Cowboy 3200 vs 3500 vs 4500

[Yetibelle]

l was sooooooo close to talking myself into a 4500, that I just talked myself out of it.  Darn...... I'm sure other must have struggled with this question so I'm looking for how you may have worked this out.  I technically own a few machines, but I have never had a NEW machine and now I'm ready and just can't narrow it down.  I want to run the heavy thread but in reality I don't see myself sewing thicker than 1/2 inch on most projects.  I like the idea of the longer arm but Is it worth the extra $700 for 415 and extra arm space?  Why can't the 3200 run the 415 thread if they use the same needle and hook? Last - What about the 3500 is this the compromise? 

Yes I do plan on calling Toledo - but also looking for what others may have gone through picking there first NEW machine.  Thanks 

[garypl]

I bought a CB4500 a few months ago and I am really happy with it.  I also went back and forth trying to decide whether to go with the 4500 or one of the smaller models.

i would rather buy a machine that does more than what I need and grow into it rather than buy lower and then wishing I had the higher capacity.  You buy a machine that can sew 1/2" max and you always sew 1/2", you are running it at its maximum capacity all the time.  Buy the larger machine and you are running at 60% of its max capacity.

I have sewn leather from 5-6 oz up to 5/8" thick and it handles everything with no problems - I don't even adjust the tension when I change needles and thread and it sews great.  I may eventually buy another smaller machine for very thin leather, but I'm still learning the ins and outs of this one for now!  

Gary

[Double Daddy]

I believe Bob at Toledo Sewing had some used CB4500's in stock at a STEAL (saw it on his FB feed the other day)...as in a similar price to a new CB3200...plus, he and his staff goes over them to make sure they run right (like they do all their machines) before they go out the door...worth a look to see if one's still available...may have all been snatched  up already.

[Yetibelle]

13 minutes ago, Double Daddy said:

I believe Bob at Toledo Sewing had some used CB4500's in stock at a STEAL (saw it on his FB feed the other day)...as in a similar price to a new CB3200...plus, he and his staff goes over them to make sure they run right (like they do all their machines) before they go out the door...worth a look to see if one's still available...may have all been snatched  up already.

Well that may be the option I will check on that tomorrow and see what they have in refurbished.  So far that's 2 votes for the 4500.  

[Wizcrafts]

With the 3500 and 4500 (and 5500) you have the capacity to sew at least 3/4 inch, if not a little more. With the 3200, you have 1/2 inch capacity, with possibly a tish more if you dink with the presser feet. Both of these measurements are done using the standard curved throat plate that is only about 1/16" thick.

What happens if you need to sew stirrups, or holsters that have tabs on the back, or something that is shaped on the bottom and the stitch line must be elevated? When you install a holster throat plate you instantly lose between 3/8 to 7/16 inch of usable sewing capacity. If the machine is a 3200, that will leave you with about 8 ounces of sewable thickness on the throat plate, before the feet max out. With a 4500, you'll have at least 16, if not 18 ounces thickness left.

Also, thicker thread requires bigger needles which add to the stress on the presser feet that are trying to hold down the stack of leather. There are many times when I have to tighten down the pressure spring all the way. And, I have an extra heavy, not standard spring on my presser bar. I don't believe that the 3200 can hold down that load.

[Joon1911]

I'd second Wiz's consideration.  When I bought my Cobra C4 I don't think the 3200 was an option yet or I might have been swayed by the price.  That being said when I use the holster plate, I'm pretty limited as to how much leather I can fit under the presses feet without monkeying with them.  Get as much machine as you can see yourself growing into needing and you won't have any regrets.  I certainly don't.  

[Yetibelle]

Those are good points I didn't factor-in the throats plate "math" in my thinking.  How many foot and threat plate options are there for the 4500?  I figure I would be working with the inline-foot and the left\right foot for narrow side lines.  There are custom plates that people have made also if I remember right.   

[CowboyBob]

We have the plates & etc listed here;http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb-acc-pack.html

[Wizcrafts]

1 hour ago, Yetibelle said:

Those are good points I didn't factor-in the throats plate "math" in my thinking.  How many foot and threat plate options are there for the 4500?  I figure I would be working with the inline-foot and the left\right foot for narrow side lines.  There are custom plates that people have made also if I remember right.   

The inline foot set will cause you to lose about 5/16 inch, or so, of sewing thickness, which the 4500 can deal with. But, as a plus, when I first install my holster plate (From Toledo Industrial), due to the extra elevation, I don't need to lower the presser bar to equalize the lift of the feet. It becomes a fairly simple adjustment of a crankshaft that comes from the back to move the feet vertically. I shot a couple of amateur videos on me installing the inline feet and would be willing to share them offline if you send me a PM (I'm dissatisfied with my videography).

[KeithHideWorks]

Do you mind explaining why the inline foot would cause you to lose throat?  Looking at running that with a 4500 and not sure I understand.

 

Thanks,