Finally...bit the bullet, pulled the trigger, kicked can down the road

[bladegrinder]

8 hours ago, JWheeler331 said:

A purchase you won't regret. I have been more than happy with mine. 

 

X2...I've had my CB4500 I got from Bob in Toledo for 6 months or so and I'm super happy with it. like you PastorBob I never used a sewing machine in my life so initially there was a somewhat nervous learning curve as to how do I get his thing to do what I want it too. mine came from Bob set up the way I intended to use it, #25 needle-277 thread so it was just a matter of gluing up some samples and start practicing...a lot of samples and a lot of practicing ha ha.

Today I feel pretty confident getting on it and stitching up holsters and sheaths. I think my blunders are in the past. I'm a knifemaker by trade so I don't use it everyday but last week I stitched up six sheaths one after the other, set them out, and looking at them I thought about if I had to hand stitch those, my eyes and hands would hurt and I'd probably still be on the first one. I hand stitched for over 30 years and it was past due I got a machine.

I would say glue up a bunch of scrap different thicknesses and practice a lot getting to know your new machine, you'll never look back.

Congratulations and good luck!

[Burkhardt]

Look at Al Bane on YouTube he has a really complete library on Cobra machines from maintenance to troubleshooting. Also on Facebook has Cobra tips and tricks but the videos are pretty good coverage on things.

[PastorBob]

7 hours ago, Burkhardt said:

Look at Al Bane on YouTube he has a really complete library on Cobra machines from maintenance to troubleshooting. Also on Facebook has Cobra tips and tricks but the videos are pretty good coverage on things.

Subscribed!  Thanks for that information.  I am sure I will be watching lots of videos.

10 hours ago, bladegrinder said:

X2...I've had my CB4500 I got from Bob in Toledo for 6 months or so and I'm super happy with it. like you PastorBob I never used a sewing machine in my life so initially there was a somewhat nervous learning curve as to how do I get his thing to do what I want it too. mine came from Bob set up the way I intended to use it, #25 needle-277 thread so it was just a matter of gluing up some samples and start practicing...a lot of samples and a lot of practicing ha ha.

Today I feel pretty confident getting on it and stitching up holsters and sheaths. I think my blunders are in the past. I'm a knifemaker by trade so I don't use it everyday but last week I stitched up six sheaths one after the other, set them out, and looking at them I thought about if I had to hand stitch those, my eyes and hands would hurt and I'd probably still be on the first one. I hand stitched for over 30 years and it was past due I got a machine.

I would say glue up a bunch of scrap different thicknesses and practice a lot getting to know your new machine, you'll never look back.

Congratulations and good luck!

I will definitely be practicing.  I have about 6 totes and 2 boxes full of "made to order" sewing practice pieces (or scrap). LOL

[Doc Reaper]

You made a great choice, keep it oiled and if you have questions we are all here to help or just chew the fat

[PastorBob]

6 hours ago, Doc Reaper said:

You made a great choice, keep it oiled and if you have questions we are all here to help or just chew the fat

Thanks!  I have my first piece ready to sew for a client.  Still trying to decide on sewing with the machine or by hand.  Not real confident I won't screw it up and have to start from scratch.  May do this one by hand, then keep practicing.  It is just a small pocket knife sheath.  I have a great sword scabbard in the works too.  I would really like to use the machine on that one.  I have a question about proper needle plate and feed dog, but I will ask in separate thread.