 3-4 oz. veg tan to a heavy (1mm thick) upholstery using a #19 needle and #92 thread. The top example shows top tension too tight. A small loosening adjustment resulted in the bottom run showing some improvement but some stitches that are still pulling up. Even with these micro adjustments I just can't seem to get an acceptable and consistent balance between top and bottom tension. What would your best recommendations be moving forward from here.

Hello All, I have a few items that I've been trying to stitch on my Cobra Class 26 that have been proving to be a challenge. When a single item has several different layers resulting in varying thicknesses and requires a single, uninterrupted stitch line, how do you accurately adjust the tensioning on the machine to accommodate the differences? Is there a best practice for making these adjustments? Turing the tension knob seems like a hit or miss proposition and without any gauge or markings on the dial it seems like pure guesswork to correctly tension the machine on the fly. How do you all overcome this issue? Thanks in advance for any assistance. Ripper70

Boy, am I glad I read this. I have a whole bunch of family on my wife's side that are fire fighters and first responders. I've had in the back of my mind some designs for radio and gear belts that I could make for them but didn't consider that the thread would require fire retardant properties in order to function in the heat of battle. I did find that The Thread Exchange had a wide variety of Nomex threads in many weights, spool lengths and colors besides black and natural and prices seem competitive. Their offerings also include Spun Kevlar thread but I'm not sure it's as robust as the Nomex for the most demanding situations. I'd be interested in your opinions on the Kevlar thread and best uses, if you have any, and whether or not these Nomex threads are comparable to the ones offered by Wawak. Ripper70

Thank you, kgg. Excellent video.

Hello All, Once again I'm trying to clarify mixed messages, this time regarding loading bobbins on the Cobra Class 26. According to Steve Van Plew, of Van Plew Co., the bobbin thread should run counter clockwise before placing it in the hook basket. According to Aaron Heizer at Maker's Leather Supply, the thread should run clockwise. I know it's a coin flip, but is there a correct way to do this? Would appreciate the opinions of the LW forum experts. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Ripper70

Yes. I just ordered a variety of bonded 207 thread in all the primary and secondary colors from The Thread Exchange. I liked the fact that they sell the small 500 yd. spools so I can try them out without breaking the bank. They didn't have the size #24 needles I wanted so I managed to get an assortment of styles on eBay which turns out to be a pretty good resource. Picked up a box of 25 M-Style bobbins for $18 bucks as well. Just hope they're not so poorly made that they don't work. We shall see. Thanks, Bruce. Checked out your website. Beautiful looking knives you're making. Thanks, Wyowally. I agree that the quality of crafters and wealth of knowledge here on LW's is very impressive. I've been using this place a reference for a while.

Sorry. I stand corrected. I saw the photo in the listing but didn't notice the size options. Thanks for the heads up.

eBay! Now why didn't I think of that? Thank you! That is some very useful information. I have clients that have requested leather patches sewn on trucker hats and think this might be something useful to have on-hand. Can you be more specific as to the description. I'm assuming they're 135x17's like these?

I've already set up an account at Wawak. However, they seem to be limited to just two options for needles in system 135x16 and only size #18. They do have a wide variety of categories but a limited range of items.

Thank you, Wiz. I think I'll test your suggestions when I have some more experience under my belt. Having to dial in the machine settings with that kind of precision may be above my pay grade at the moment. At least you've helped me understand the conflicting info I was reading about needle/thread combinations and the Class 26 capacity. And, if the #207 thread is the heaviest that the machine is designed to handle, I'll stick with the manufacturer's recommendation until I have more confidence in my abilities. I did find a resource that seems to have a great selection of needles called Diamond Needle Corp. out of New Jersey. However, their offerings are limited to boxes of 100 needles and only Organ Brand are sold. How would you rate Organ vs. Schmetz or Groz-Beckert? Do you have a preference? And is there a supplier that you could recommend that offers smaller quantities rather than having to buy 100 needles at a time? Like I mentioned, I'm still in the testing phase and would rather avoid spending money on accessories that won't be put to good use.

Hello All, Long time lurker, first time poster. I've just acquired a Cobra Class 26 machine and will, for the first time ever, be using a sewing machine of any kind. I'd like to try out a variety of needles and threads to get an idea of which would best suit my needs. I make wallets and belts and have several bag designs I'm planning on as well. I've only ever hand stitched using Tiger 0.8mm and 1.0mm thread so I'd like to test my designs using the maximum weight thread my new machine will accommodate. According to the Leather Machine Co. website, the Class 26 uses the 135x16 needle system in sizes #12 - #25 and can use threads from #46 - #207. My question is, if the Class 26 machine can use a #25 needle and a #25 needle can accommodate a #277 thread size, wouldn't that suggest that he maximum thread size the Class 26 can use is #277 and that it's not limited to #207 weight? Also, where is the best source to get threads and leather needles? I've read about twist point needles and would really like to give them a try but I can't seem to find a supplier that has them in sizes larger than #19. The few places that I've checked have some of the thread I'd like to try or a few of the needles I'd like to test but I haven't found any comprehensive supplier that has all or most of what I want. The Thread Exchange and Wawak have a nice variety and reasonable prices but are there other/better suggestions that members here have discovered? Thanks in advance for any assistance and thanks for providing this terrific forum. Ripper70