Cobra, Cowboy Or Ferdco?

[BitterBeard]

I have once again been doing some research as I look to pickup a thick leather sewing machine. I have a Juki 1541s that I use for all of my chrome tanned leather sewing and it works great but I am expanding a bit and I am looking for advice on which direction to go. Cowboy 4500, Cobra 4 or Ferdco pro2000 super bull. All of these machines to me look to be exactly alike, the Cowboy and Cobra seemed to be priced very competitively to each other too. So I'm mostly looking for the current owners or those in the know for suggestions on which way the best wind is blowing for your bottom dollar. Would you buy your machine again if you could do it over or would you look at a different brand?

I like that the Cobra 4 has a premium package that gets you most of the feet, plates, work platform, extra bobbin, needles and some threads and looking at the Toledo site I don't see a package deal so does anybody know if they offer that? I like to do a one time purchase for most of the equipment of what i'll need so I have it all in my shop at the get-go.

Once again thanks to all that respond, I greatly appreciate the information given at this website, I seem to be reading it, all the time.

[Colt W Knight]

I have once again been doing some research as I look to pickup a thick leather sewing machine. I have a Juki 1541s that I use for all of my chrome tanned leather sewing and it works great but I am expanding a bit and I am looking for advice on which direction to go. Cowboy 4500, Cobra 4 or Ferdco pro2000 super bull. All of these machines to me look to be exactly alike, the Cowboy and Cobra seemed to be priced very competitively to each other too. So I'm mostly looking for the current owners or those in the know for suggestions on which way the best wind is blowing for your bottom dollar. Would you buy your machine again if you could do it over or would you look at a different brand?

I like that the Cobra 4 has a premium package that gets you most of the feet, plates, work platform, extra bobbin, needles and some threads and looking at the Toledo site I don't see a package deal so does anybody know if they offer that? I like to do a one time purchase for most of the equipment of what i'll need so I have it all in my shop at the get-go.

Once again thanks to all that respond, I greatly appreciate the information given at this website, I seem to be reading it, all the time.

Yeah, you can get the total package from Toledo as well. They are both 2795.00

Ferdcos were super well thought of in the 90s, and I believe they were made with actually Juki parts back then. I don't know if they still are or not. I think the company who made them back then went under, and the brand was brought back again by another company.

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/images/Cowboy_cb4500_mag_ad.jpg

Edited January 31, 2016 by Colt W Knight

[Art]

The Ferdco 2000 may not be in current production although Hoffman Brothers may be producing it. The 2000 was based on the Taiwan made Taking 441 last I knew, which was a very high quality clone and more expensive than the Chinese mainland 441s. If I could get one of them used, I would buy it before the others. Make sure you know from where your machine came, or was made.

The Highlead machines are the next level of quality in my opinion tougher and beefier than the Cowboy and Cobra, and they cost a little more to go with that.

The Cowboy and the Cobra are, last I knew, made in the same factory. Cowboy has a few things Cobra doesn't have but the guts are the same, paint is different.

All the accessories for these machines are dirt cheap to the dealers, you and everyone else would be really surprised. Demand a deal on accessories and be ready to walk if they don't give you something you like.

Cobra being closer to you is a plus that should be evaluated.

Art

[Wizcrafts]

Snip

I like that the Cobra 4 has a premium package that gets you most of the feet, plates, work platform, extra bobbin, needles and some threads and looking at the Toledo site I don't see a package deal so does anybody know if they offer that? I like to do a one time purchase for most of the equipment of what i'll need so I have it all in my shop at the get-go.

Once again thanks to all that respond, I greatly appreciate the information given at this website, I seem to be reading it, all the time.

There is an image on the lower left of the CB4500 page with a photo copy of their ad from Shop Talk magazine. Click on it to see a larger readable view. Turn off your ad blocker if you don't see it. Sometimes, just refreshing the page will get it to reload and display.

Edited January 31, 2016 by Wizcrafts

[JREESER1]

In April of 2014, I bought a Cobra 4P, the one with the accessory package, and I could not be more pleased. Both the machine and the service support have been absolutely stellar. Set up was easy, and I was learning to use the machine in only a few hours. One phone call about a tension issue and a thread, needle combination was easy to follow. I have had no issues with timing or misaligned reverse sewing at all. I keep it oiled, religiously with no problems with any wear or weird noises. I have sewn with #138 to #348 thread, on 8oz. to 3 layers of 10oz. without issue.

I will recommend the Cobra 4 and Steve at The Leather Machine Co. to anyone, without hesitation. They are advertisers on this site and they are located in So. California. Give Steve a call and talk to him and see for yourself.

[dirtclod]

Ferdco pro 2000 ! I've used mine 20 plus years with problems as all. Stitches in the same holes in reverse to.

Edited February 1, 2016 by dirtclod

[BitterBeard]

There is an image on the lower left of the CB4500 page with a photo copy of their ad from Shop Talk magazine. Click on it to see a larger readable view. Turn off your ad blocker if you don't see it. Sometimes, just refreshing the page will get it to reload and display.

It was Ghostery stopping that from showing up, thanks Wizcrafts.

Can't say enough how much I appreciate people's input, sadly, not making it easier

I'll make some phone calls in the morning and see who can come up with what and might just end up going by price at this point. The local industrial sewing shop that I've bought multiple machines from, they are selling the Ferdco but I also imagine they're going to be the most expensive.

[Cascabel]

On a large heavy item like this, shipping cost can be either a deal maker or a deal breaker. I got my Cowboy from Toledo shipped to the local freight terminal, and picked it up myself. Considerably cheaper than home delivery.

[TinkerTailor]

Go with the ferdco. Support the local guy, If you already have a good relationship with them. The ferdco is a 441+ by most standards, basically an improved 441 and from what i have read from owners is it is worth the price over a cowboy or cobra. They were built like tanks, the local guy will not need to ship, which may make up the price difference.

Local service is a great thing. I have local service for other wood and metal tools, however the industrial sewing dealers in my area did not rub me the right way so i had a machine shipped across the country. Techsew has been quick to help with any issues, however they are a very long way away and shipping takes time. Plus the local guy can come over and set it up to do what you want, and show you stuff. Showing is way better that trying to explain over the phone.

As far as pricing, I was looking at 3 much closer dealers, the closest was selling taiwan 441s for juki money, and the other two were selling Chinese 441s for Taiwanese money. One is a cobra dealer here in Canada.

Same guy sold 1/2 lb of 207 thread for 30 bux canadian and charged 32 canadian for a pack of 10 s-point schmetz needles to a relative as an xmas gift for me. When i noticed the price i just about choked and called the guy to have a word or two on highway robbery........i get 1lb spools for $25-30 and needles for $15-20.. and that is the expensive online retail option.

In your situation if the ferdco price is a bunch more than getting one shipped, arrange for setup and a lesson to be included in the price. It will be worth it, but be on the lookout for highway robbery......

Edited February 1, 2016 by TinkerTailor

[Art]

If you can get the Ferdco from a local dealer, there really is no choice. Get the Ferdco. While I haven't been into a dealer in decades, they are essential lifeline for the person new to heavy stitchers. To have a dealer in your area is worth many hundreds of dollars in time, frustration, and ultimate satisfaction. All those accessories are cool, but truth to be told, 90% of them never get installed on a machine.

Art