WiscoSam Report post Posted February 4, 2022 I'm looking at getting a machine and am comparing the TechSew 5100, Cobra Class 4, and Cowboy CB4500. From the research I've done and everything I've read they're all similar machines with similar specifications. These machines might be more machine than I need, but I wanted a machine that can sew the real thick thread, and all of these sew up to 415 (i think the thick thread looks nice on a belt). There are times when it would be used for thinner leather to put a decorative stich on 1 layer of veg tanned leather, so I'm wondering how these big machines perform on thinner leather? I know Wiz wrote an article on "dumbing down" the machine which was helpful. Basically I'd like to get the big machine to handle the thick thread, but would be using it on thinner leather sometimes. Also, of the three machines, does anyone have a preference on which machine performs best? I've read that customer service from all companies are good. I'm in Wisconsin so the closest company would be Cowboy, but even that's a 10 hour drive so I would most likely do shipping either way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted February 4, 2022 (edited) Stop down (Iowa) and get mine Cobra 4 premium plus I upgraded to "drop down" edge guide. A few years old, but I still have the original packaging and the flat top add-on table has never been out of the bubble wrap. Try it before you buy it. I do NOT use mine for single layer of thin leather, though I suppose you COULD. I've done it, but no more than I stitch on thin stuff it's just faster for me to sew a piece here and here by hand when it's thin. Retails at $3500 plus shipping - this one you can test and buy -- for $3000 I'll throw in the matching burnisher! https://leathermachineco.com/product/cobra-mp-burnisher/ Package retails today at about $4100. Bring LOTS of cash -- I have a good bit of veg tanned leather you could pick up VERY reasonable More pics available, but you're so close you should just come look. Edited February 4, 2022 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted February 5, 2022 12 hours ago, WiscoSam said: Basically I'd like to get the big machine to handle the thick thread, but would be using it on thinner leather sometimes. Also, of the three machines, does anyone have a preference on which machine performs best? I've read that customer service from all companies are good. I'm in Wisconsin so the closest company would be Cowboy, but even that's a 10 hour drive so I would most likely do shipping either way. Any of the machines above you mention can do thinner leathers with the help of a narrow needle plate and dog foot set. This post shows the set in use if you check out the video. If you go ahead and want a set contact me and I will help make it happen. AS far as any of them being better or worse.....they are all good but do get the table top stand version like you see on Jeff's machine above. Some machines come with a u shape cut out and they are as good as tits on a bull. If you want to check my youtube channel I have a video showing why the stand table is better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spyros Report post Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) I have the cb4500 with the above set up from RockyAussie, and I just made an apron with some thin and very soft upholstery leather. The machine did it like a champ, no issues whatsoever (other than my crappy technique for finishing stitching lines) It's pretty impressive watching this machine that is clearly NOT made for doing this kind of work, actually doing this type of work. And the next minute without any adjustments also going through 4 layers of thick saddle leather. I guess the next project for me is to make a big removable plywood bed for it, just for these types of projects, because it was a bit awkward feeding an apron over the cylinder arm. I didn't get the bigger add-on table that JLSleather is showing, the sent me a small square one instead that is only really good for up to wallet size projects. Edited February 5, 2022 by Spyros Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 5, 2022 I also have the narrow throat plate and feed dog set that @RockyAussie makes. I installed it on my Cowboy CB4500 and it works like a charm. I can go from sewing a 3/4 inch holster, with thick #277 thread and a #25 needle, down to sewing a wallet, phone pouch, or chap leather project, with #92 thread, by changing to a #20 needle and backing off the foot pressure a bit. Yes, you have to purchase the narrow set as an add-on. But, to me it is worth it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spyros Report post Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) So the diagonal stitch in the bottom as you're looking at my photo above, that's the bobbin side, ie it was stitched from the backside of the apron. And that's what it looks like, all other stitches on the photo are the top side. Just to show you that it does look slightly different, but still plenty good enough. I could probably achieve a better lock in the last 4 stitches but that's just me. Edited February 5, 2022 by Spyros Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted February 5, 2022 Got a photo of you wearing the apron? Bet you look good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spyros Report post Posted February 5, 2022 21 minutes ago, dikman said: Got a photo of you wearing the apron? Bet you look good. Yeah I'm sure I would, 30 kilos ago LOL But here's a photo of my daughter in it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
