Sewing machine help needed

[Bow]

Good evening everyone I'm in desperate need of help. I was diagnosed with complex ptsd and taken out of the game to keep my mind off the past I started leather work mostly making holsters a few years back by hand stitching Ok all that wasted time to ask for help. I'm on a fixed income and finally have enough money saved to purchase a new machine but I only have one shot to get it right. I'm trying to decide between the cowboy cb4500 and the cobra class 4 I'm looking for the one that if kept oiled and cleaned as it should be will last the longest with the least amount of down. I know this question has probably been asked hundreds of times on different forums but my future and my family's depends on me making right choices.  I realize most won't understand me have ptsd and may not understand my fight to get the right sewing machine and of course other equipment for my quest that I will come to you with more questions as money allows ok anyway I would really appreciate any help please. 

[Northmount]

@Bow Moved your post to Leather Sewing Machines.

Help wanted requires moderator approval for every post and is usually used to post jobs wanted or such type. 

[Bow]

I'm sorry really wasn't sure how to post 

[Northmount]

On 2/10/2021 at 4:06 PM, Bow said:

I'm sorry really wasn't sure how to post 

That is not a problem.  Just want to get you into the right place to get the help you are looking for.  This forum "Leather Sewing Machines" has a pinned post about what sewing machine do I need, and several others with good information for you.  The point you have narrowed down to, you have 2 very similar machines.  The closest dealer to you is probably your best bet for purchase and any ongoing assistance you might require.  I think you will get a few more posts along this line too.

 

[Bow]

Thank you I really appreciate your help 

[Wizcrafts]

@Bow

I got my Cowboy CB4500 in early 2011. I couldn't be happier. I got all available accessories both at the time of purchase and afterwards. I use it for thick and tough work that my lighter duty machines can't handle as nicely, or at all. The thickest job I sewed on it was a 7/8 inch thick holster using #346 thread. The thinnest is about 9-10 ounces, with #138 thread. I can also hem denim jeans and overalls on it by dumbing it down (see below).

I have a best friend who bought a Cobra Class 4 about a half year earlier. He uses it on every sewing job he has. Mind you, he usually uses #138 or #207 thread and makes sure the leather and suede are thick enough to bury the lockstitch knots (10-12 oz).

These machines are based on the frame and inner workings of the venerable Juki TSC-441 (still in production since about 1989). Thus, they have come to be known as "441 clones."

While 441 clones (and the actual TSC-441) work best with thick thread, big needles and thick stacks of material, I have learned that they can be "dumbed down" for lighter/thinner work and thinner thread. To wit, I even wrote a blog article about this called: "Dumbing down a Cowboy CB4500, Cobra Class 4, or similar harness stitcher." While this process takes a bit of time, it can be useful for people who only own one of these machines and need to sew lighter work in the here and now. I have found that once business picks up for a sewer, other machines become more affordable if you know where to look for them.

[dikman]

Bow, both machines, to all intents and purposes, are the same. As Northmount said finding a local (closest) dealer is probably the thing you should be looking at to give you support if needed.

[Bow]

Thank you guys I really appreciate your help