COBRA class 26 sewing machine.

[DonInReno]

14 hours ago, ComputerDoctor said:

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

Apparently more research is needed!

...but I want the right machine if possible,...

It sounds like you’re sorting through a lot of information and gaining a better appreciation for the capabilities and limitations of various machines.

The downside to trying to find an all around machine is that it’s not great at either extreme and no one machine can do it all.  Even trying to use a machine at the ends of its capabilities often requires more than a few minutes of readjustment or replacing feed dogs, needle plates, presser feet, etc...  

The bright side is you almost can’t go wrong.  No matter what your first machine is, after a few months you’ll know exactly where it comes up short and what the next machine should be. 

[brmax]

Sam, your sure welcome!

As Wiz is describing the use of different plates for flat work. Its real good information on this use for many lite projects as mentioned, great tips. 

I now try to work with canvas as much as possible so I have slowly geared up for that. As Im retired from heavy equipment and Ag mechanical service. These machines and a bit of enjoyment, im calling it work now days. 

I was able to pick up a nice used cobra class 4. This was a year or so back, and from a fella in Illinois. With this addition I considered myself ready to sew some big stitches. 

What I can say is, some machines are easily going to work your projects better. These may seem like they are all the same level, but as you hear others respectfully. The projects in their thickness and temper really benefit by different machine sizes.

 

Have a Good day

Floyd 

[ComputerDoctor]

Thank you my Friends! I really appreciate your advice and opinions:)

Sam

[HardenGoods]

21 hours ago, DonInReno said:

The downside to trying to find an all around machine is that it’s not great at either extreme and no one machine can do it all.

So true and I learned this the hard way. I purchased a Cobra class 4 and it works beautifully (to say the least!! its amazing) on medium to thick material but when I took the time to dumb down my machine for lighter weight stuff, it never worked like I wanted it to. Someone on here had said something along the lines of "you are trying to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

It was those words that got me looking for another machine to cover the thin(ish) to medium range of leather. Thats when I purchased a Juki 341 clone which is extremely similar to the Cobra Class 26. Although I had a few minor run-ins with my machine, I couldn't be happier with the two machine setup I have now. My two cents is to buy the machine that will cover the majority of the work you do first, and then a second to follow.

On 2018-10-08 at 8:50 PM, Wizcrafts said:

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.

This is very, very useful information if knife sheaths are going to be made most often!

Edited October 11, 2018 by HardenGoods

[Wizcrafts]

I was not implying that a Cobra 26 is limited to a quarter inch thickness. I was just agreeing that it could sew the 15-16 ounces the members wanted to sew. Later information suggests that the machine can tension #207 thread. This makes it a very good intermediate duty machine.

[Smartee]

Good morning!  Bringing this back up again. 

I'm finally looking for a machine that I can use on my boot top and saddle blanket/canvas with leather gusset purses.  Will also be sewing some used belts together.  I'm thinking this machine will fit the bill?  I don't see myself ever going over the 3/8" on anything.  I've researched these machines till I'm second guessing myself.  I've never used a cylinder arm machine but am pretty sure that's what I want - I can always spring for the flat bed attachment as well. 

After a few trips to the local shoe repair shop to have them do some sewing for me - I think I need to make the jump!  Unfortunately, I can't find anyone locally that has anything that I can even sit and try out.  Recommendations?

[sbrownn]

Does anyone know what the cylinder arm diameter is at the needle?