Buying A Cowboy 4500, Is It A Mistake?

[Doc Reaper]

Thanks for the input y'all! Bob let me know that my CB4500 will be delivered on the first of July 2014. I have used many lightweight sewing machines and got tired of hand sewing (been hand sewing since 1973 - it became old that same year). I will admit that hand stitching is always going to be a part of me, but a machine will be used to speed up the process! Anything hand sewn is guaranteed for life (theirs or mine, whichever comes first). I'll keep ya updated, now I have to make room so I can rock this new machine!

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Congratulations on your purchase! I think you will enjoy it overall. It will speed things up immensely. There will be a bit of a learning curve of course. There was for me and I've been sewing on heavy stitchers for over 20 years. Main thing is practice on scrap before you attempt good work. Keep it oiled as someone else mentioned above. Starting your first stitch, keep tension on both top and bottom thread or you will have problems. And have fun!

[Doc Reaper]

Today is July 1st, 2014. I received shipment of my CB4500 and I'm impressed with it! I did have to do minor adjustments to it but I expected to do so. I have always held the string on all my previous machines, how do I make it so the stitching at the start so it won't become unraveled?

[Wizcrafts]

Today is July 1st, 2014. I received shipment of my CB4500 and I'm impressed with it! I did have to do minor adjustments to it but I expected to do so. I have always held the string on all my previous machines, how do I make it so the stitching at the start so it won't become unraveled?

Holding both threads, or at least the top thread, I start sewing in reverse about 3 stitches (or about 1/2 inch) past the desired beginning position. I sew backwards, with the stitch lever up, until the needle is almost at the edge, then throw the lever down and stitch forward through the same holes. This locks the thread in place. Let go of the starting threads after you successfully cross back over them.

Do the same at the end to lock the thread in place.

[Doc Reaper]

Duh! Simple shhtuff! Thanks Wiz! What state ya in, I'm in NC

[Doc Reaper]

It's October 14th, the 4500 is great on the repairs I do for customers, repairs are my way of getting to know the machines temperment, if you haven't made a choice get the 4500! I have no prob with the tension of the stitches, I also glue all my seams before hand. I'm glad that I purchased the 4500, I'm also trying to open a 2nd leather shop where I will be manufacturing items. The 4500 really makes things easier, but hand sewing will also be used in my shop, it's a lifetime promise thing!

[CowboyBob]

Hello Doc,

Thanks for the update & it sounds like your keeping that Cowboy busy!!

[cleanview]

been thinking about a 4500 as well.

What is the shipping charge on something like this?

Really have no idea

[Wizcrafts]

Call Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines and ask for a shipping charge quote based on your type of building and location. The number is 866-362-7397.

[Colt W Knight]

You can get an exact quote from Toledo, but itll be about 200$. A little less you pick up at a shipping center, and more if you deliver to a residential address and need a lift gate to get it off the truck.