My Head is going to Explode

[Rubicon04]

I am currently in the same boat. Started out my research thinking I wanted a class 4 or cb4500 and then after more reading changed to a class 26 / 1341 style machine. Lately with seeing @RockyAussie narrow needle plate and feed dog set, I've been leaning towards the Class 4 / CB4500 again. I figure the majority of my stitching would be in the 8-12oz range, sometimes more, sometimes less. I plan on using 138 thread and would primarily be using the machine to aid in bag making. It seems the narrow needle plate and feed dog set turn these machines into a more versatile option for someone like me that only has the money for one machine. I still plan to handstitch all my small goods and wallets. 

[Tequila]

Well folks I finally made a decision and I’m getting the Cobra 26.  While both the Cowboy 341 and the Cobra are very similar it was the warranty and customer service that made the choice for me.  Both companies had about the same wait time before shipping (2-3 weeks) and the price difference was negligible.  So I guess by this time next month I’ll be asking questions again.  And thanks to everyone who replied. 

[Wizcrafts]

@Tequila

Figure out if your best machine should be flat bed or cylinder arm. flat bed machines are best used on flat items. Cylinder arm machines are best for cylindrical or shaped items which have parts hanging down on the left of the arm. This includes bags, cuffs, some holsters and things that have hardware (rings, buckles, loops) on the bottom. Most cylinder arm machine tables can take a table attachment, or one can be made to fit them, or adapted from another model. Some cylinder arm machines can be ordered on a pedestal stand that is wide open under the arm and has holes for a bolt on table attachment.

Next, define the minimum and maximum thicknesses you expect to sew together and the height of any other seams that the raised feet and needle will have to clear to get to the sewing area. Thinner work, up to about 1/8 inch, requires thin thread (to hide the lockstitch knots) and small needle sizes (diameters) for minimal holes. Thick work (over 1/4 inch) requires thicker thread and larger diameter needles to keep it all together under the stress of usage.

A lot of people are interested in medium duty machines and may try to push them beyond their practical thread handling capacity. When that happens they think the machine is defective, when it is not. If a machine's specs say the maximum thread size is #138, that means top and bottom, as setup at the factory, or the dealership. If you try to use #207 or larger thread, unless the machine has been purposely setup for that size, it may jam in the hook, or cause the leather to lift with the needle, which causes skipped stitches. OTOH, a more heavy duty machine can be dumbed down to sew thinner work with thinner thread and thinner needles. But, it will cost more up front.

[Wizcrafts]

1 minute ago, Tequila said:

Well folks I finally made a decision and I’m getting the Cobra 26.  While both the Cowboy 341 and the Cobra are very similar it was the warranty and customer service that made the choice for me.  Both companies had about the same wait time before shipping (2-3 weeks) and the price difference was negligible.  So I guess by this time next month I’ll be asking questions again.  And thanks to everyone who replied. 

You posted this just before I posted my reply. You made a good choice as long as you stay within the stated specs.

[Tequila]

1 minute ago, Wizcrafts said:

You posted this just before I posted my reply. You made a good choice as long as you stay within the stated specs.

Thanks for the encouragement.  I must say that I’ve been reading a lot of your posts IRT sewing machines, they’ve been very informative, you certainly know your machines 

[Tequila]

Oh I forgot to say that I did add one extra, a flip down roller guide.  The waiting will now begin. 

[VictoryHandcraft]

I’m in the market for my first sewing machine and was wondering how you like your 26?