Cobra 22618-8B Or Cowboy 3200? Please Help

[l2bravo]

So this is my first machine. I appreciate the opinions, and all the wisdom.

Art, so if I set up my machine for say 277, I can also use some 207, with out much detriment or hassle, if I want to use it for some projects?

I can see the problem with trying to sew 277, and then turning around to use 69. Not having used one of these yet, I am familiar with all types of machinery, and do get the idea of never finding the "groove".

Thank you guys again, Josh

Edited November 23, 2015 by l2bravo

[Art]

Josh,

Yes, run 277 on top and 207 in the bobbin. You can switch to 207 on top without much hassle maybe a tension tweak to keep the lock in the middle. Use a #24/180 needle.

Art

[Massive]

Cobra makes a great machine for heavy work also. You can run very small needles on the saddle machines, but they are very long, expensive and prone to breakage.

If it was me, I would look at second hand machines on ebay for the smaller end, there are tons of options there. When you get to the saddle weight end of things, the old machines are often more expensive than the new ones. So if I was planing on spending several thou on a machine, I would go for a new cobra (or cowboy) saddle machine, and pick up the light end second hand.

Whatever you do, if the second hand machine is 500 bucks less than a top of the line saddle machine, don't get too excited, doesn't sound like a steal, and shouldn't distract you from getting the right machine for your needs.

What limits most system as you go up in weight is the ability of the needle to apply enough tension to get a good stitch. Getting penetration, or a stitch is not that big a deal.but getting the right tension is where the systems get overwhelmed. There are lots of machines out there than can be perfect for what a person wants, but fail due to the feed system. Be sure you have the right feed for the work you are doing.