Would Like Some More Info On A Campbell- Randall Lock Stitch Machine

[rmr]

Been considering purchasing a rebuild Campbell- Randall ( got the name and spelling correct this time) lock stitch machine. I currently use a Cobra 4 and love it for 90% of what I do- I predominantly make shotgun cases, shooting bag cases, fly rod cases ...... The reason Im looking at adding an needle and awl machine are 3 fold:

1) when stitching thicker sections of leather( 4-5 layers of 5-6oz latigo) I find that the stitch line on the back side of the cobra machine is not always as straight as the stitch line on the upper surface- suspect its due to needle deflection as it passes through multiple layers of leather

2) I would desire the stitch line on the bottom and upper surface of the leather to look exactly the same ( at least where the stitch line can bee seen)

3) Have a few case designs that would require a box stitch - and its my understanding with an attachment - this may be one of the few machines out there capable of doing this

I have recognized that I will probably need to change thread types if I get the Campbell- Randall Machine (polyester instead of nylon). Im fine with that once I found out several colors of polyester are available.

My biggest concern- and the reason for the thread- I read on a previous thread on this site about how finicky these machines can be. For comparison - I found my cobra ready to go right out of the box with almost no adjustments needed on my part- and I have had the machine for 4+ years. My knowledge on how sewing machines operate is extremely limited- I had my concerns after reading the thread that the Campbell machine will require a lot more understanding of the machine in order to constantly make adjustments to thread tension....

So I would like to know what kind of a learning curve is the Campbell- Randall machine going to require. I recognize these are pricey machines, if they do what I need them to, without me having to spend an inordinate amount of time fooling around with- then Im fine ordering one. If these are machines best operated by someone who really understands how the machine operates..... then I might need to rethink my game plan

Thanks for any insight into these machine

RMR

[mogwild]

I have a Randall Harness stitcher.. I don't find it finicky at all. We bought it at auction, the motor was seperate in a box, it was dirty, and had been in storage and moved about for years. Cleaned it up, built a table, mounted the motor, watched the video's (

) on threading it, figured out how to set the tension, and away it went. It has never gone out of adjustment, just stitches all day long. Fantastic machines, if you have the means, I highly recommend you pick one up. The guys at Campbell are fantastic with helping, all the parts are still available, as well as accessories (like the box stitch attachment you mention)

Before this machine, I had only ever used a "home" machine, regular, non-leather model. The only thing is the needle will rip apart certain materials, like nylon, because it has a hook on it. So if your lining your cases, you have to be careful. It works just fine though sheepskin lining used on the underside of saddles however, or rather it must, I cleaned a ton of it out of the shuttle area!

I've changed feet, thread, needles and awls without issue, and it doesn't seem to mind when stitching the transition from a thick piece to a thinner piece. Same with stitch length, no issues changing and changing back.

You may be able to get one of these for your Cobra 4 as well:

Edited March 18, 2014 by mogwild

[oltoot]

Years ago I used a CR. I was an employee of the shop when it opened and we had a CR lease machine to start. We had been used to a Landis 16 and a 12? so needle and awl was all we knew. We unpacked the CR and each had about 2 hrs practice, then went on. We had no more issues than we had been used to. That was in the 60s so we were still using linen thread and the wax pot. Now then, all that said, N&A machines are different than single needle, some say better. I imagine that if you do get one and get through the adjustment period still grinning that you will use your Cobra (fine machine that it is) less and less, finally relegating it to materials such as fabrics.

[art23]

Mogwild I see that a lot of people get their machines in auction, as you did. I would like to know were do I find these types of auctions. I currently look them up in craigslist and eBay.I have had good luck in craigslist in buying smaller sewing machines such as a couple of singers 111w's 66's 15-91's and the last one a 31-20. I also just bought a new cobra 4. But I would love to have a Campbell lock stitch one day. Maybe you can tell me more on how you came across the auction were you got yours.