Advice On Cobra Class 4 and Getting Another Machine For Lighter Stuff

[zckry]

Hey all, we recently picked up a Cobra Class 4 (CC4) from Steve and it's a great machine but we are having more of a headache than anything when it comes to sewing our thinner stuff (wallets, phone cases, etc.) with it.
The thinner stuff we sew is usually 4 to 4.5oz leather layers (normally two, occasionally three).

The issue we have with the CC4 when sewing these is the dreaded presser foot marks and I've tried just about everything to get these reduced but it's still pretty significant. I've heard of people even clipping the presser foot tension spring shorter but I really don't want to do that if it's not necessary on our almost new machine.

I've tried the following already with some success but I feel (correct me if I'm wrong), it may be too much machine for our thinner stuff:
* Adjust presser foot spring (backed out almost the entire way)
* Radius and polished presser foot and center foot
* Moved to thinner thread and needles
* Adjusted both bobbin and top thread tensions
* Adjusted banana slide all the way up

I'm sure the leather we use get affected more than some others out there too (usually english bridle, already dyed).

Anyway, I'm thinking of keeping the CC4 for bigger stuff (we do sew belts and thicker bags over 9oz together) but wanted to know if you guys think getting a "lighter" walking foot machine could help at all with our thinner stuff. I understand there are different sewing machine for different tasks so I'm wondering if that's mainly what's going on.

Here are some of the flat bed tables we have been looking at:

* Adler 867
* Weaver 2670
* Pfaff 1245

 

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

Edited April 18, 2016 by zckry

[Ken Nelson]

If you sew them dry, you should not have much for presser foot marks.  Dampen it, take a bone folder and rub them out.  The machines you listed for lighter work are all good but expensive.   Look into a Class 18 from leather machine company or similiar machine from one of the suppliers on this sight.   They are set up for leather and the support you get is priceless.  Cheaper in the long run and a lot less headaches.     Most saddle shops have at least 2 sewing machines or more.    Reasons for it too.    HTH   Kem

[zckry]

Thanks Ken, the Cobra Class 18 is $1,600 but the Weaver 2670 is also $1,600 (I have wholesale/dealer account).
I wonder which one is better, I don't see a reverse lever on the Cobra Class 18? Other than that they appear the same to me but I haven't gotten detailed information on the machines yet.

The Pfaff is 1245 is $2,295 but yep the Adler starts getting higher up in the price range.

Edited April 18, 2016 by zckry

[zckry]

Just got word from Weaver, it sounds like the Weaver 2670 isn't going to work for the thread size we use.

[Bigpaws]

Cobra 18 does have a reverse lever.

 

[Art]

I have two Class 18 machines.  I would gladly trade one of them for a CowBoy 227R cylinder arm machine.  I would have to keep one 18 as the wife loves it, whereas I prefer the cylinder arm.

Art

[zckry]

1 hour ago, Art said:

I have two Class 18 machines.  I would gladly trade one of them for a CowBoy 227R cylinder arm machine.  I would have to keep one 18 as the wife loves it, whereas I prefer the cylinder arm.

Art

Do they provide smooth feed dog and presser feet like with the CC4? I didn't see it anywhere on the listing page and haven't contacted them.

[Techsew Ron]

3 hours ago, zckry said:

Just got word from Weaver, it sounds like the Weaver 2670 isn't going to work for the thread size we use.

what thread size are you looking to use? a light/medium walking foot machine will usually top out at 138 or 207.

Ron

[JLSleather]

You didn't mention the size thread you wanted to use.  

BUT, I will say that I have never found the support from steve (or anyone else out there) to be priceless.  Or even useful.  I have never seen the model 18, and the one guy I knew who  had one didn't particularly like it.  Art (above) seems happy with his, so that's one vote "for" and one "nay"

BUT.. the thing here is.. if your machine leaves (pressure) marks in light weight leather, then you would expect it to be WORSE in thicker leather.  I mean, the spring would be compressed MORE the thicker the leather.  Fact is, that machine you have SHOULD be able to sew the thickness you describe 8 oz to 12 oz English bridle).

 

[Singermania]

HI, yes winding the pressure knob all the way up is the first step, I presume by banana slide you mean the adjustment on the back???  Nothing wrong with taking a coil off the tension spring, you wont do it with wire cutters, but an angle grinder will work.   We at Cowboy in Australia would be ok with it, but you'd want to check with your supplier to see if it upsets the warranty.