Cobra NP4 Leather Skiving Machine - bad presser foot mechanism?

[NeilMott]

Hi all.

I recently purchased a Cobra NP4 skiving machine and received it right before I went out of town.  Now that I've had a few days to use the machine, I think there's a problem with the presser foot handle.  When I pull the handle down, it stops about half way.  If I do this 3-4 times it will then go down once.  After that, it's another 3-4 times before I can bring the foot down to skive.  A friend with a similar skiver recommended that I lube a few areas, which I have done, with no change. 

Of possible note is that when I received the machine it was pretty filthy, which I thought was odd.  It took a few wipe downs to get it clean.  There is also a lot of grease at the top knob and where the handle rotates around the pin.  

The other issue is that the foot is leaving marks on the leather, so the foot isn't polished to the degree it should be.  I haven't tried the other feet yet.  

Here's a link to a video of the presser foot handle in action:  

 

 

I emailed the company that I ordered through but haven't heard back from them.  I plan on calling Leather Machine Co tomorrow, but was hoping to get some insight so I don't get the run around from them.  

Thanks in advance for your time.

Neil

 

[TomE]

Hard to know what's wrong with the foot lifting mechanism without taking it apart.  LMC is generally very helpful with advising, sending parts, etc.  In my limited experience skiver feet typically need polishing for best results.  I have a Techsew SK4 and some additional FAV feet that I polished on a buffing wheel.

[NeilMott]

My friend who's been advising me on fixes also has a Techsew SK4.  He said that his feet didn't need any polishing. 

He has another machine from LMC and also thought they'd be very helpful.  At least I kept the box in case I need to send it back.  

[AlZilla]

I know nothing about that machine but I know a little about mechanical things. From your video, it just looks like a rough spot or a piece of metallic debris need to be cleaned up. 

I would definitely get LMC or whoever you bought it from to bless you taking it apart beforehand.

It shouldn't be like that on a new machine but it doesn't seem like a fatal flaw.

I'll be interested to find out what it ends up being.

[NeilMott]

Just tried to call and they're closed until Monday.   

Yeah, it's frustrating because it shouldn't happen on a new machine.  It seems like they rushed this out the door.  There's no way this worked properly when they tested it and then doesn't now.  

To me, it seems like air is getting into the mechanism because after I pump it a few times, it'll go down smoothly.  I'm definitely not going to play mechanic on it.  

[bruce johnson]

I would call them really early on Monday. The leather show in Las Vegas is this week and expect they will be loading a bunch Monday morning if they haven't already. LMC provides all the machines for classes plus a huge display at every show so they take a lot and they get there early.