Buying my first machine - Cowboy CB3200

[Wizcrafts]

It is true that system 794 leather point needles are not available under #23/160. However, smaller sizes are available in system 7x3 round point. I bought a bunch of Orange branded round point needles in sizes 18 through 27. They come in useful if I sew webbing or cloth. The smaller sizes allow the Cowboy and Cobra 441 machines to sew with #69 and #92 bonded thread.

That said, these machines have heavy springs in the tension path and they need to be backed off in order to sew thin material. I wrote an extensive blog article about the process, called: Dumbing down a Cowboy CB4500, Cobra Class 4, or similar harness stitcher. The same information applies to the Cowboy CB-3200 and even the bottom feed CB-2500.

[JLSleather]

40 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

true that system 794 leather point needles are not available under #23/160. ...system 7x3 round point. ...useful if I sew webbing or cloth.

Well, there ya go.  Not sure Wiz offers a recommend there, but smart money says if he and I say something different about sewing machines, go with what HE told ya

[TaylorM]

5 minutes ago, JLSleather said:

Well, there ya go.  Not sure Wiz offers a recommend there, but smart money says if he and I say something different about sewing machines, go with what HE told ya

I understand what you are getting at though and you have helped me move forward in understanding more of what I want and what research I need to be doing to get what I want. The cowboy might be overkill, it was just recommended and I am new to all of this lingo in the sewing machine world. I am more so looking for a machine that will be more convenient for sewing wallets with a smaller hole and thread. So maybe something more geared towards 69-92. Do you guys recommend Techsew much? I see a lot of fellow leathercrafters in my world using those.

Edited February 4, 2020 by TaylorM

[TaylorM]

At this point in time, I am leaning more towards the TechSew 2700 or 2750 PRO. Unsure between the two. The 5100 would obviously be nicer but rather go with the lower cost for now, maybe. 

Edited February 4, 2020 by TaylorM

[RockyAussie]

8 minutes ago, TaylorM said:

At this point in time, I am leaning more towards the TechSew 2750 PRO. The 5100 would obviously be nicer but rather go with the lower cost for now maybe. 

I think that would be a way better machine for the jobs. 1/2" capacity is good. Size 18 leather point needle which do not wander around going through the job and can still handle some pretty tough stuff as well. The 3" cylinder end is about my only reservation on the gusset work but smart designing will overcome most of that most of the time.

Edited February 4, 2020 by RockyAussie
bad sentence

[Albob]

I have the 3200 as my first machine and it is great. With that said I found a used flat bed machine for wallets. The 3200 wants to sew heavy leather and wallets can be a challenge on them.

If your main sewing need is for wallets and such, let me recommend a nice flatbed for your first machine. Wizcrafts has posted a fantastic thread on sewing machines read it here.

My PFAFF  145 (n) will eat 8 oz all day and is a dream on lighter wallet work.

This is only my opinion and worth every penny you paid for it.

[Rodzhobyz]

9 hours ago, JLSleather said:

Well, there ya go.  Not sure Wiz offers a recommend there, but smart money says if he and I say something different about sewing machines, go with what HE told ya

Them damned subliminal needle codes had to be orchestrated by someone with a demonic sense of humor. My 1st attempt to order any needles other than the 2 sizes Bob included with my machine was a hairline changer.