Pic Request - Bottom Of Stitching

[MADMAX22]

Finally got some pics, this is a small card holder. 3 layers of 4oz leather, relatively soft for vegtan. Didnt do anything to any marks on it. Using the 4500 with a 24 needle and 277 thread. Hope this helps.

Also wanna add I am still playing with various adjustments on this guy so dont wanna go and say this is the best it can do.

Also this is with the holster plate, and the right side foot that I got from Bob.

There is one from the front and two from the back.

[Techsew Ron]

I've been doing quite a bit of research into sewing machines for holster making.... I have noticed there seem to be a few models where people constantly comment about feed dogs marking the bottom of the leather, but there's nothing to use for visual reference.... would it be possible for a few members with a little spare time to post pics of the bottom of their stitching to get an idea about marks being left? in particular I'm thinking of Cowboy CB2500 & CB3500, Techsew GA5-1R, and Cobra Class 3....

my thanks to anyone able to post pics,

Josh

Here you go Josh, top and bottom stitching with the Techsew GA5-1R. No modification or rubbing of any kind.

Thanks,

Ron

Edited September 19, 2011 by Ronnie

[amuckart]

Ok,I took a pic here of a sample on a 2500,the first pic is right off the machine & the 2nd is after I rubbed it w/a spoon.

I was going to ask how you set up a machine/needle to get so little distortion of the leather around the exit holes of the needle, then I noticed the thread tails. I think in the second pic you've got the top-side of the work.

[CowboyBob]

Ok,I took a pic here of a sample on a 2500,the first pic is right off the machine & the 2nd is after I rubbed it w/a spoon.

Both pics are of the bottomside.

Bob

[TwinOaks]

Rubbing down the dog tracks would also rub down the blow outs.

Ronnie- What happened to your tension setting!?!?!?

JoshK- What are you planning on doing with the machine? That should be the determining factor. The next step up from the 2500, is the 3500/Cobra class 3/ techsew 4100(?). That machine class has more capability and may be more suitable.....dependent on what you're doing. If you're planning on sewing holsters with it, save up more money and go for more machine; preferably one with unison feed (walking foot plus needle feed).

The next step after the 3500/class 3, the 4500/class 4 has the same sewing capabilities but with almost double the space under the arm.

A well repeated adage on this forum, and from probably all the sewing machine suppliers is: Buy more machine than you think you'll need. It's better to have the capability and not need it, than to run a machine at max capability for prolonged periods....kinda like driving a car over a speed bump at 40mph. Can you do it in a BMW? Yes. Should you do it often? No, it's going to wear out or break something. Could you do it in a jacked up 4x4 with puddle jumping suspension? Yes. Should you? It doesn't really matter, the design of the vehicle won't be damaged by it.

[dbusarow]

I want to echo TwinOaks. Save up and buy the biggest you can.

I originally thought I could get by with a GA5. Then decided to go with a Artisan 3000/Cobra Class 3. Talking with Steve at Cobra I decided that whether I needed the extra throat or not the extra accessories paid for the Class 4.

So I bought a Cobra Class 4.

Guess what. I was trying to exceed ITS capabilities within a couple of months. And there have been times I wished I had the 25" throat.

This is just doing holsters, rifle scabbards and the occasional piece of horse tack.

You don't know what you really need until you start abusing some poor piece of equipment!

Dan