Cobra Class 14 Leather Splitter - Complete Unit vs. Head Only

[PaulaK]

I'm looking at buying a Cobra Class 14 leather splitter and was looking for opinions regarding using the complete unit versus just using the head with the manual crank. I have limited space and it would be much simpler to place the head only with the crank on an existing table but wondered how hard the crank would be to turn. Thanks for any guidance.

Paula

[TomE]

It is really handy to have both hands free to guide the leather or reverse directions. I think the motor and stand are very worthwhile. One aspect that might not be obvious is directing the split off the drive roller and out the back of the machine. Waxy leathers and softer temper leathers tend to get stuck in the slots and wrap around the roller. Controlling the drive speed with the foot pedal is another handy feature of the complete unit. 

[PaulaK]

Thank you! That helps to know the advantages of having hands free. 

[Gregamee]

I'm really struggling with pulling the trigger on a class 14. The cost point is negligible between the manual and powered. It's the jump from a Tandy splitter to the 14. 3K. Also I wonder if you can skive with a 14? Probably not worth the headache.

 

[TomE]

1 hour ago, Gregamee said:

I'm really struggling with pulling the trigger on a class 14. The cost point is negligible between the manual and powered. It's the jump from a Tandy splitter to the 14. 3K. Also I wonder if you can skive with a 14? Probably not worth the headache.

 

I don't know of a good way to skive with a Class 14.  It is best used for thinning larger pieces of leather than can be done with a manual pull-type splitter.  It is also easier to do long splits on the Class 14.  I still use my Tandy Pro splitter for lap skives on the ends of straps.

[Gregamee]

Well I just ordered my class 14 splitter this past Saturday,  I received an email saying they were processing my order but not when it would ship. I hate not hearing anything. 

[Burkhardt]

8 hours ago, Gregamee said:

Well I just ordered my class 14 splitter this past Saturday,  I received an email saying they were processing my order but not when it would ship. I hate not hearing anything. 

You'll be happy you ordered now instead of the insanity shipping coming with black Friday sales.  Brings you back to waiting for X=mas morning, now it's for a tracking number.