Buying A New Machine, Would Love Your Expertise In Selecting...

[DFWLeather]

I have a mint Juki LU563 I have been using for watchbands and small leather books, and it works ok. The back-side of the stitching sometimes leaves traces of the loop and displays no angular pattern like the front does. The front is certainly more attractive than the back, and that's always disturbed me, to be honest. But then I'm pushing the machine to its limit.

Well, I began working with 9 oz leather the other day, after four years with the Juki. And the machine is struggling to get the job done neatly (as would be expected), and the loops on the back are much more noticeable so it's high time for a bigger machine. I am considering two based upon what I have seen on the site here.

The Artisan, 3200; and the Cowboy 4500.

Please let me know your thoughts if you have experience with the machines or some good advice. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Also, I am in Dallas/Fort Worth and am not aware of any dealers of either in the area so that may be an issue/or may not. I like to talk to people and work through problems.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Billy

Edited November 11, 2012 by DFWLeather

[Wizcrafts]

I have a walking foot machine that is similar to your Juki. These are really upholstery machines, not built to penetrate and properly sew hard or thick leather, or to use heavy thread. So, I got a Cowboy CB4500 to handle the heavy work. It sews like a champ. I can go down to #138 thread, or even #92, by using smaller needles. Normally, it is threaded with #277 on top and either #207 or #277 in the bobbin, depending on what is being sewn.

Cowboy machines are distributed and sold by Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines.

[TwinOaks]

I don't have either so I'm commenting based on reports from others -

Get all the machine you can. Both have similar sewing capabilities ( 3/4 to 7/8ths inch) and thread ranges. The primary physical difference is the amount of room under the arm. More is better.

There's also the issue of customer service. I suggest reading some of the recent threads about Artisan support, and comparing them to reports of Toledo Ind. Sew.

[Ken Nelson]

I don't have either so I'm commenting based on reports from others -

Get all the machine you can. Both have similar sewing capabilities ( 3/4 to 7/8ths inch) and thread ranges. The primary physical difference is the amount of room under the arm. More is better.

There's also the issue of customer service. I suggest reading some of the recent threads about Artisan support, and comparing them to reports of Toledo Ind. Sew.

Don't forget about Cobra Steve when considering a purchase either. Super great customer support. HTH

[TwinOaks]

I never could, but since the OP specifically mentioned the other two, I just stayed with them.

[DFWLeather]

I have read a lot about Steve, and from looking at the machine, it's not my first choice. However, I will consider it.

9oz would probably be the most I'd sew, but heck, you never know. I didn't think I'd still be using my Juki--a great machine I might add, just limited in its abilities; thin leather etc. Poor customer support will get you cut, for sure. I have not time for nonsense.

I will take some time to review the support comments etc. I wish there were a place down here that carried these machines--sure would be nice to see them etc.

[DFWLeather]

Perhaps the Artisan isn't for, sadly. I'll focus on the Cowboy and Cobra. I use a table machine now and wonder how changing to the arm will be. I'll certainly need a guide because I can't even walk straight.

[Techsew Ron]

I have read a lot about Steve, and from looking at the machine, it's not my first choice. However, I will consider it.

9oz would probably be the most I'd sew, but heck, you never know. I didn't think I'd still be using my Juki--a great machine I might add, just limited in its abilities; thin leather etc. Poor customer support will get you cut, for sure. I have not time for nonsense.

I will take some time to review the support comments etc. I wish there were a place down here that carried these machines--sure would be nice to see them etc.

If it's affordable, a 441 clone would be a good choice. If not, you do not necessarily need such a heavy machine for sewing 9oz leather. A flatbed or cylinder walking foot with a 3/8" sewing capacity is used by many people for general leather work such as belts, notebook covers, motorcycle gear, chaps and lots more. Some machines can use up to #210 thread with a #24 needle.

Best suggestion is calling around (there are 4 dealers advertising on this forum) and seeing who can offer you the best machine at the best price, the soonest.

Ron

[DFWLeather]

Great advice, and thank you.

I certainly don't want to over-buy, but then I thought the Juki would be my last machine and here I am again. Two 9 oz pieces is about as think as I can imagine going, but I want enough power to make sure I get a nice back-side finish as well.

I will call around tomorrow and get some insight as my knowledge on these machines is thin.

[Wizcrafts]

Perhaps the Artisan isn't for, sadly. I'll focus on the Cowboy and Cobra. I use a table machine now and wonder how changing to the arm will be. I'll certainly need a guide because I can't even walk straight.

My Cowboy CB4500 came with an add-on table attachment. It has four long bolts under it that go into matching holes in the pedestal table top, on the front and back side of the machine. It takes about two minutes to install or remove it. The table will support most flat work. I also got a drop-down roller edge guide that I find invaluable. It sews everything I put under the feet, from about 6 ounces to 3/4 inch.