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[bikermutt07]

I thought the 3200 had the same feed as the bigger machines? I thought the only difference was thread max and lift height. Dangit, back to the drawing board.

To be totally honest I don't even know how small #69 thread is it if I would use it. Hoping to make wallets, belts, sheaths, and holsters......

[MADMAX22]

29 minutes ago, bikermutt07 said:

I thought the 3200 had the same feed as the bigger machines? I thought the only difference was thread max and lift height. Dangit, back to the drawing board.

To be totally honest I don't even know how small #69 thread is it if I would use it. Hoping to make wallets, belts, sheaths, and holsters......

You could use it for wallet interiors. For the outside its up to you. Sheaths belts and holsters are gonna use 138 on up depending on the look and holding ability you want. In general terms dress belts 138, double layer gun belts 207-415 (I usually use 277) sheaths 207-415 (I usually use 207 or 277) holsters 207-415 (I usually use 277). 

Ask Bob though as I may be confusing some of the models feeding capabilities, regardless for the price increase for the higher capability 3500 is worth it IMHO especially since sheaths and some holsters can get pretty darn thick. I just thought there was a difference in the 3200 and 3500 but could of been thinking of the 2500 vs 3500. 

Edited February 26, 2017 by MADMAX22

[Wizcrafts]

7 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

But Wiz, the link for the 3200 says it will run thread from #69 up to #346?

Is this a misprint? The stated range of this machine has had me leaning that way for a while now.

I do understand I would have to learn how to adjust it well to take advantage of such a range.

(Humbly bows and backs away)

I have the big brother to the 3200; the 4500 and my buddy has a Cobra Class 4. I sew on both of these machines and have not had much luck with thread sizes smaller than #138. I have been able to fiddle with the settings to sew with #92 thread, but it takes time to get there and back again for heavy sewing. I find that even after adjusting these machines to use #92 thread, the reverse sewing is iffy at best. The problem is that the thinner needles are farther away from the hook to start and get pulled even farther to the left as you sew. Skipped stitches are easy to accomplish with this setup.

I find that rather than fighting with a huge machine to dumb it down, it's easier to buy a lighter duty machine to handle thin thread projects. So, I use a standard build of compound feed walking foot machine to sew wallets, phone cases, hems and zippers. When the material is too light or soft for even that machine, I switch over to an old tailoring machine that is only good with thin (up to #69) thread and little needles, with about a 1/4 inch material capacity (not leather).

If you care to spend time readjusting spring tensions and hook timing, you can probably get a CB3200 to sew about 4 ounces with #69 thread. The goal is to create the largest loop possible for the approaching hook to pick off. That is easier to do with larger thread sizes than smaller ones on the big machines that have heavy springs and huge take-up levers.

Finally, as difficult as it can be to dumb down a big machine, the reverse is also true if you try to smarten up a lesser machine. Many members, including little old part time Webmaster me, have tried this on a lot of machines, only to throw in the towel and get a bigger machine for thick thread sewing jobs. If most of your current sewing will be mostly not exceed 3/8 inch and you will be happy with 15 pound test #138 thread, a medium duty walking foot machine should get you by until the need and money arises for something bigger.

FYI: a 441 machine is a synonym for the Juki TSC-441 machine that is built in Japan. You can have one for the mere price of $6500 + $225 shipping from Nick-O-Sew.

[Wizcrafts]

5 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

I thought the 3200 had the same feed as the bigger machines? I thought the only difference was thread max and lift height. Dangit, back to the drawing board.

To be totally honest I don't even know how small #69 thread is it if I would use it. Hoping to make wallets, belts, sheaths, and holsters......

It does have the same triple feed mechanism as the bigger 441 type machines! The difference is that it is specifically built to only sew a half inch above the flattest throat plate. Attaching a raised holster or stirrup plate that is normally used on the CB4500, or equivalent, would reduce the available sewing capacity down to as little as about 10-12 ounces. The two feet need to alternate up and down at least an eighth of an inch and sometimes more to feed the material or climb over new layers and back down.

How small is #69 thread? Answer: .0115" (.292mm) (Source)

I use #69 thread to sew pigskin wallet interiors and to hem denim or thin leather garments. Chinese belt makers use it to hold their bonded leather belts together (until they crack and fall apart in 6 months). Upholsters use 69 to hold seat cushions/covers together. It is okay for any thin projects that don't exert over 11 pounds pull on the seams. For some machines, #69 is the upper limit. For others, it is the lower, or probably below the lower limit (as in 441 clones).

I hope this isn't too confusing.

[bikermutt07]

You Are the WIZ!!! That was very helpful. Thanks.