Cowboy cb341 to Juki ls341 accessory compatibility

[ke6cvh]

Hello group,

  I'd much rather buy a new cb341 but have one locally here overseas being offered to me with table and motor for  1400 USD and no shipping or taxes.  I'm almost tempted but getting clarification if it is an "N" version or not.   Does it really matter much between the N and the older 341?  Are all the accessories on the Cowboy cb341 fit the ls341 and/or ls341n ?  I have my doubts on the table and will look into all this.  Likely we can make a much better table ourselves and it might be a point of reduction in price.  Also, it's not going to come with a speed reducer and that is yet another possible issue.  Last, I'm seeing both 138 and 207 max on the ls341.  What the deal with that.  Is it really problematic does the cb341 and/or ls341 sew an honest 207 in bobbin and top ?  Or is it 138 in reality for limitation on the bobbin?

  Did see a post about one being set up for feeding tape and subsequently having issues with the feed dogs so I'll need to look into that also.

  Best regards, Mike

[CowboyBob]

Mike,The biggest difference in the N machine it has the newer style of needle plate the same as the CB341.

It works the best if your using 207 on the top to use 138 in the bobbin,the stitch will look better.

[ke6cvh]

Hi Bob, 

 I'm still on the fence regarding this machine and need to know allot more about it.  My thoughts on 207 top and 138 bottom is that one will get added abrasion resistance and strength on the top portion.  Understand that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link etc.....but if the stitch normally fails because of wear and tear on the top and it looks better that is all a bonus.  I've used 415 before on top and lesser in the bobbin with our circa 1915 Singer 45k1 with great success using braided made in USA poly (which must feed from side of cone).  I'll be in contact with the gent tomorrow.  If it is not an "N" then I will likely walk from even considering it any more.  Problem here is sometimes they people scratch name plates to hide sub models and remove name plates.  I can ask for a picture of the needle plate if it is an easy way to identify this aspect and also the name plate?  Again I'd much rather buy a Cowboy from you for many reasons.  Nice tables, included speed reducer, guaranteed support and accessory compatibility, nice DC brushed servo.  Problem of course is the extra money and time getting it here.  By the time it's all said and done I'm adding about 1k plus in costs to get that machine here because the table, machine, motor, etc.  Was 1000 percent worth it on the cb-4500 you sold me but for the extra money I could likely buy a new machine from the Juki dealer here for the medium weight compound feed cylinder work.  They also have the DSC-246 available (I got mixed up that is the one for feeding V type bias folded) and likely would need to be set up for this lower feed dog to work with missing eccentric/cam lobe if that is the part they need to include.  I'm thinking the smaller cylinder arm is not worth the added inconveniences.  dI've not asked on the 1341 yet but know they can get that as well.  If it is an "N" and they want to reduce price if the table is a hack job and they want to do a 750 watt servo I may just buy a speed reducer from you.  The speed reducers I diy'd on the patchers don't hold a candle to the one you sold me.  Attached is a picture of one of the diy tables with diy speed reducer for one of our three patchers using similar diy setup.  Since this picture we added some custom stainless steel drawers to your pedestal on the Cowboy in the picture

 

Best regards,

Mike 

[CowboyBob]

Nice looking patcher stand you made here! The reducer looks good too.I know the shpg & etc from here to you is a lot of $$ so I don't blame you for buying local.

[ke6cvh]

Hi Bob,  The reducer has just the slightest wobble to it but the belt negates that largely.  We used local pillow block bushings.  These are our other patcher stands in picture.  China patchers taking a 7x3 needle on one and a dd214 needle on the other.  Metal is soft so they are no Adler that is for certain.  I'm not certain yet on the medium duty cylinder arm compound feed  local or not but what I am certain of is that on a machine being used at higher speed than a patcher and seeing lots of use I'll go any day of the week with your speed reducer.  I have read some posts and some of the leather workers have a trio of a cb4500, a patcher, and a medium weight cylinder arm with added bed option when needed  such as a Juki or CB341.  Wouldn't even be a consideration if I was in USA but I'll be able to make a decision soon enough on what is being offered locally.  Gotta be real careful to balance what is available local and what is better off from USA.  Best regards, Mike

Edited December 26, 2019 by ke6cvh