Huntersilver Report post Posted January 30, 2016 Trying to decide between the Cobra 14 inch splitter and the Artisan 20 inch LS 1020, both are about the same price. Anyone have experience with these machines? Any comments would be appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted January 31, 2016 You asked for it, so here goes. These are my own opinions. I used and worked on a Artisan 20 inch splitter about 5 or 6 years ago. I currently own and use (and work on) a Cobra 14. The Artisan was a fine piece of equipment, however seemed to me to be a little too wide for it's own good. By this I mean the blade was too long by about 5 inches to be conveniently sharpened, that doesn't mean it can't be done, it is just a PIA. The other thing I remember was that it was a Royal PIA reinstalling the blade after resharpening. No problem in my shop where I have all the tools to do it, but not so easy for Harry Leatherworker. They might have addressed these problems since I worked on that one years ago. If Artisan can provide blades and sharpening, this would be a big plus. I charge $40 to resharpen Artisan blades plus shipping. I charge $14 to do Cobra blades + shipping. If blades are damaged, repair is more. The Cobra I have is a pretty well mannered beast. It appears in looks and function like the old Landis shoe sole splitter (Model 30 I think) except a tad bigger. Don't try to pick it up, it is either awkward, heavy, or both. It isn't hard to use and the learning curve is short. You'll ruin a little leather trying to find out just how far you can split something in one pass. The answer is 3 or 4 oz at a time. Add this to the bandsaw and buffer as one of the most dangerous machines in the shop. Get stupid and it will get you. Blade removal and installation is an acceptable degree of difficulty, but doable by almost anyone. You need to find someone to sharpen the blade for you, it is a professional job. Extra blades are also a plus, I am not sure of their general availability. If Cobra provides this service, it would be good to know that and the cost. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treyman Report post Posted February 1, 2016 I believe they do a blade exchange for 75 bucks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted February 1, 2016 I believe they do a blade exchange for 75 bucks. For a 14 inch blade....crikey! What do they charge for a new blade? Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted February 1, 2016 For a 14 inch blade....crikey! What do they charge for a new blade? Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Needle Crook Report post Posted February 10, 2016 For a 14 inch blade....crikey! What do they charge for a new blade? Art I just called leather machine co, they charge $75 for the blade exchange and $225 for a new blade. I didn't ask but I belive shipping is not included. Art, how does your service work? I have a cobra. I don't need it sharpened yet, I just want to be ready for when I do need it sharpened! Thanks, Jed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted February 10, 2016 Hi Jed, You get the blade to me. Just Honing/Sharpening, 40 degree or whatever it is we use the same angle and grind $14 Taking out small nicks and dings with corresponding setback $30 Convert Hollow Ground to Flat or vice versa $30 Really toast blade, if it can be saved, needs anneal and heat treat $60 Shipping, usually $12 to $16 to lower 48 or APO Turnaround is the second day (usually) Note: The old Landis 30 used a hollow ground blade. Try to get the most out of your blade, use different sections of the machine to keep blade wear constant. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted February 10, 2016 Hi Jed, I looked-up Freud 15" planer blades, and it costs $60 for THREE of them, aka $20 apiece. I thought the Cobra splitter blades were made of D2, not unobtanium. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted February 10, 2016 Hi Jed, I looked-up Freud 15" planer blades, and it costs $60 for THREE of them, aka $20 apiece. I thought the Cobra splitter blades were made of D2, not unobtanium. Art Snake venom quenching is the secret. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted February 10, 2016 I know of viper's venom cutting oil, but it has nothing to do with a snake. It figures, Snake Venom to quench D2 (air hardening). I wish they would switch to Snake Breath. Salesmen. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted February 10, 2016 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Needle Crook Report post Posted February 10, 2016 Hi Jed, You get the blade to me. Just Honing/Sharpening, 40 degree or whatever it is we use the same angle and grind $14 Taking out small nicks and dings with corresponding setback $30 Convert Hollow Ground to Flat or vice versa $30 Really toast blade, if it can be saved, needs anneal and heat treat $60 Shipping, usually $12 to $16 to lower 48 or APO Turnaround is the second day (usually) Note: The old Landis 30 used a hollow ground blade. Try to get the most out of your blade, use different sections of the machine to keep blade wear constant. Art Thanks Art, and thank for the advise as well. I'm glad to know there are Reasonable options available. No comment on the snake venom, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
