Cobra vs Cowboy

[RemingtonSteel]

As little as two years ago, there was a significant lower price incentive for buying Cowboy sewing machines over comparable model Cobra sewing machines. Now that the price of Cowboy sewing machines have jumped up, they are virtually the same price as their comparable Cobra model sewing machines. So my question is: Is there any benefit of buying a Cowboy sewing machine over a Cobra sewing machine?  Example Cowboy CB3500 ($2,595 at time of writing) vs Cobra Class 3 ($2,635 at time of writing). To me, for $40 more, why not go with the Cobra.

I'd love to know thoughts either way.

[nylonRigging]

All the 441 import cylinder arms sold in US are pretty competitive priced . I would go with what is closer for pick-up or delivery . Your down in California.on your profile, so why not go with Artisan Toro down in Cal. ? . and there ( 3200 mdl.) with ( ped 500 ) . Same specs. as the cowboy and Cobra . But It has 12"inch Work arm and on-board bobbin wind . looks like it's 2420-$ on the Artisan website . Artisan sews good and they answer there phone, stand behind what they sell similar like cowboy and cobra sales .

.edit add .. you live close to Sacramento/San fransico area, pretty big population so must be a lot of used sew machines  . Can you find Used 441 clone down there ?  if worried about funds .

.

Edited November 19, 2019 by nylonRigging

[JJN]

I just saw this in Anderson, CA. Ferdco Pro-2000. $1700

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/for/d/anderson-ferdco-saddle-sewing-machine/7021444529.html

[RemingtonSteel]

@nylonRigging Thanks, I hadn't looked at Artisans for over a year, and have just about forgotten about them.  I didn't realize that they were our of the SF/Bay Area, That would save about $300 in shipping charges if I could pick it up.  Although I could pick up a Cobra in L.A., with today's California gas prices, it would cost me about that much to drive down and back not to mention 12+ hours of driving.  The 12" cylinder arm is a definite plus over the Cobra class 3 or Cowboy CB3500's 9" cylinder arms for about the same price.  I will look into them more.  My biggest concern with the Artisan is the closeups of sample stitched work on their website.  It looks like the feet are leaving marks on the front surface of the leather, which makes me wonder what the back (feed dog side) looks like. Check out the saddle tan and medium brown sample close ups https://www.artisansew.com/leatherstitchingmachine.html.

@JJN Thanks for the link.  As this is my first machine, I have thought a great deal about getting a used one in good condition, but my searches have never turn up anything locally that I can go look at and take for a test drive. Although Anderson is a little bit of a drive (about 2 1/2 hours each way) ,  i did reach out to the seller, asking for more information about the machine.  Based on the look of the machine and the stand, it looks to be a slightly older model. it does have the additional advantage of having what looks like a 16" cylinder arm as well as what I am guessing to be a wax pot.  Biggest concern with buying used would be who do I turn to for repairs if any are needed, or support in learning how to use the machine?

Both are very good options for getting a leather stitching machine at a reasonable cost.

[Ken Nelson]

I would go with the Pro 2000 if I were close.  If the machine is working good you will not have problems and you can pull down a manual from the artisan site or utube videos on how to use and adjust them.  And get more help than you would believe here from very knowledge people.

[RemingtonSteel]

I just got a reply from the seller.  He said it was his dad's who purchased it new about 20 years ago and that it was running smoothly when last used a year ago. I asked about the motor type clutch or servo, this is his reply:  "I don't know about the servo/clutch. If it is an indicator, a motor runs when it's powered on and not sewing".  I don't know enough about them but my assumption based on his description would be a clutch motor.  Also from what I have read, they are more difficult to operate.  Anyone know if my assumption is correct?

Any idea of what it would cost to replace the motor with a servo motor and speed reducer if I am correct?  Answered my own question about the cost. Approx. $310 plus shipping for a servo motor and a speed reducer based on Leather Machine Co's pricing.

Edited November 19, 2019 by RemingtonSteel

[JREESER1]

I live in Utah, and got my Cobra 4-p from Steve Tayrie at Leather Machine in Ontario Cal. in 1914. He was so understanding with my personal problems and made sure to see I got exactly what I dreamed of. Call him at Leather Machine Co, Inc. Warehouse 2141 E. Philadelphia St. “U” Ontario, CA. 91761

Business Hours: 8 am to 3:00 pm (PST), Monday thru Friday Contact: Customer Service 8 am to 3:00 pm (PST), Monday thru Friday 866-962-9880 Email: cobra@leathermachineco.com

I promise Steve will find out all you need and make sure you get what will do the best job. I cannot feel any better endorsing Leather Machine Co. Great knowledgeable service and they take all time needed to answer every question. Great owner and staff. Good People!

jr 

[JLSleather]

19 hours ago, RemingtonSteel said:

To me, for $40 more, why not go with the Cobra.

So, somebody convinced you that the Cobra was "better"?@!

[RemingtonSteel]

JLSleather, I think you may have taken what I said wrong, as no one convinced me of anything. I have no first hand knowledge of any leather sewing machine, to say that one is better than another.  I based my statement on a couple of simple facts. First, if I am not mistaken, Cobra has been around longer than Cowboy, and that Steve at Leather Machine Co. has excellent reviews here (not that those selling Cowboy machines don't.) Secondly, he is located in CA, which is where I live and shipping may be less (never got far enough with him to ask.)  What I am convinced of is that I probably wouldn't go wrong with either a Cobra or a Cowboy, as both appear to be fine sewing machines and are equally loved by members here on this site.  The one thing I do know is that either machine has to beat sewing leather gun belts by hand... ouch.  Who knows, I may just end up getting the Ferdco Pro 2000.  I apologize if I came across as implying that the Cobra was better than the Cowboy, as that was not my intent.

 

 

Edited November 19, 2019 by RemingtonSteel

[RemingtonSteel]

JREESER1, I have already contacted Steve, and his recommendation is: 

I suggest the COBRA Class 4S over the Class 3 because some gun belts are very large and bulky and you will need that extra space. All of my customers that make holsters use the Class 4.

I really appreciated his feedback, and I think the reasoning behind his statement is sound.  The problem that I have is, right now this is a hobby for me, and i am having a hard enough time justifying spending $2600 for a class 3, so getting a class 4 at this time is a tough nut for me to swallow... If this was a business, that would be a different story.  So I have to admit that getting a used Ferdco Pro 2000 with a 16" arm for around $2,000 (which would include upgrading to a servo motor and speed reducer) or something similar may be the best option for me.

I appreciate everyone's feedback, and I hope it keeps coming. I think for most leather workers, hobbyist or business, figuring out what sewing machine to get, may be the hardest decision to make. So this thread, however improperly titled it may be, is extremely useful in helping me gather the facts that I need to make a sound decision.