nevadabob Report post Posted February 24, 2016 Saw one on c-list, obviously older and used...do they have a good reputation? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 24, 2016 Saw one on c-list, obviously older and used...do they have a good reputation? It depends on the model number and what type of material you plan to sew with it. If it is a 188 series Rex, it is best used to sew upholstery cloth, denim, webbing, Naugahyde and ballistic materials. It can also sew 2 layers of medium thickness BioThane. The machine works really well with #138 thread and #23 needles You would use a #24 needle to sew BioThane on the Rex 188. Make sure that both feet are on the machine as replacements can be costly. If the seller has piping feet too it will save you some money. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nevadabob Report post Posted February 25, 2016 Thanks Wiz for the info. The c-list pics were "less than" cell phone quality and it appears to sew up to 5mm thickness total. Wont help me with holster making. It's in the Grass Valley-Auburn Calif area and can be accessed thru Sacramento or Reno c-list. Looks like someone passed away and this is why it's up for sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 25, 2016 The Rex 188 types are upholstery sewing machines. The only leather normally sewn on them is unmarkable, chrome tanned upholstery hides, about 4 to 6 ounces thick. I wouldn't even think about using this type of feed system to sew a leather holster. But, if you are into Kydex or ballistic nylon, it is the perfect machine for the job. Since you aren't familiar with this machine, it is a dual feed machine with teeth on the presser foot and feed dog. The outside, or presser foot is driven in sync with the feed dog to pull the material through, on top and bottom. This helps when sewing long sections of couch materials, drapery, sails, animal leads, vinyl banners, tents and boat or truck covers. If you intend to machine sew holsters, start your search with compound feed walking foot machines, with totally smooth bottom feet. A Cowboy CB3200 is an excellent machine for this type of work. It sews up to a solid 1/2 inch of veg-tan or bridle, or latigo leather, with up to #415 bonded nylon thread and up to #27 needles. This is way beyond the capabilities of any upholstery class sewing machine. It is distributed by Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines, owned by Bob Kovar and his Son, Bob Jr. They always perform an expert setup and sew off before they ship a machine. My Cowboy CB4500 holster sewing machine came from Toledo Industrial with a sample stack of leather over 3/4 inch thick, sewn off with #277 thread. I have managed to sew one holster on it that was a solid 7/8 inch thick along the outer edge, using #346 Superior brand bonded nylon thread and a #26 needle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nevadabob Report post Posted February 25, 2016 Great info. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dfrensdorff Report post Posted February 25, 2016 Where are you located Bob? I have the Cowboy 3200 and a Ferdco 206, both of which I sew fairly thick leather with. I am in Gardnerville and you are welcome to come down and see both in action. Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nevadabob Report post Posted February 26, 2016 Don...I'm in Reno, live out in the north valleys out by Red Rock Rd. Thank you for the invite down, would love to check out your units. When I get a clear spot on my schedule, I'll pm you and we can go from there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dfrensdorff Report post Posted February 26, 2016 Sounds good Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
