tearghost Report post Posted March 12, 2018 Hello, I am looking at buying my second sewing machine and need help, I have never used a machine before so I am looking for something that's user friendly has a servo motor and a speed reducer. I had bought a jack sewing machine over a year ago paid $1850.00 for it and never been able to use it, can't figure out how to thread properly I had it threaded once before and it sewed but the it had a bird's nest on the bottom of the leather never been able to fix that, now when sewing it does about 2 stitches and the top thread breaks so I don't know if it's still bird nest's on the bottom the machine has become such a head ache that it just sits there. There's no youtube video's on it I called and e-mailed the company I bought it from and no help was given from them at all so I e-mailed the manufacturer with no help at all from them either. I know I need a walking foot industrial and I have it figured out down to 2 machines the cobra class 4 and the cowboy 4500 price wise both machines are the same for the package I am looking at. I make a large variety of products mainly use veg tan, english bridle and suede for lining. I need to be able to sew from 2 oz to about 18 oz. I have chosen these 2 machines because they are cylinder base with flat table accessory when needed and have a throat length of 16 1/2 as I make anywhere from wallets, bags, holsters etc. I would like input on these machines and how well they do the job I need. What are the pros and cons and what are the experiences people have with the company they bought it from. Any help is greatly appreciated thank you in advance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted March 12, 2018 $1850 and no support from the Co. you bought from ? The machine came w/o manual? Wondering who the seller was. Please post some machine pictures and the model number or name. Cobra 4 / Cowboy 4500 have been discussed dozens of times here click: Cobra 4 click: Cowboy 4500 but I´m sure some users of either machine will jump in here soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buzzardbait Report post Posted March 13, 2018 I purchased a Cobra Class4 a few months ago, It is the first sewing machine I have ever used although I owned a Boss stitcher for a few years. I love the Cobra . It does a great job it is easy to use and easy to learn. watch the videos on the Leather machine co. website, the video with Chris Andre will show you just about everything you need to know. I only had one issue with bobbin tension and was able to speak to someone immediately when I called and the issue was resolved. I think the Cowboy is basically the same machine, I also considered it when I was looking. I chose the Cobra because I met a holster maker in town who has one and I was able to look it over and see it in action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted March 13, 2018 (edited) The machine may not be the limiting factor, it may be you. No matter what machine you get, you have to understand how it works and use it correctly. None of the machines discussed in this forum are the kind where you step on the pedal and it will simply do what you want it to do. I'd say you have to figure out how to use the machine you already have before you buy another one. Buying a different machine will not solve your sewing problems, it will only change them. Edited March 13, 2018 by Uwe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted March 13, 2018 A model number would be nice as it appears Jack make an awful lot of machines! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted March 13, 2018 Any sewing machine that is tensioned, and/or threaded incorrectly (top and/or bottom) will not sew proper stitches. Ditto for incorrect needle system, size and orientation. Your first step should be to search for somebody in or near your home town who has experience with industrial sewing machines. A good place to start is anybody doing boat or furniture upholstery work. Did you buy the machine new from an authorized industrial sewing machines dealer who is licensed to sell that brand name and service it? Most dealers will try to assist customers who buy machines from them. However, manufacturers and middleman importers/drop-shippers don't usually offer any end customer support. If you want help with that Jack branded from this forum, post some close-up small resolution photos showing the mechanism on top and in the bobbin area. You are about equidistant from Techsew in Montreal and Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines, in Toledo, Ohio. Both are professional industrial sewing machine companies that participate in discussions in this forum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tearghost Report post Posted March 13, 2018 Thank you to all for your help. I will get some pics of my sewing machine this week along with the model number. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted March 13, 2018 Incidentally, I have an older Pfaff 335 that has a manual upper tension lever, i.e. even if the presser foot is lowered until I operate the tension lever the two tension discs stay apart. If I forget this and start sewing when there is minimal tension on the upper thread, guess what the result is? A massive bird's nest underneath which eventually jams the bobbin case! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
