Sewing Machine?

[mogwild]

Randall Lockstitch. I can run the machine fine, still learning to make holsters though

[J Hayes]

Randall Lockstitch. I can run the machine fine, still learning to make holsters though

That is a beautiful machine!! I just love the old iron. Any idea of its age?

Jeremy

[J Hayes]

I ordered my Cobra Class 4 yesterday...with the new motor/servo fix, the learning curve should be a lot less pronounced...more control over speed should make it easier to learn..

I look forward to hearing how you get along with it. I read about the modification done to improve the speed control, something as simple as paper and pencil turned a good machine into a great one. I imagine the factory fix is a bit more high tech. What made you chose that machine over the many others?

Jeremy

Just purchased and received the CB4500 Cowboy this past Monday.

Jake

I was looking at that one online, looks real nice. Id like to know what you think of it and what made you go with that machine.

Jeremy

[J Hayes]

From the old grump: I hand stitch. IMO hand stitching is (when done properly) better looking, stronger, and longer lasting than what a machine does. When doing custom work, the customer deserves, and is paying for, the best that you can produce, and IMO that is a product that is hand stitched. Mike

I agree, there is something to be said about hand stitch and quality. I do believe if I get a machine I wouldn't charge as much for machine stitched vs hand stitched.

[J Hayes]

I should've also asked, those that have machines or getting new ones, is the craft your "day job" or side job, or just a hobby. Trying to justify the cost of one, although we spent $2400 on a fancy quilting machine for the wife 12 years ago and I bet she has less than 40 sewing time on it, she did get paid to make one quilt though. I just like my "toys" to earn their keep.

Jeremy

[SooperJake]

I'd starve if I relied on hand stitching my stuff "for a living". Fortunately, I don't currently make things to sell, such that I would starve if I did.

I do like the look of the hand stitching over machine work. Everything has its tradeoffs, I guess.

I'm sure some of the lifelong hand stitchers, though, are pretty darn fast at what they due. This is an enviable skill for sure.

Jake

[Chief31794]

I sell what I make, have a business license, but I don't put in 8 hours every day, I'm retired and let the hobby pay for itself. I wind up hand stitching nearly everything, I bought it, but honestly can't justify the cost. If I were a production shop, then a machine might pay for itself, but like the old Grump I'd rather handstitch. (Note: since I bought it and justified it to my other half, I sew something on it once in a while when she's in the shop just to cut down on the aggravation of answering, "Thought you needed that machine to sew things?")

Chief

[renegadelizard]

I look forward to hearing how you get along with it. I read about the modification done to improve the speed control, something as simple as paper and pencil turned a good machine into a great one. I imagine the factory fix is a bit more high tech. What made you chose that machine over the many others?

Jeremy

I was looking at that one online, looks real nice. Id like to know what you think of it and what made you go with that machine.

Jeremy

It was the best deal really. Great customer service and I got everything they make for it at a cost comparable to everyone else, plus the motor/servo mod.

[joshk]

I do this full time and use a Cowboy 4500 daily.... I agree with everything renegade said above....

[daveottawa]

(Note: since I bought it and justified it to my other half, I sew something on it once in a while when she's in the shop just to cut down on the aggravation of answering, "Thought you needed that machine to sew things?")

Chief

I love it!