Need Help! Can't Solve Cowboy Stitching Issue...

[wlg190861]

I bought a cb4500 a few years ago a had that problem myself at the beginning. First, make sure your top thread is threaded right and not catching on anything. What I did and works for me is I tightened my bobbin almost All the way tight an the rest of my adjusting is done on top. I can sew from 2 oz to 20oz with no problem, any adjustments needed are done on top.

Edited December 28, 2015 by wlg190861

[l2bravo]

Nopleather, I ordered my machine from Ryan. Alexander happened to have one ready to roll, so it shipped from him. I've had a couple of questions, and ordered a few things. You are absolutely correct, in that Alexander is a really really nice guy, and is crazy smart at these machines.

[NoPleather]

I have been busy with other projects, given the Christmas break provides opportunity for me to get a lot done. I did sew on it earlier this afternoon and oil ran all over the leather, but no matter--it was a sample piece. It is laying down very well and I plan to sew some books tomorrow. It could have been a combination of things, bad thread, a possible bur on the foot that would catch the fuzz on the thread, poor adjustments and in need of a more thorough oiling. I don't know which one or all.

I do know that he completely re-routed my thread and it seems to run smoother. The more places you run it through, the more opportunity there is for problems.

[YinTx]

Would you mind showing us the new path that the machine has been threaded with? Thanks in advance,

YinTx

[JLSleather]

I have a Cobra 4 and I can tell you it ain't threaded as suggested from the factory.

Where would a guy find this "factory" instruction?

[TinkerTailor]

I have been busy with other projects, given the Christmas break provides opportunity for me to get a lot done. I did sew on it earlier this afternoon and oil ran all over the leather, but no matter--it was a sample piece. It is laying down very well and I plan to sew some books tomorrow. It could have been a combination of things, bad thread, a possible bur on the foot that would catch the fuzz on the thread, poor adjustments and in need of a more thorough oiling. I don't know which one or all.

I do know that he completely re-routed my thread and it seems to run smoother. The more places you run it through, the more opportunity there is for problems.

Oil dripping down on the first bit of stitching is normal. I leave 3-4 layers of canvas clamped under the foot to collect it when i leave my machine for a while. Always thrown a few stitches into some scrap before putting in your prized project if the machine has been sitting. If it has been sitting, and the foot is dry, you should probably oil it.

[NoPleather]

Would you mind showing us the new path that the machine has been threaded with? Thanks in advance,

YinTx

Sure, let me post it up tomorrow. Tough day at work today.

Where would a guy find this "factory" instruction?

No clue. But as another poster stated; there are a thousand ways to thread these machines. I have seen several myself.

Oil dripping down on the first bit of stitching is normal. I leave 3-4 layers of canvas clamped under the foot to collect it when i leave my machine for a while. Always thrown a few stitches into some scrap before putting in your prized project if the machine has been sitting. If it has been sitting, and the foot is dry, you should probably oil it.

Thank you. I greatly appreciate the tip--will do.

[NoPleather]

I had some time to enjoy my hobby last weekend and knocked out about 8 book covers through 9 oz leather (doubled-up) without as much as a hesitation. It ate it up. I am very pleased with the operation.

[l2bravo]

Aaaaaaand the new thread path is?????

Edited January 15, 2016 by l2bravo

[NoPleather]

I'll explain then show pictures when I get home.

The thread guide on the top of the machine he removed. He didn't trust me not to use it, so he took it off. So now the thread runs from the spool, through the first thread guide, but then wraps around the first pressure guide twice. From there it appears to be standard threading like Bob suggests in his video, but I'll post anyway.

I did some pretty heavy searching on how to thread and adjust these machines, and there is several ways to run the thread. I my opinion, whatever works for you, works for you. Getting the precise pressure to get the machine to work properly sometimes requires some creativity and diligence. And that is something Alexander has down--He is in tune with the machines.

Something I noticed; the thread moves through the machine very smoothly. I believe this is primarily due to the crappy thread Alexander had me throw in the trash. It had fuzzy spots and would catch anything that my be protruding from and eye, guide, needle, whatever. The smoother the thread, the fewer your problems. I saw a nice piece from the "Wiz" about thread, and where to buy it and the type he recommends--I'm going that route.

Edited January 15, 2016 by NoPleather