Cobra Class 18 Vs. Techsew 2700

[Northmount]

If you are sewing 8 oz (1/8") and over, up to 3/8", get the speed reduction pulleys as part of the package.

Tom

[phinshaw]

If you are sewing 8 oz (1/8") and over, up to 3/8", get the speed reduction pulleys as part of the package.

Tom

Thanks for the advice Tom!

[phinshaw]

I talked to the guys at Springfield Leather hoping they could order in a Techsew or Cowboy, but they're firm believers in the Cobra's. I've always heard great things about the Cobra 4's, but I figured I'd get something heavier down the road. I wanted to ask you guys if you think I could tune it down to sew thin wallets? I'm guessing the answer is yes but ideally I'd want multiple machines? I trust the guys at Springfield Leather, they have great customer service and since they're fairly close to where I'm located I feel like it would be a good idea to buy a machine from them. Is there another Cobra I should be looking at? I'm convinced the cylinder arm is the way to go, but I think that only gives me the option of the 3 or 4. Thank again for everyone's feedback, it's been so incredibly helpful!

[Art]

I have no problems with you buying a class 18 from them, but please realize that a cobra 3 or 4 or any 441 machine is not designed to run V-92 and lower thread. If you want the truth, have the guys at SLC to set up a cobra 3 or 4 with V-69 thread and then you should have enough material set-up to make a wallet, right there. You will more than likely get a bunch of excuses. Usually when you want someone to sew on thin material on a 441 at a show, they use V-346 or V-277 thread (old sales trick). The 441 is designed to handle big thread, it isn't that size for nothing. Your best bet is a 227R, from Bob or whoever. If that is what I wanted, I'd order it and have it delivered. If your second choice is a class 18 and you don't want the arm, get the class 18. Buying a 441 for sewing thread that is really too small is going to be a headache. If you do a lot of work that is medium range, get a medium range machine. Class 18, 227R, take your pick.

Just to throw something extra into the mix, SLC should have the Class 20 which while still a flatbed, will sew thicker material with bigger thread (like maybe V-207) as well as the low range of threads.

I'd rather see you get a flatbed that sews in your range than a cylinder arm that doesn't.

Art

[lws380]

I have a Cobra 18 and it seems fine for me with thinner leather. I actually bought it because i have two Cobra 4's that do not sew real thin stuff. I use the Cobra 18 to sew thinner purse/bag straps, wallets, Thinner Ipad covers, etc. I generally sew 69 and 138 thread with the Cobra 18. I even sew purse/bag liners with the Cobra 18 and the material is duck cloth. I use #69 thread and a fabric needle to sew the duck cloth. I've been happy with the Cobra Class 18.

[Art]

My 18s also work fine with thinner thread. One is now setup for fabric and has v-46 in it. A lot more colors are available in that thread size. It also sews well with V-69 , 92, and 138, although that was before I turned it to fabric (timed for 135x17 round point or ball point), It has one of the brush motors on it so you just turn a knob to set speed. Wife has the machines with all the buttons and stitches but still uses the 18, and the Singer 222k. Only problem is no cylinder arm on the 18.

Art

[Cobra Dave]

Phinshaw,

Give us a call Monday morning at the office. 866-962-9880

Thanks

Cobra Dave

[Techsew Ron]

I talked to the guys at Springfield Leather hoping they could order in a Techsew or Cowboy, but they're firm believers in the Cobra's. I've always heard great things about the Cobra 4's, but I figured I'd get something heavier down the road. I wanted to ask you guys if you think I could tune it down to sew thin wallets? I'm guessing the answer is yes but ideally I'd want multiple machines? I trust the guys at Springfield Leather, they have great customer service and since they're fairly close to where I'm located I feel like it would be a good idea to buy a machine from them. Is there another Cobra I should be looking at? I'm convinced the cylinder arm is the way to go, but I think that only gives me the option of the 3 or 4. Thank again for everyone's feedback, it's been so incredibly helpful!

Hi Paige - if you're sewing thin leather I would suggest focusing on a machine designed for sewing thin leather. A 441 clone like the Techsew 4100/5100 can do a whole lot and would allow you to do something heavier down the road however it wouldn't be the best machine for you right now.

For sewing wallets, leashes, handbags, collars you definitely need a light/medium cylinder walking foot machine - our 2600, 2700 and 2750 all have the option of a flatbed table attachment so you can sew round or flat items.

Feel free to call us with any more questions!

Ron

[JLSleather]

What the heck.. call me too Send me a message, I'll git ya a phone number.

UNLESS you think that anything I might say, I should be willing to say here? Maybe that kind of integrity is old news these days

[Ember]

What would be a suggestion on a machine for sewing thick leather/multi layered leather about 1/8"- 1/4" thick?