A couple more hours of research, and I won't be able to decide which pants to wear, much less which machine to get

[larry1096]

I'm suffering option paralysis in a big way. I've finally decided to invest in a sewing machine for my leatherwork hobby, which I'm planning to turn into a business now that I'm retired from the corporate world.

I generally make holsters, and hope to make belts (making belts with hand-stitching was pushing a very big rock up a very steep hill, I quickly found out.) I'd typically be sewing two layers of 8/9 oz leather, with an occasional welt bringing that to three layers, so I don't want to under-buy here. That said, I really can't see ever seeing a 15" arm for what I plan to make.

Right now I'm tossing between a Cobra Class 4 and a Cowboy 3500, and to confuse things further, saw that Tandy has a Cowboy 3500 branded with their name that comes with some extras I'd want (guide and work table) for about the same price as the 3500 from other vendors. 

 

The goal here is to buy once, cry once without purchasing something so wildly over my expected needs I waste money that could better be used on other things.

 

I'm hoping the experienced folks here, and maybe especially those who do similar work, might have a pointer. Even a vote for a machine you have and like would be helpful at this point.

 

(I swear, I didn't research my last auto purchase this much-but then, I understand cars, and most decidedly do NOT understand these monster sewing machines.)

 

Thanks!

Larry

[RockyAussie]

All good choices and can do what you want easily but getting help from this LW site is always a great thing and one of the sponsors of it is something to consider seriously.

https://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=core&module=system&controller=redirect&do=advertisement&ad=30&key=81075720a378b536aa297941baab000e4440064fa497638fc83cefb722f0261c

I like the Cowboy CB4500 myself and have a few videos on my channel showing what it can do. Wild Harry YT

[AlZilla]

The class 4 would be more comparable to the cowboy 4500, just so your comparing apples to apples.

I'd point out that having the longer cylinder arm would future proof you, whereas the shorter one can't be stretched.

Forum sponsors are always a good bet. Boss lady is pretty choosy about who she works with.

[kgg]

8 hours ago, larry1096 said:

I generally make holsters, and hope to make belts (making belts with hand-stitching was pushing a very big rock up a very steep hill, I quickly found out.) I'd typically be sewing two layers of 8/9 oz leather, with an occasional welt bringing that to three layers, so I don't want to under-buy here. That said, I really can't see ever seeing a 15" arm for what I plan to make.

To handle 2 layers of 9 oz you need a class 441 machine. You could probably get away with a Class 341 / 1341 but it probably wouldn't handle the the addition of the welt. So you need to move up to a Class 441 machine. 

The premium one is a Juki TSC 441 but the cost is prohibitive at around $10,000 USD so most go for the clone machines which to name a few the Cowboy 4500 and the Cobra Class 4. The base machines like the Cowboy 4500 will set you back about $3000 USD and the Cobra Class 4 will come in at about $3400 USD. From the base price you would add the accessories like needle positioner and table top, etc plus shipping which probably would add another $300 or so depending on where you live.

The Class 441 machine probably will be over kill for most belts. Keeping in mind the difference in the size of holes the needle will make in the leather. The Class 441 has a needle diameter of about the same size a 2 1/2 " finishing nail would make. 

So you in reality you should consider two machines depending on the thickness of leather: i) a Class 341 / 1341 for belts, wallets, etc and ii) a class 441 for the holster type work. It will really come down to what 90 percent of you work will involve. 

Where are you located US, Canada, Europe ???? 

8 hours ago, larry1096 said:

Right now I'm tossing between a Cobra Class 4 and a Cowboy 3500,

If you are going to get a Class 441 machine go with the standard arm length of about 16", the small 9" on the 3500 probably will only give you about 7" or so working area.

 

8 hours ago, larry1096 said:

(I swear, I didn't research my last auto purchase this much-but then, I understand cars, and most decidedly do NOT understand these monster sewing machines.)

Join the club. You can drive yourself nuts researching the various machines available, their specs, flatbed or cylinder bed, are they a clone or a hybrid machine, manual or motorized, whether they have a needle positioner, a table top etc.

Ask yourself two simple questions:

i) What are you going to be sewing the most??? Buy a new machine for that type of work while buying a used one for the other type of work. 

ii) What is my budget? If money is no object buy Brand Name machines like Juki, Dürkopp Adler. If it is more of a hobby buy a clone. 

Keep in mind that no one machine will do everything and you can sorta kinda turn a cylinder bed into a flatbed but you can't turn a flatbed into a cylinder bed. 

Buy Once, Cry Once,

kgg

 

Edited Wednesday at 11:20 AM by kgg

[larry1096]

Well, that's what I was hoping for-some solid advice from folks who actually know about these things. The thought of buying a $4,000, 600# machine, setting it up and going, "But it won't do this?!" is pretty daunting.

One thing I'll be sure to do is talk to the forum sponsors before I make my decision; not just because of their sponsorship, but because I see their commitment via their presence on these topics. 

 

Thanks!

 

Larry

[BlackDragon]

When I was first looking at machines I was going through the same feeling as you. I finally narrowed it down to the Cowboy 4500 or the Cobra class 4.

The two machines are pretty similar and the deciding factor came down to delivery cost. I found a local dealer when I lived in NC for a Cobra and I went with that one because I saved $350 on the delivery fee by picking it up myself, although I had to drive 1.5hrs each way. I don't know of any dealers in TN

[larry1096]

Well, everyone, I want to thank you. Following your advice, I called a couple of the forum sponsors and got all my questions answered.

 

After I spoke to David at Leather Machine Co. and he made it clear that the service, support and warranty for the Class 4 machine Tandy is selling would be him and his team, I was able to take advantage of their special and get the machine, with the edge guide and tabletop, at a great price.

I can only say that the rave reviews I've read about LMC certainly seem justified; the man is obviously passionate about keeping his customers happy. In fact, I decided against a used machine at another vendor that could have saved me a few $$ just because of his warranty and willingness to help me.

 

Larry

[dikman]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is to buy the narrow needle plate/feed dog, with that fitted you can use slightly thinner needles (i.e. smaller than a crowbar!) and comfortably sew with #138 thread if needed.