COBRA class 26 sewing machine.

[ComputerDoctor]

It has been a long and nerve wracking struggle to choose my first leather sewing machine but I believe I have found the one I need in the Cobra class 26 model. My concern has been doing my best to make a good purchase the first time for light weight wallets, check books, journals, purses, briefcases and lots of holsters and knife sheaths no thicker than 15 oz combined thickness. I won't be making stirrups nor saddles nor anything real thick.

I live close to a great COBRA dealer and I feel this will be a real plus for me.

I'm looking for real life experience with this machine and pro's and con's of its use.

Thank you!

Sam:)

[Mark842]

No cons that I can think of. They are great machines and it is well suited for what you want to use it for.

[JLSleather]

You mean the 26-18? I don't know you'll like it for  15 oz holsters.  That's gonna be upper half of that machine's thickness capacity (don't it top out at 3/8"?), and I think that maxes out at thread size 207 (and that's pushing).  

If you're sewing wallets, checkbooks 'n' such, probably okay for that - then just hand sew the holsters (they're short threads anyway).

Maybe the Cowboy 3200 is a better fit for you? If I had the space, I'd get one myself.. maybe after teh New Year ...

 

 

[Wizcrafts]

While a Cobra 26 can sew 1/4 inch of veg-tan leather, it only does so with #138 thread (or possibly 207 on top and 138 in the bobbin). Either way, that thread is inadequate for securing a weapon in a working holster. The reason is that #138 thread has a breaking strength of 22 pounds per stitch. It is easy to put more stress on the stitches holding a holster together than 22 pounds, especially during a struggle, or panic situation. Ideally, each stitch should have twice the strength, calling for #277 thread.

[dikman]

15 oz, that means each piece is about 7 oz, which seems a bit thin for holsters.

[ComputerDoctor]

Now I am as confused as before I posted this thread:)

Apparently more research is needed!

Money is NOT the issue but I want the right machine if possible, with good technical support if needed.

So far, I have sewed with a Cobra class 3 and it worked very well and may work for what I need but the thinner stuff may not feed properly?????

A Janome HD3000 I demo'd at a dealer was absolutely worthless on all but the thinnest textiles:(

Oh well, life is about choices and I may be like Don Quixote dreaming 'The Impossible Dream.'

I live in Southwest Missouri, so dealers for industrial leather sewing machines are few and far between.

Thanks for the replies!

Sam:)

[brmax]

Drive down to Springfield and have a look around them machines.

You wont find better sew machine technical knowledge anywhere on the planet, than right where your posting. 

You have made good choices, so keep it up. In that I think if you are considering sheaths as a typical thickness of leather. This should bump up the machine duty type. 

Doing small sized items in my opinion cannot be better done than on a flat bed. Yet many projects you will find getting up from one machine, to finish on another style. 

I think its a great time to say many cylinder arm machines have extra small cylinder size. This can be very smartly observed and a tip to understand in your designs. 

This capability being unmatched even in its same size class. Many times referred to upholstery class, typicaly threads 138 and under. In which you can see just looking around your stuff most small items are sewn with, as youve been noticing im sure. 

No matter your close to some big machines, take a ride and see what they say in person. And for sure keep an eye out for the online places. 

 

Good day

Floyd

[ComputerDoctor]

Thanks Floyd and may I ask what kind and model machine you use?

SLC is my favorite place and I buy lots of stuff from them and at 70 miles away, it's not to far to travel.

My nearest 'Cowboy' retailer is in DFW @ 350 miles!

So far, it's a toss up between the Class 26 and the class 3 or 4 Cobra's. All will feed and sew 3/32 to 5/8 for the 26 and up to 7/8 for the 3 and 4.

Sam:)

[Wizcrafts]

4 hours ago, ComputerDoctor said:

Thanks Floyd and may I ask what kind and model machine you use?

SLC is my favorite place and I buy lots of stuff from them and at 70 miles away, it's not to far to travel.

My nearest 'Cowboy' retailer is in DFW @ 350 miles!

So far, it's a toss up between the Class 26 and the class 3 or 4 Cobra's. All will feed and sew 3/32 to 5/8 for the 26 and up to 7/8 for the 3 and 4.

Sam:)

You may not know this, but, the Cobra 441 machines have optional flat, slotted throat plates for use with soft or flimsy materials. You need to remove the feed dog to install that plate, so the machines becomes double feed. But, it is cheaper than a second dedicated walking foot machine, until you really need one. There is also a flat bed table attachment for the Cobra Class 4.

[ComputerDoctor]

Thanks Wiz, I appreciate it:)

Sam