Test Drive

[splitrail]

Does anyone know where I could test drive Cowboy sewing machines in the San Antonio Area????

[25b]

Does anyone know where I could test drive Cowboy sewing machines in the San Antonio Area????

Nope.

There isn't anyone in Texas that sells them, as far as I know.

Maybe someone in the area might let you play with one of their machines, but as far as dealers there aren't any nearby from when I searched for somewhere to buy mine.

Edited October 28, 2015 by 25b

[splitrail]

Thank you so much for replying.

Should I ask why you sold the cowboy?

I am surprised that it is so difficult in Texas to get good leather supplies and machines locally.

[25b]

Umm...I haven't sold mine...I'm not sure how that came across, but I have one and haven't sold it...

Don't even waste your time at a local (consumer) sewing machine/vacuum cleaner place...all they sell are the equivalent of "fisher price 'my first sewing machines'"...complete waste of time trying to go there for anything...

I've even tried to find industrial machine dealers in Houston and couldn't locate any.

The only place that sells leatherworking machines in Texas (that I know of) is Campbell-Randall...they are in Yoakum, TX, so not too far from SA...they don't sell Cowboy machines, but they have pretty much any other type of leatherworking machine you could want...Needle and Awl machines, automatic rivet setting machines, edging machines, skiving machines, band knife splitters...it's worth a visit if you can get there on a weekday. They don't sell leather though...only place I know of that does in Texas is tandy and their leather sucks.

[splitrail]

Sorry I'm up in Seattle catching a flight and trying to read this on a phone. I miss read that you were looking for "someone" to buy not "somewhere"

I went to a great place Imsco that sells industrial flat bed walking foot Juki machines in San Antonio. But he does not handle any specialty leather machines. I currently have an old singer industrial machine but I'm asking it to do to much.

I do agree that shopping for quality leather is impossible in San Antonio.

Before I spend thousands I would love to try a few machines. Would you mind if I ask which machine you have?

[25b]

I have a Cowboy 3200 and hate it. The bottom stitches look like garbage and according to the general consensus on here, the solution is either to 1. "You should've bought a needle and awl machine if you want pretty bottom stitches" or 2. "Spend an inordinate amount of time going over your bottom stitches with an overstitch wheel (which ONLY works if your stitching is EXACTLY the same length as whatever overstitch wheel you have by the way)...hammer the bottom stitches, etc., etc., etc. ad nauseum,.." I don't have time for any of that nonsense. If I DID, I wouldn't have bought the darn thing and would still be saddle-stitching everything I make...which I pretty much do now because of the aforementioned ugly bottom stitches from the machine.

I'm thinking about changing to a different type needle...but no one on here really has recommended that as a fix and the person that sold me the machine really doesn't seem to have any suggestions on how to fix the bottom stitches so they don't look like they're pulling/cutting the leather and makes the SPI on the bottom look different than the SPI on the top.

Edited October 28, 2015 by 25b

[Ferg]

I have no idea who you bought your CowBoy from but any of them that I know would not let you have this kind of trouble with your machine. Actually I know of no dealer that advertises or posts on this forum who doesn't take care of their customers.

Has it occurred to you, maybe the machine is not properly adjusted plus you are trying to use the wrong size or type of needle.

Check with Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Machine. He will get you straightened out. No point in blaming the machine for something that very well may not be the problem.

Also: You can get real close to top and bottom stitch appearing the same but it takes a lot of trial and error some times. Proper tension is at least 85% of sewing.

ferg

[25b]

I have no idea who you bought your CowBoy from but any of them that I know would not let you have this kind of trouble with your machine. Actually I know of no dealer that advertises or posts on this forum who doesn't take care of their customers.

Well, you are wrong.

Has it occurred to you, maybe the machine is not properly adjusted plus you are trying to use the wrong size or type of needle.

It sewed this way on delivery without me having changed anything from when it was sewn off.

Check with Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Machine. He will get you straightened out. No point in blaming the machine for something that very well may not be the problem.

Also: You can get real close to top and bottom stitch appearing the same but it takes a lot of trial and error some times. Proper tension is at least 85% of sewing.

ferg

I don't recall asking for your opinion, so you'll excuse me if I disregard it.

It's not ME...it's the god-forsaken MACHINE. I've read too many other people on here in countless threads complaining about exactly the same thing and the UNIVERSAL ANSWER is either "that's just how they sew" or "get a needle and awl machine." There are too many people posting with exactly the same issues with the bottom stitching for it NOT to be the machine.

[TinkerTailor]

Well, you are wrong.

It sewed this way on delivery without me having changed anything from when it was sewn off.

I don't recall asking for your opinion, so you'll excuse me if I disregard it.

It's not ME...it's the god-forsaken MACHINE. I've read too many other people on here in countless threads complaining about exactly the same thing and the UNIVERSAL ANSWER is either "that's just how they sew" or "get a needle and awl machine." There are too many people posting with exactly the same issues with the bottom stitching for it NOT to be the machine.

In my business, If you talked to me the way you talk to others on this forum, you would also get no help. Respect where respect is due.

The thread is about a finding place to test a machine for her purposes, not yours. Where in the title does it say "Hey 25b, rant about your cowboy again!"

"The customer is always right, as long as they are not an arse."

Has it occurred to you, maybe the machine is not properly adjusted plus you are trying to use the wrong size or type of needle.

Check with Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial Machine. He will get you straightened out. No point in blaming the machine for something that very well may not be the problem.

Also: You can get real close to top and bottom stitch appearing the same but it takes a lot of trial and error some times. Proper tension is at least 85% of sewing.

ferg

Obviously the needle type has occurred to him as he has stated he thinks he should change needle now but no-one will tell him which one. Wonder why? The advise to make sure it is not an operator error and to contact the seller is spot on., Thank you Ferg for your experienced input.

[Art]

Gentlemen and Lady,

First to Splitrail:

I am sorry this topic has degenerated the way that it has. 25b had a good suggestion that you visit Campbell-Randal as they know more about leather machinery than the rest of us put together. Speak with Dan Naegle.

Second to Ferg:

Sorry you got caught up in this for simply trying to offer a suggestion.

To the other two:

This will stop now, I'm giving you both a pass on this as I am chalking this up to the proximity of the full moon, and assuming there is some hangover from same. I am not the nicy-nice moderator of our esteemed (and overworked) group. I don't want any crud about this, just stop it now.

Everyone have a nice day.

Art

Moderator