Machine Choice Question

[lowlife]

Im sure everyone here gets tired of answering these questions from folks but it a HUGE investment and I want to make sure I do it right the first time.. I am looking into buying a machine I have narrowed my choices down to a Cowboy 2500 and a Techsew 3650 hd. My question is if it were YOU which one would you go with.. Thanks in advance for your input

Kehl

[tnawrot2]

Cowboy 2500

[dirtclod]

Which ever one you decide on i would MAKE SURE i got the 16 inch arm. Their not that much more and i really think you will be glad you did. Nine inch's sounds like a lot but it will fill up fast.

[lowlife]

Thanks again for your responses. I guess I should have andded "AND WHY WOULD YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE"

dirtclod I see your in pPrinceton I am out that way ever so often we have a duck lodge in Bardwell

[Wizcrafts]

Dirtclod;

Both of those machines only come in one arm length: 10.5 inches. There is no other option. You are thinking of the 441 clones, which come in 9, 16.5 and 25 inch arm lengths and have triple feed, along with a sewing capacity in excess of 3/4 inches. They are different animals.

[Wizcrafts]

Thanks again for your responses. I guess I should have andded "AND WHY WOULD YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE"

I almost bought a CB2500, but decided on a CB4500 (a 441 type machine), instead. If you are really set on getting one or the other of these machines, you need to understand how they feed and hold down the work.

The CB2500 and Techsew 3650 are clones of the venerable Singer 45k of yesteryear. They use the same bobbins as the 45k and have the same shape. These machines move the work solely by means of aggressive feed dog teeth on the bottom. Unlike the 45k, they both have an optional reverse lever and now use system 328 needles. Also, their sewing capacity is higher, at 7/16 inch of leather.

The thing you will have to deal with is the tooth marks on the bottom layer. Also, when you sew thick, dense leather, you'll have to screw down the presser foot pressure spring, adding tracks to the top layer (any machine will suffer from top tracks with thick dense leather) and dragging against the efforts of the feed dog. To counteract this drag, there is an optional large roller foot that replaces the standard double toe fixed foot. It allows the top layer to feed with less drag, but creates a unique serrated track in the top grain.

Despite these issues, both are very useful sewing machines, capable of sewing with large diameter thread, into 7/16 inch or real leather. If the job is an item where the bottom is not normally seen, tooth marks won't matter. In cases where they do matter, they can be rubbed smooth with a modeling tool, or pounded smooth with a cobbler's hammer.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Various people have offered advise for reducing the feed dog issue.

A lot comes down to need and budget. The CB2500 with a full set of attachments is a very versatile machine and, with a roller foot, is one of the best for doing fancy pattern stitching.

[lowlife]

Well I think after doing 2 days worth of research when it comes time in a few weeks I'm going to bite the bullet and do a 1 time purchase since I hate to buy a under built machine so I'm just going to do it right and not have to worry. And get a Cobra class 4. A bit more up front but will pay of down the road

[Greystone]

I think a great choice ,,, worth the investment,, congrats db

[robertmeco]

Well I think after doing 2 days worth of research when it comes time in a few weeks I'm going to bite the bullet and do a 1 time purchase since I hate to buy a under built machine so I'm just going to do it right and not have to worry. And get a Cobra class 4. A bit more up front but will pay of down the road

i think you made a wise choice I have had a Cobra 4 for almost 2 years and love it

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I looked like you for some time, and ended up with a Cowboy 4500. I am not sorry. For me the difference between the Cobra and the Cowboy was that Toledo Machine is in my back yard, so to speak.

Bob