Thread Size In A Cobra 4 Machine

[LeatherWerks]

I have two machines, a Cobra 4 and a Juki 1541S. I've been trying to perfect my build procedures on some 3/4 inch wide dog collars. The Juki does a great job, I'm using light leather and #69 thread. Problem is when I try to turn the radius at the tip of the collar, I never seem to get it right. Enter the Cobra 4. First I can see where the needle is much better than the Juki. When I get to the tip of he collar, making that tight radius just seem much easier. I've tried everything on the Juki, I have all the different feet, edge guides, etc. Now, I'm thinking, since I sew better with the Cobra, why fight it, just use that machine. Well, I'm using 277 thread and that's probably overkill on a dog collar, unless it's a collar for some giant prehistoric dog.

Here's the question, has anyone used 138 thread on a 441 clone? If so, what adjustments did you make so that the machine sewed correctly?

Thanks,

Steve

[dirtclod]

I use 138 and 69 pretty regular on my machine with a 160 needle it's a Pro 2000. Most of the time i have to tighten the top tension a little.

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

That's correct the Cobra can even handle #69 thread on too and bottom use a practice piece first the same thickness as what your final product if the stitching needs adjusting then just adjust the top tension it shouldn't need much adjusting honestly. Good Luck!

Ralph

[dirtclod]

That's correct the Cobra can even handle #69 thread on too and bottom use a practice piece first the same thickness as what your final product if the stitching needs adjusting then just adjust the top tension it shouldn't need much adjusting honestly. Good Luck!

Ralph

I'm just curious you seem to know all about every machine made how many machines do you have or use regularly ?

Do you have a picture of your caseing box ? I'd like to see what it looks like, might finally get around to building one.

Edited October 15, 2013 by dirtclod

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

Dirtclod,

I have a Cobra Class 4 which I bought used, a Campbell Cyclone, a Pfaff 145 and just bought an Adler 30. I do a lot of my work at a long time friend of mine he has several machines mostly needle and awl machines old ones. I also use a Juki pro 2000 which is the machine they made the 441 clone after at his place. I am searching for other Needle and awl machines which are my preference, I really don't use the clone that much but that's the machine I started using. The reason why I know about these machines is because of personal experience and I spend hours every day researching old machines. Like I said mostly needle and awl machines but since I have a clone I wanted to learn all about it as well. You can learn pretty much everything to a machine if you have the owners manual and if you don't you can always find it online. I don't have years experience with sewing machines but I tend to figure out everything fairly fast through the owners, parts, and mechanics manuals. Don't get me wrong I still need to learn a lot from these machines but I think everything I have stated or contributed to this forum is based of experience that I have had with machines. Steve (Singermania) and I share our manuals and whatever helps us understand needle and awl machines better. My family also owns an upholstry shop in Baja California. The box is fairly simple a wooden box lined with galvanized roofing sheets. First time I seen this was in a Saddle Shop here in Salinas they closed it down several years ago if it were still open I'd be over there trying to learn the saddle making trade, making a saddle is much more complex than making a holster and eventually that's what I want to learn how to make. To clarify I don't know everything about every machine but I would like to its always good to know what your working with if you don't know much about the tool your using then you shouldn't really use it until you learn how to properly operate it that's how machines tend to malfunction because of operators errors. If you have any other questions let me know. Hope this helps. God Bless!

Ralph

[Cobra Steve]

Hey all. There is a needle and thread reference guide in the back of the instruction book. It will tell you what size needle, and thread to use for many different thicknesses and applications. It is nothing written in stone because of the variances in leather, but it is a good starting point. Steve

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

The instructions manual will answer most questions anyone has about the Cobra Class 4 I often read it over and over and I always pick up something new or it reminds me of something that I need to do first when operating this machine. Al Bane has a good video of the Cobra Class 4 and there are several others I think Leather Machine Co. Has one too almost 30 min long if I'm correct. These videos and manuals are very useful, when you have old machines you have to rely on the manuals you have since there are no dealers selling Landis 1, 3, 16, Champions, Pearsons and so on. Cobra owners are really lucky to have Steve around to answer all our questions but it s not always going to be this way so we need to be proactive and save our manuals and any documentation for our machines they will come in handy in the decades to come. Thanks Steve for the custoner service you provide with the sale of your machine I didn't have the luxury of purchasing mine new but I know if I ever need your help your just a phone call away most times I resolve my troubles by reading the owners manual or watching a video on you tube. God Bless!

Ralph