Cobra Class 26 vs Juki LS-341

[LMullins]

Hey Folks,

I'm looking to upgrade to an industrial stitcher. I've been hand-sewing the majority of my projects and think it's about time to upgrade.

I was looking at purchasing a brand new Cobra Class 26 w/ EPS but as soon as I went to purchase, the price increased by $275... plus the shipping to my area is quite high.

in the meantime I did some research and was alerted to a Juki LS-341 for sale under $1000 with a new motor and supposedly in operational order.

 

Now I'm not familiar with the Juki machines, so I've been reading up a bit but there's a few questions I'd like answered in a more straightforward way.

Here's what I'm interested to know:

1. What are the main differences between the two?

2. What are the capabilities of the Juki compared to the Cobra? From what I see, the Cobra has a larger bobbin spool and can use a larger thread. 

3. What should I be looking out for? 

4. What thickness will it comfortably reach? Will the Juki handle 2 layers of 8oz?
 

5. Is this a good option for long runs of stitching? Such as gun belts, reins, etc.?

6. How do the machines compare to one another in terms of quality and performance? 

Thanks for answering. Ultimately, I'm looking for a reliable, consistent machine for belt runs that won't put up a fuss. Let me know what you folks have to share 

[BurntLeatherCo]

I used a cobra 26 yesterday for the first time & it was amazingly smooth to be honest. I have not used a LS-341 but personally think if your comparing the under $1000 juki to the price of a new cobra. I would personally go with the Juki. That is not a bad price at all & you could always sell it & get the 26 if you wanted. I apologize I didnt answer your exact questions but figured I’d share my thoughts. 

[BurntLeatherCo]

I don’t know what state your in but I actually just found a class 26 in Colorado for $1000

[LMullins]

4 minutes ago, BurntLeatherCo said:

I don’t know what state your in but I actually just found a class 26 in Colorado for $1000

That's a great deal!

I'm in MA. I saw a Cobra Class 4 nearby within 30 minutes of the listing being posted, responded immediately and the seller left me on read and ghosted me. 

 

Next day, he messages me and says "sorry I sold it within 5 minutes of the post being up." 🤦‍♂️

 

Unlucky I guess 🤣

[FrankHester]

9 minutes ago, BurntLeatherCo said:

I don’t know what state your in but I actually just found a class 26 in Colorado for $1000

Do you have a link to this machine @BurntLeatherCo?

[kgg]

9 hours ago, LMullins said:

Here's what I'm interested to know:

1. What are the main differences between the two?

2. What are the capabilities of the Juki compared to the Cobra? From what I see, the Cobra has a larger bobbin spool and can use a larger thread. 

3. What should I be looking out for? 

4. What thickness will it comfortably reach? Will the Juki handle 2 layers of 8oz?
 

5. Is this a good option for long runs of stitching? Such as gun belts, reins, etc.?

6. How do the machines compare to one another in terms of quality and performance? 

My take/ opinion so take with a grain of salt :

1. The Cobra is just one of many clones based off the Juki LS-341 except my understanding is the Cobra is a hybrid clone using another type of bobbin assembly rather then the Juki assembly. Most clones come from China or Taiwan. The Juki LS-341 and the newer Juki LS-1341 are made in Japan.

2. Some clone machine vendors have a tendency to rate the thread capacity of the machine on what size of thread can be stuffed through the rated needle. Juki rates their machines on what the max size thread used as a top thread as well as same size of thread in the bobbin that can be used at max sewing thickness.

3. On the used Juki LS-341 inspect the machine carefully for worn out /rusted/ cracked internal parts like the main drive belt and wear on the guides / tensioners. There are a number of used machines that are imported from overseas factories so be careful.

4. Two layers of 8 oz is about a 1/4" and depending on the thread / needle combination and the toughness of the leather either machine should handle that.

5. If most of your work is for wallets/belts (flat type work) a flatbed machine maybe a better option rather then a cylinder arm machine unless you purchase a flatbed table top attachment for the cylinder arm machine. Since you presently handstitch items if you are looking for similar thread size thickness none of the Class 341 / 1341 or even the Class 441 will come close.

6. It is kind of difficult really to compare a used Juki LS-341 to a new clone machine. There are just to many variables related to condition/maintenance/etc. The Juki LS-341 hasn't been made in years and was replaced with the Juki LS-1341. If the machine is going to be used in a production environment 8 hours a day, 7 days a week then spend the extra money and buy a new Juki LS-1341. That will set you back about $5000USD. If it is more for a hobby use then most people will purchase a clone machine for about half that cost.

kgg