Leather Bending Down When I Sew Close To An Edge. Cowboy 3500.

[dbusarow]

The slotted plate is not intended for normal use. When you need it it is great. But you CANNOT use a feed dog with the slotted plate. That is why it is an accessory.

Dan

[Tallbald]

Are they expensive Dan?

And would that let me sew heavy canvas, thin leather and such?

Thanks. Don

Edited August 4, 2015 by Tallbald

[dbusarow]

Are they expensive Dan?

And would that let me sew heavy canvas, thin leather and such?

Thanks. Don

I decided to go with a Cobra 4 instead of a Cobra 3 and that got me the accessory pack along with the longer cylinder arm. So it cost about $400

Well worth it though. When I was first shopping I didn't think I'd ever need the extra throat depth. But instead of going to waste I now find myself wishing for more.

I just checked Cobra Steve's website and the slotted plate is listed there for $85.00

For heavy canvas you will want the Blanket Set which includes a toothed feed dog and presser feet.

You can do thin leather with the standard plate, you just can't get real close to the edge. Run the seam about 1/4 inch in and you are good. Going back and forth between heavier leather, a couple layers of 8/9 and something like 2 layers of 3/4 does take a lot of adjustment though. At least that's been my experience. I only setup for the thin stuff if I really need to.

Dan

Edited August 5, 2015 by dbusarow

[JLSleather]

I have a slotted plate for the cobra machine, never installed - $50. Maybe somebody can pipe in and tell you if this would fit the 3200.

Blanket set (3-piece) already went cheap!

Edited August 5, 2015 by JLSleather

[CowboyBob]

Guys,you have to remember what your dealing with here.The 3200 & 3500,4500 are all made for thicker leather using thicker thread,there is no one machine that does it all & does a good job w/o some effort on your part.The easiest way is make a wider seam(It would be a lot cheaper than throwing away a project)it's just a 1/4"or so material that you cut off when your done & burnish the edge after.Also if your doing alot of this lighter weight sewing a smaller machine might give more consistent results.

I see some tempers flairing & I don't want to argue with anyone so please cooloff,we try to ask people before they buy one what all they plan on sewing & I always like to say these are bigger machines & they will sew lighter material but it's like driving a dumptruck to the grocery store you can do it but it won't work the best.

Don't forget either that a smaller machine won't use the heavier thread & sew as thick as these either

.It's the nature of the beast!!

[CowboyBob]

The needle plate from the larger machines can be made to fit on the 3200 by elongating the back screw hole(it's off about 1/2 of the hole)

Edited August 5, 2015 by CowboyBob

[Tallbald]

Bob I'm not upset at all. I thought it was my technique causing me trouble. I'm glad to know there's an accessory plate I can buy. As a retired toolmaker, I may try to make myself one if I find a photograph of the real deal. Keep me in mind too please if you ever happen upon a used stainless single toe presser foot (left OR right--I will make do) I have found that I could benefit from one when sewing up against a boned shoulder on some of the holsters I make. I even thought of cutting and modifying a two toe presser foot if I found one inexpensively. I simply can't currently afford the price of a new one. Penny's and my medical things and other necessities of course have to take priority.

I do so appreciate the time you have given me in the last year on the telephone helping me learn my machine. And your videos are a good source for me too. I've never had as good a customer service over long term as I have from you.

Don

Post Script: Anyone have a picture or drawing of the accessory plate for the Cowboy 3500 maybe they could share?

Don.

Edited August 5, 2015 by Tallbald

[JLSleather]

So, the one on Bob's site is for the larger machines?

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/images/accs/slotted-plate.jpg

[CowboyBob]

So, the one on Bob's site is for the larger machines?

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/images/accs/slotted-plate.jpg

Yes,but we can modify it for the 3200.

Also when you use the slotted plate the stitch length will be shorter in reverse do to the missing feed dog.

[Tallbald]

Hi again folks. I just wanted to say again how tickled and impressed I am with Bob Kovar's excellent post-sale customer support there at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines . Bob called me this morning and followed up his posted answers to me in greater detail regarding my questions about my Cowboy 3500. Understand that this is over a full year after the sale was made. What he discussed with me opened up several avenues I can take that will let me get even more versatile use from "Bertha Jo", as my wife and I have named my 3500. That's great service.

I'm going to see if I am able to fabricate a throat plate for my 3500 myself. If not, I'll bite the bullet and buy one. I'd prefer the stainless steel factory made accessory plate option anyway.

Kudos to Bob, and all the members of this forum who take time to help those at every level of experience when they can.

Don.

Edited August 5, 2015 by Tallbald