Just Got My Cobra 4! Had A Question...

[ericluther]

Let me start by saying I know nothing about machine sewing

I am attaching a photo in the hopes that someone can help me out fine tuning

http://db.tt/V8ZLJmY2

http://db.tt/5nc8XETn

Thanks!

Eric

Edited May 9, 2012 by ericluther

[dbusarow]

I'm still pretty new at this machine stitching but that sure looks like your needle is too big.

The top tension is too high BUT there is a balance between thread size, needle size and the tensioners. Use the thread size/needle size chart in the Cobra owner's manual as a starting point for the thread/needle size pair.

If your thread and needle match then start reducing the upper tension. Make sure that you adjust slowly and adjust both upper tensioners in tandem.

I emptied my scrap box pretty quickly doing test stitches when I first got mine.

Dan

[ericluther]

1336525116[/url]' post='247034']

I'm still pretty new at this machine stitching but that sure looks like your needle is too big.

The top tension is too high BUT there is a balance between thread size, needle size and the tensioners. Use the thread size/needle size chart in the Cobra owner's manual as a starting point for the thread/needle size pair.

If your thread and needle match then start reducing the upper tension. Make sure that you adjust slowly and adjust both upper tensioners in tandem.

I emptied my scrap box pretty quickly doing test stitches when I first got mine.

Dan

Thank you Dan, it did look like the holes were very big. I will try the needle first and see how she looks.

[dirtclod]

How thick is the piece in the picture ? I don't have a Cobra but i have a big machine and they won't sew thin stuff.

[ericluther]

1336525533[/url]' post='247039']

How thick is the piece in the picture ? I don't have a Cobra but i have a big machine and they won't sew thin stuff.

It's 2-3 oz sewn to about 5-6oz

[Randy Cornelius]

Also you may want to check the bobbin tension. It shows how in the manual and the video. there is a small set screw that locks the adjustment screw. I have mine set almost as tight as it will go and it seems to work for just about everything. Then I can us the top tension ajusters to fine tune it.

rc

[dirtclod]

They won't sew 2/3 ounce and look right 5/6 sometimes 2 pieces of 5/6 yes or 5/6 and 2/3 will work to. If you want to sew the thin stuff you need to get another machine. I've had my machine for close to 20 years and i never have been able to sew the real thin stuff and get it to look right. My suggestion is to leave the tension alone and sew what it's designed to sew thicker stuff.

Edited May 9, 2012 by dirtclod

[ericluther]

better uploads

[anester05]

I had the problem with my class 4. I was sewing a wallet which is about 4oz to the insides. All combined it was about 6-8oz of leather. I ended up using a #138 thread with the smallest needle that came with the machine. I had to adjust the top tension down a bit. The lock stitch you have there is probably as thick as the leather you are trying to sew.

[Scary Leatherworks]

Let me start by saying I know nothing about machine sewing

I am attaching a photo in the hopes that someone can help me out fine tuning

http://db.tt/V8ZLJmY2

http://db.tt/5nc8XETn

Thanks!

Eric

needle and tension. I ordered some round point #18 from Steve so I could sew thinner stuff. No they aren't designed for it but I have and still use it to sew thin stuff. I have sewn 2 layers of lamb with my class 4. try smaller needle and thread. When I got mine my smallest needle was a #23 that I used with 138 thread. Also play with the tension to pull the knot in to the middle of the leather