First Holster With Cobra 4

[steelhawk]

This is the first holster I stitched up with the Cobra 4. It is for an EA Witness, and goes with the belt in another post.

[mattsh]

Looks good.

[Shooter McGavin]

So how do you like it? What were you using prior? Learning curve? Controllable around the curves? ( which is my biggest concern.)

[Lobo]

So how do you like it? What were you using prior? Learning curve? Controllable around the curves? ( which is my biggest concern.)

Shooter:

Steelhawk can add his comments. I've been using the Cobra Class 4 for about 16 months now and I've been very pleased with it. Palletized shipment weighed about 310 lbs, delivered to my door 4 business days after ordering. Took me about 40 minutes to finalize assembly and set-up, and within 2 hours of delivery I completed my first project. As received, machine was set up for 6 stitches per inch (easily adjustable), thread tension was perfectly adjusted, and servo motor control was set up for about 60 stitches per minute (treadle control allows slower speeds for intricate work or curves, and the learning curve is remarkably short before you become completely comfortable operating it). 16.5" throat depth allows plenty of room for the larger pieces without straining yourself or the machine. LED work light included with the machine is great. Pedestal-style machine stand can be adjusted for height, so you can set up for use while standing or seated, as you prefer.

I ordered the "special" deal with all attachments and accessories, so I have the flat bed available, all the presser feet, roller material guide (handy for belts especially), and so forth. Nothing else to buy, so I've never felt the need to order anything other than thread and needles.

In 16 months of use I have had to adjust thread tensioning a couple of times for some applications, replaced several broken needles (hey, that happens with any stitcher), and run through about 8 lbs. of thread (over 10,000 yards) with no significant problems. The couple of times I have felt the need to call Cobra Steve he has always answered his phone personally and always provides just the advice or assistance needed.

I clean out the bobbin shuttle recess and apply a drop of lubricant at each point (clearly marked on the machine) once per week. Other than that all I've ever needed to do is turn the machine on and go to work each day.

My assistant had never operated a stitcher or sewing machine before, so I set up a couple of dozen pieces to teach her with and she had mastered the machine within a few hours of practice and was doing production work by the second day.

Great product. Great service. I can't offer a higher recommendation. Call Cobra Steve when you are ready for a new stitcher and you'll be happy.

Edited December 20, 2011 by Lobo

[Rayban]

Call Cobra Steve when you are ready for a new stitcher and you'll be happy.

Lobo, he just got a new stitcher.

[Lobo]

Rayban:

My post was in response to Shooter McGavin's questions about the new machine.

[steelhawk]

So how do you like it? What were you using prior? Learning curve? Controllable around the curves? ( which is my biggest concern.)

I like it. I certainly makes belts a whole lot easier. I'm still not quite comfortable around all the curves, so I do some hand operation around them, but I have gotten lots better at using it. So far, I have made 3 belts and 3 holsters with it.

Prior to this, I did it all by hand. I used a drill press for the holes with a 1/16 drill turned upside down. I sharpened the flat end with a grinder. This way, it doesn't remove leather, or get clogged up, but makes a nice hole.

Edited December 24, 2011 by steelhawk