Cobra Class 26 VS. Cobra Class 4

[BSmithy]

I apologize in advance if there is a thread already about this particular topic on here, I couldn't find one in my research, but that doesn't mean it's not here somewhere. 

So I am looking into getting a new sewing machine and have narrowed it down to Cobra brand sewing machines simply for a variety of reasons. However, I am having trouble deciding between a Class 26 and a Class 4 and haven't really found a whole lot of information about the pros and cons of the two machines, there are some videos but nothing really goes into great depth about it, and blog posts are all a year or two old and I'm not sure if the machines have changed in that time. So here is a brief overview I guess of some of my past projects and ones that I am hoping to do in the future to show what type of projects I will be using them for. I know there is no such thing as a "One and Done" sewing machine, there are ones for light duty stuff and ones for crazy heavy duty ones. I feel like I fall somewhere in between, and since these machines aren't cheap I don't want to make a mistake that is going to cost me money and frustration because it won't be able to perform the tasks I need done. 

I will put this note first. I have no intentions of ever doing anything related to saddlery. I'm not even particularly fond of horses themselves, everyone thinks because you do leathercraft, that you make tack and saddles and all that stuff, and changing their mind is like watering a dead plant, doesn't do any good.  

Also please note, I'm still learning all the correct terms for a lot of different types of leather and tools, so please bear with me.

Onwards then, the most recent projects that I have been having fun doing is like large sized journal covers (cookbooks, record keeping etc) using the tooling body of a 6/8 oz, a layer of picture hanging board (whatever it's called) for stiffness, then a liner of 2/3oz, and holder pockets of 2/3 oz. So the edges would be if I have figured this out correctly, 10/14oz? I trim the stiffener so it's nowhere near the seams. I've also made some clutch wallets that once combined are around 8/12 oz thick. I have also done some small knife pancake style holster/sheaths that come in around 9/10 oz. So the thickest I would probably ever sew would be a few layers that add up to the most maybe 14 oz leather or so, and the thinnest might be two layers of like soft 2/3 oz garment leather for bag/pouch making. So as you can see my projects range, and I'm always willing to experiment with textures, thicknesses, and styles and such. I've got a lot of projects sketched out a ready to do, but keep holding off because the large amount of hand sewing they require, and to be perfectly honest, hand sewing kills my hands and takes forever to do on bigger projects. 

Also if anyone can tell me the difference between the Cobra class 4 standard package and the Cobra class 4 premium package available of the leather machine co website that would be size, I know one comes with a lot of attachments, but are they worth the extra money?

[dikman]

What size thread do you want to use? The 26 sounds like the best fit for your needs but will probably be limited to #138 thread. If you want thicker thread then the class 4 is the obvious choice but may (probably will be) a problem if you want to make lighter items. As Wiz has mentioned these big machines can be "dumbed down" for lighter items/thread but it isn't an ideal solution (or probably practical for most people).

Edited December 16, 2019 by dikman

[BSmithy]

I do believe #138 or very similar is the biggest I have used for in my hand stitching. I would prefer not to have to alter the machine at all, the more you mess with sewing machines and make them sew what they aren't intended for, generally that is when something will no doubt go wrong. 

[dikman]

In that case I think you've just answered your own question. The 26 will fit up to 5/8" under the feet and will need minimal adjusting between thick and thin stuff. At least, that's how I see it.

Doubtless you will get more thoughts in a few hours, as due to time differences many of your compatriots will be on later.

[RockyAussie]

I believe that the 26 would be the best in this case. It can also go up to a 207 thread and 138 bobbin I believe. The smaller shaped in cylinder end will be a lot better for getting into the tight gusset areas and the shorter needle length will lead to a more consistent tidy stitch on anything under 1/4" 15oz.