Advice for the type of machine I should get

[Wizcrafts]

15 minutes ago, Melonie said:

I actually have one more question. What would the difference be between the CB3200 and the CB105 for what I am doing?

There are some gigantic differences. One difference is that the CB105 machine you asked about is single feed, via aggressive feed dogs. You will have to rub out the tooth marks after sewing. It has a static presser foot to hold down the material as the needle does it work. Second, there is no Cowboy CB105 in the US market. Third, if you buy that machine, you'll have to pay for shipping from Australia. Fourth, the machine in the ad is a Keestar, not a Cowboy.

Cowboy USA does offer a similar machine, branded the CB2500, which is imported, setup, adjusted, sold and serviced by Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines. It has bottom feed only, but does offer a roller foot instead of the flat presser foot. The range of thread is from #138 through #346. It uses an odd needle system, Type 328, which is longer than a walking foot but shorter than the 441 clones.

[Wizcrafts]

14 minutes ago, Yetibelle said:

Here is the problem, and I don't have a solution.  Do you get the machine that fits the "current need" or do you get the machine that fits the "future need" or is "more" capable that what you think you need?  What I have noticed is that people like to start with the current need machine and then try push the machine to do more than it is able or recommended to do and then get frustrated. So from that perspective I would spend the extra money (now rather than later) and get the CB4500. You will appreciate the longer arm depth, the larger thread options and the ability to sew through just about anything like butter. 

 

Be like me and buy more machines as the need arises. Toledo Industrial loves me. My shop is polluted with industrial sewing machines, sewing everything from the lightest cloth up to 7/8 inch thick holsters. Each machine is threaded with different sizes of thread.

[SolarLeatherMachines]

2 hours ago, Yetibelle said:

Here is the problem, and I don't have a solution.  Do you get the machine that fits the "current need" or do you get the machine that fits the "future need" or is "more" capable that what you think you need?  What I have noticed is that people like to start with the current need machine and then try push the machine to do more than it is able or recommended to do and then get frustrated. So from that perspective I would spend the extra money (now rather than later) and get the CB4500. You will appreciate the longer arm depth, the larger thread options and the ability to sew through just about anything like butter. 

 

Each machine has a sweet spot for sewing weights and thread sizes.  Think about where you're making your money now, and choose a machine that fits.  If you ever need to trade up to a larger machine, a well cared for cowboy machine will fetch 80% or higher on the used market.  Around Dallas, used machines are gone in 24 hours.  Then use that money to buy the next size up.    No sense spending money on something larger than what you ACTUALLY will use.   

[dikman]

Plus if you get one that is too big (handles very thick leather and thread) it may cause issues if you try to do lighter stuff.

[Melonie]

On January 9, 2017 at 6:20 PM, SolarLeatherMachines said:

Each machine has a sweet spot for sewing weights and thread sizes.  Think about where you're making your money now, and choose a machine that fits.  If you ever need to trade up to a larger machine, a well cared for cowboy machine will fetch 80% or higher on the used market.  Around Dallas, used machines are gone in 24 hours.  Then use that money to buy the next size up.    No sense spending money on something larger than what you ACTUALLY will use.   

 

So do you think that the CB3200 would be too much when sewing journals where some parts are just one layer of 6 oz leather and a layer of canvas together?

[SolarLeatherMachines]

It would be on the low end of the Machine's range, but it would sew just fine.  I would use a 92 thread.  Getting a flat slotted needle plate would help, too.  

[Axeman]

Dad and I purchased a cowboy 3200 machine from Bob at Toledo Industrial a couple months ago. I too got tired of the sore fingers!! I sew axe sheaths, usually three thicknesses of 8oz veg tan with 277 thread top and bottom. My work is similar to yours in that my sheaths are completely flat. That being said, This is the best purchase I have made in a LONG time. I have sped up my process 10 fold or more and no more sore fingers!! The feature I like the most is that in reverse, it puts the needle in the same holes so my locking stitches at the beginning and end of a run are very neat. You wont regret buying one and Bob is great to work with.

One suggestion, buy plenty of different thread and needle sizes from Bob. His prices are spot on. Pay shipping once. A month from now, you will wish you had other thread size options.... ask me how I know.

[Melonie]

On 1/21/2017 at 10:47 AM, Axeman said:

Dad and I purchased a cowboy 3200 machine from Bob at Toledo Industrial a couple months ago. I too got tired of the sore fingers!! I sew axe sheaths, usually three thicknesses of 8oz veg tan with 277 thread top and bottom. My work is similar to yours in that my sheaths are completely flat. That being said, This is the best purchase I have made in a LONG time. I have sped up my process 10 fold or more and no more sore fingers!! The feature I like the most is that in reverse, it puts the needle in the same holes so my locking stitches at the beginning and end of a run are very neat. You wont regret buying one and Bob is great to work with.

One suggestion, buy plenty of different thread and needle sizes from Bob. His prices are spot on. Pay shipping once. A month from now, you will wish you had other thread size options.... ask me how I know.

Thanks for the info!! I haven't made a purchase yet because I am still a little hesitant on buying such a heavy duty machine. I'm afraid that it won't be a good fit when I am only sewing 1or 2 layers of 5 oz leather. Have you used yours on lighter weight projects?

[Wizcrafts]

19 minutes ago, Melonie said:

Thanks for the info!! I haven't made a purchase yet because I am still a little hesitant on buying such a heavy duty machine. I'm afraid that it won't be a good fit when I am only sewing 1or 2 layers of 5 oz leather. Have you used yours on lighter weight projects?

If you only intend to sew about 10 ounces or so, a CB227R will do just fine. It is a medium duty cylinder arm machine in the same price range, but better with thin thread (up to #138).

[Techsew Ron]

7 hours ago, Melonie said:

Thanks for the info!! I haven't made a purchase yet because I am still a little hesitant on buying such a heavy duty machine. I'm afraid that it won't be a good fit when I am only sewing 1or 2 layers of 5 oz leather. Have you used yours on lighter weight projects?

For 2 layers of 5oz leather you may be better off using a light/medium walking foot machine. These can usually sew up to about 3/8" leather thickness and are better for thinner/softer leather. A more heavy duty machine will limit you for when you're sewing thinner leather. You can find these types of machines from any of our sponsors' websites.