DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted February 20, 2019 What bell slivers work best? Which ones do I need to stay away from? Is it a good idea to buy used? Or spend the extra for newer? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
klutes Report post Posted February 20, 2019 I will be following this one. Thanks for asking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark842 Report post Posted February 20, 2019 I don't know if mine is any better or worse than other models as it is the only one I've owned. I have the Cobra NP4. Purchased it used probably about 3 years ago now. It works great, gets used probably 2 hours per week and has had no problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YSRASupply Report post Posted February 22, 2019 Following this topic... looking to find out the same... so many on the market that all look the same but hard to know what are the functional differences! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted February 22, 2019 Obviously, I don't have all the models out there. I have a Cowboy top and bottom feed that is a close clone to Fortuna, I believe all are. There may be some very subtle differences such as the feet for them. When I was researching the machines it was very clear they had copied most characteristics of the Fortuna Buy what you can afford, BEST SERVICE from dealer, and begin your term of learning to use it. Ferg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katit Report post Posted February 22, 2019 (edited) Now that I took one apart http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/84732-skiver-restoration-project-and-questions/ I think they are all the same with maybe cosmetic differences. One big difference I know about is feed. Some machines spin knife and feed at the same time, I guess this is least preferred way. Speed of feed vs knife can be adjusted by moving belt. Also from what I understand setup on table is easier for machine like mine. I can just set it on top of sewing machine table with one belt. Other than that - knives, grinder wheels, pressure feets and feed rollers interchangeable between all of them(or most? Just look at parts online). They all look very similar so I assume they all adjust infinitely (position of feed and knive) My take on it - it's really hard to mess up with manufacturing and it's probably safe to just order one overseas. That IF you know how to setup/adjust. Otherwise - advice above is totally legit - get somewhere where they can setup/adjust/support. Old iron and having original/made in Germany gives a good feeling (I guess), but as far as functionality I doubt there is any difference. Edited February 22, 2019 by katit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted February 23, 2019 9 hours ago, katit said: Now that I took one apart http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/84732-skiver-restoration-project-and-questions/ I think they are all the same with maybe cosmetic differences. One big difference I know about is feed. Some machines spin knife and feed at the same time, I guess this is least preferred way. Speed of feed vs knife can be adjusted by moving belt. Also from what I understand setup on table is easier for machine like mine. I can just set it on top of sewing machine table with one belt. Other than that - knives, grinder wheels, pressure feets and feed rollers interchangeable between all of them(or most? Just look at parts online). They all look very similar so I assume they all adjust infinitely (position of feed and knive) My take on it - it's really hard to mess up with manufacturing and it's probably safe to just order one overseas. That IF you know how to setup/adjust. Otherwise - advice above is totally legit - get somewhere where they can setup/adjust/support. Old iron and having original/made in Germany gives a good feeling (I guess), but as far as functionality I doubt there is any difference. Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted February 23, 2019 9 hours ago, katit said: Now that I took one apart http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/84732-skiver-restoration-project-and-questions/ I think they are all the same with maybe cosmetic differences. One big difference I know about is feed. Some machines spin knife and feed at the same time, I guess this is least preferred way. Speed of feed vs knife can be adjusted by moving belt. Also from what I understand setup on table is easier for machine like mine. I can just set it on top of sewing machine table with one belt. Other than that - knives, grinder wheels, pressure feets and feed rollers interchangeable between all of them(or most? Just look at parts online). They all look very similar so I assume they all adjust infinitely (position of feed and knive) My take on it - it's really hard to mess up with manufacturing and it's probably safe to just order one overseas. That IF you know how to setup/adjust. Otherwise - advice above is totally legit - get somewhere where they can setup/adjust/support. Old iron and having original/made in Germany gives a good feeling (I guess), but as far as functionality I doubt there is any difference. http://industrialsewingmachineman.com/machines/mach.asp?dir=leathercutting&brand=Cobra&Model=NP10+Heavy+Duty+Skiving+Machine&ProductType=Leather+cutting++Machines Will this do heavy skirting leather AND softer chap or upholstery leather as well? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YSRASupply Report post Posted March 2, 2019 I was thinking of getting a Consew.... in particular this one: https://goldstartool.com/consew-dcs-s4-skiving-machine-w-table-and-servo-motor.html I think that's pretty hard to beat with $0.99 shipping right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimi Report post Posted March 2, 2019 2 hours ago, YSRASupply said: I was thinking of getting a Consew This looks like it is the same machine?? https://es.aliexpress.com/store/product/110V-220V-TK-801-Leather-Skiving-Sewing-Machine-for-Edge-Scraping-Synthetic-Leather-Shoes-Plastic-Articles/2026034_32699404683.html?spm=a219c.search0104.3.1.1b881faexSgPNB&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_6_10065_10068_10547_319_10891_317_10548_10696_10084_453_454_10083_10618_10307_10820_10821_10301_10303_537_536_10902_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_61,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=595c59a0-1cf0-46b8-b138-b0656b4d143f-0&algo_pvid=595c59a0-1cf0-46b8-b138-b0656b4d143f&transAbTest=ae803_5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katit Report post Posted March 3, 2019 Yes, they all look the same. Only question is quality. Look at this Taking machine pictures. Picture #4 you can clearly see bearing carrier mount crooked(on left side). You can see it on picture! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YSRASupply Report post Posted March 4, 2019 7 hours ago, katit said: Yes, they all look the same. Only question is quality. Look at this Taking machine pictures. Picture #4 you can clearly see bearing carrier mount crooked(on left side). You can see it on picture! Good point! Better pay the extra $$ and get one from a reputable dealer in the US. Right now I'm between a few different machines... all look similar but the cowboy in particular looks like it has a safety cover over the knife for protection... might be a good thing to have on such a sharp knife! Cowboy - http://www.solar-leather.com/cb801-bottom-feed-bell-knife-skiver Cobra - https://www.springfieldleather.com/Bell-Knife-Skiver Consew - https://goldstartool.com/consew-dcs-s4-skiving-machine-w-table-and-servo-motor.html Anyone used a Cowboy before and can comment on whether or not the safety cover makes a difference? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SolarLeatherMachines Report post Posted March 11, 2019 Just an FYI on the CB-801: These machines are WICKEDLY sharp when we ship them. I find the safety cover doesn't get in my way, but I'm also glad it's there; I've cut myself badly just touching blade during sharpening! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
