Cobra Class 26 machine

[onathread]

Uwe, Hello! One thing I did was to adjust the feed timing as you suggested. I am getting a nicer stitch length.  I do like this machine an awful lot, so I may not even consider a different machine at this time. Thank You for your help! Also, I find it difficult to get replacement parts for my Consew 227r. I'm interested in a complete bobbin case/hook assembly. Does anyone know which machine would be equivalent to the 227r in which to find parts? Thx again for everyone's help! )

[MADMAX22]

I am not on my computer right now so no shortcuts but the 227r should not be hard to find parts for. Call Bob or maybe Uwe will post some links to a couple of suppliers that are really good.

[Uwe]

If you're not fond of googling things, call one of the banner vendors and get the full service treatment for a little extra.

For self-service, try this approach: The Consew 227R-2 Manual specs the hook assembly as part number 13086. Typing "13086 hook" into the Ebay search window comes up with this nice OEM Seiko hook for $22.49 (Consew machines were built by Seiko back then):

 

[NickPol]

What kind of accessories are available for the Cobra 26?

[onathread]

Thx Madmax22 and Uwe!! ) 

[Ceejay]

On 3/1/2017 at 4:35 PM, Wizcrafts said:

I heard from Cobra Steve about the new Class 26 machine. He told me that it sews from 3 ounces up to 3/8 inch, uses standard walking foot System 135x16 and 135x17 needles, sizes 18 - 24, has an extra large hook that takes Juki LU (double capacity) bobbins and can handle up to #277 thread on top, with #207 in the bobbin. It also uses standard Singer 111 type walking feet.

That's all I know at this time. I hope this helps.

Thank you for this info, Wizcraft and Steve. This above is the correct info on the Cobra then? It does not have the ability to sew up to 5/8”? I’m assuming at this point that was a typo or some other error. I’m expecting to purchase a machine in the next two weeks or so.   In trying to compare the Techsew 2750, the Cowboy CB341, and the Cobra 26, I expected the same capabilities but either there is some difference, or there is misleading or incorrect information out there.  There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and I appreciate all of you. 

[Wizcrafts]

5 hours ago, Ceejay said:

Thank you for this info, Wizcraft and Steve. This above is the correct info on the Cobra then? It does not have the ability to sew up to 5/8”? I’m assuming at this point that was a typo or some other error. I’m expecting to purchase a machine in the next two weeks or so.   In trying to compare the Techsew 2750, the Cowboy CB341, and the Cobra 26, I expected the same capabilities but either there is some difference, or there is misleading or incorrect information out there.  There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and I appreciate all of you. 

You are confusing the maximum foot "lift" with the actual sewing capacity. With walking foot machines you lose between 1/8 to 1/4 inch of capacity under the raised feet. This is because the feet have to alternate up and down to move the material. So, when a manufacturer says that the feet lift 1/2 or 5/8 inch, they do, but only to insert and remove tall objects on the work. Once the work is secured under the lowered feet, it must not exceed 3/8 inch. The top to bottom stroke of a System 135x16 needle is insufficient to negotiate anything thicker.

If you buy a Model 26, have the seller sew a test strip of a 3/8 inch stack of veg-tan with the thickest thread it can properly tension and pull the knots up between the layers. Or, ask them to sew the thickest stack that can be sewn with #277 thread on top and 207 in the bobbin.. You may find it to be less than 3/8 inch.

#277 thread requires a lot more upper spring tension to pull the knots up into veg-tan leather than thinner threads. That's why the tension springs on the 441 clones are about twice the thickness as springs on upholstery class machines, which are already heavier than the beehive springs on garment sewing machines.

Structurally, there is no benefit to using heavier thread on top because the thinner bobbin thread will be the first to give under stress.

[R8R]

8 hours ago, Ceejay said:

Thank you for this info, Wizcraft and Steve. This above is the correct info on the Cobra then? It does not have the ability to sew up to 5/8”? I’m assuming at this point that was a typo or some other error. I’m expecting to purchase a machine in the next two weeks or so.   In trying to compare the Techsew 2750, the Cowboy CB341, and the Cobra 26, I expected the same capabilities but either there is some difference, or there is misleading or incorrect information out there.  There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and I appreciate all of you. 

All of these machines are clones based on the Juki LS-341 machine. (which is a pretty great machine) They can generally handle up to 138 thread, 207 possibly with some tweaking. The foot lift is 16mm (5/8") and they sew up to 3/8". That's it. The needle stroke pretty much maxes out here. If you read specs past that, they are blowing smoke.

Aside from all this, pick the vendor you feel most comfortable with and read up on each vendor as much as you can. These are all clone machines produced in China with slightly different paint and table stands. What makes each of these machines good (or bad)  is how the vendor assembles and tunes the machine prior to shipment.

 

[Wizcrafts]

11 hours ago, Ceejay said:

Thank you for this info, Wizcraft and Steve. This above is the correct info on the Cobra then? It does not have the ability to sew up to 5/8”? I’m assuming at this point that was a typo or some other error. I’m expecting to purchase a machine in the next two weeks or so.   In trying to compare the Techsew 2750, the Cowboy CB341, and the Cobra 26, I expected the same capabilities but either there is some difference, or there is misleading or incorrect information out there.  There is a lot of knowledge on this forum and I appreciate all of you. 

Machines that are capable of sewing 5/8 inch of leather, with a regular closed eye needle, use system 794 (aka: 7x4) needles, which are at least an inch longer than System 135x16 walking foot machine needles. They are typified by the Cowboy CB4500, Cobra Class 4 and Techsew 5100 machines. They have massive pressure and tension springs, cranks and take-up arms. These machines don't do as well with thin needles and thread, or thin, floppy leather or cloth. Their design specs call for thread sizes 138 through 415, using needle sizes 160 through 230. The needles are the size of roofing nails.

[SolarLeatherMachines]

On 10/10/2018 at 2:07 PM, Wizcrafts said:

Structurally, there is no benefit to using heavier thread on top because the thinner bobbin thread will be the first to give under stress.

THIS.  Exactly.   Especially those folks sewing holsters with 277 on top and 138 on the bottom.  What's the point?!