really struggling with which sewing machine

[ToddW]

Somewhat new to Leather Working but spending a lot of time on it these days..  A bit of background.. I predominately make wallets, coasters, pen cases up to messenger bags or small laptop/ipad bags.  I currently hand cut everything and hand sew.  Started out with the cheap stuff and find myself rebuying nicer stuff.  As an example, just replaced my cheap pricking irons with Sinabroks.  Looking to make my next purchases.. Sewing Machine and clicker (or maybe laser). My first first purchase was one of the Chinese Cobler Sewing Machine which was probably a waste of money but saw some videos on Youtube where they were tuned to do leather working and the price was right..  I have watched Youtube after Youtube and everyone has their view on sewing machines.  Juki, COBRA Cowboy, old singer, tek sew, weaver, adler.. cylinder arm vs bed...  seems a lot of people have 2 machines..  I would prefer not to spend $3K plus on a machine so used is probably the route I will go.  If I have a model that I am looking for, I am very good at finding one used.  Could someone point me in the right direction for a machine good for wallets but be able to handle a messenger type bag.  I want something with a large bobbin for long runs on my bags.  Thickness usually runs 2.0-2.2mm on the leather for my bags although I did some dog collars that were in the 4 or 5mm thick,  Just need something versatile..

Thoughts.. Right now, I think I am leaning towards the Cobra class 20 or the class 26..  I like that they have the speed reducer and servo motor out of the gate.

 

Thoughts?? Any help is appreciated!

[Hags]

I bought a cobra class 3. It works very well on the holsters and sheaths I predominately make, but is not the best suited machine for lighter leathers. Really, I think it was a bit of overkill for 2 layers of 7/8, but I do like the cylinder arm. I would take a look at the cobra (or similar) class 26 machine. I believe Makers leather supply has a video on it. Might be the one. 

[ToddW]

I found a Artisan 618 with Table and servo motor with speed control included with bobbin spinner, Large M bobbin..  I kinda wanted the cylinder arm for bag gussets but this is a lot cheaper being used.  I am thinking this cover the wallets & Journal covers I do.. Not sure how it will handle the computer bags.

[ToddW]

The more I dig, the more I get confused.  I did find the Artisian 618 used which seems like a good deal as its sub-$1000 but not a no brainer deal.  Was really like the Cobra class 26 but looks like the Techsew 2750 Pro is a bit better.  I see some saying the Cowboy is $500 cheaper.  so confused.. The new ones have financing available making it bit easier on the pocket book leaving money for a clicker or laser.

[kgg]

1 hour ago, ToddW said:

The more I dig, the more I get confused.

Yes the selection of machines can be confusing, at times overwhelming with machines having similar specs and trying to figure out what some of the clone machines are closely related to. If I were now looking for one primary machine that would cover most items I would try and figure out what items would fall in the 90 percent bracket and buy either a really good used or new brand name machine to cover those items. If those items are done better on a flatbed like wallets then buy a Juki DNU-1541S (new~$1800US used ???). If you are doing 50 / 50 then get a cylinder arm machine and with a table top attachment like a Juki LS-1341(~$4000US) or and older Juki LS-341.

Buy Once Cry Once

kgg

 

[ToddW]

right now, I am doing mostly wallets but have a strong desire to make bags..  I will ultimately get there so want a cylinder arm with a detachable bed.

[RockyAussie]

This machine might be a good one for you to consider -

There are a few more video's on this machine on my youtube channel as well if you want to see more.

[Voodoo63]

On 1/12/2022 at 10:51 AM, ToddW said:

Somewhat new to Leather Working but spending a lot of time on it these days..  A bit of background.. I predominately make wallets, coasters, pen cases up to messenger bags or small laptop/ipad bags.  I currently hand cut everything and hand sew.  Started out with the cheap stuff and find myself rebuying nicer stuff.  As an example, just replaced my cheap pricking irons with Sinabroks.  Looking to make my next purchases.. Sewing Machine and clicker (or maybe laser). My first first purchase was one of the Chinese Cobler Sewing Machine which was probably a waste of money but saw some videos on Youtube where they were tuned to do leather working and the price was right..  I have watched Youtube after Youtube and everyone has their view on sewing machines.  Juki, COBRA Cowboy, old singer, tek sew, weaver, adler.. cylinder arm vs bed...  seems a lot of people have 2 machines..  I would prefer not to spend $3K plus on a machine so used is probably the route I will go.  If I have a model that I am looking for, I am very good at finding one used.  Could someone point me in the right direction for a machine good for wallets but be able to handle a messenger type bag.  I want something with a large bobbin for long runs on my bags.  Thickness usually runs 2.0-2.2mm on the leather for my bags although I did some dog collars that were in the 4 or 5mm thick,  Just need something versatile..

Thoughts.. Right now, I think I am leaning towards the Cobra class 20 or the class 26..  I like that they have the speed reducer and servo motor out of the gate.

 

Thoughts?? Any help is appreciated!

We have a cobra class 26 2019 model used 2 or 3 times. 

[jokker1978]

On 1/17/2022 at 12:33 AM, RockyAussie said:

This machine might be a good one for you to consider -

There are a few more video's on this machine on my youtube channel as well if you want to see more.

What cowboy is that ?

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, jokker1978 said:

What cowboy is that ?

That is the CB-6900.