Leather sewing machines

[Cliff Fendley]

For some reason my machine came with 346 on the top and 207 on the bottom. I didn't like that and was having trouble with the thread and Steve sent me 277 thread.

It does fine now with the 277 thread on the top and I can run the 207 or 277 in the bobbin without any adjustments. I like running the 277 in the bobbin better because on the thin stuff like a money belt sometimes it has a tendency to pull the bobbin thread up too much and you can see it when you make a corner. Only does it in a sharp turn or when you stop and make a corner turn but I still don't like it. Plus I just like the front and back to look the same.

Also I don't like the needles that came with the Cobra. I ordered 200S needles from another supplier and it makes a much nice stitch than with the ones Steve sent with it.

Outrider, Mongo, or anyone else, What size of needle and thread do you guys use for stitching bullet loops?

[outrider]

On the  Ferdco Pro 2000 (same as the Cobra class 4) I use 277 top and 207 bobbiin with a 200 needle.

Cliff,  I use the same when stitching bullet loops.  Although I have various sizes of thread I tend to stick with the aforementioned sizes.  On my TK-1245 (Pfaff clone) I use 207 top and bottom..with a 180 needle....makes a really nice stitch.

[Cliff Fendley]

Thanks Outrider, I was wondering if I should switch to a 180 and 207 for bullet loops on money belts since it's all fairly thin.

[outrider]

Cliff,

Do some sample pieces of each and see which one you think is the best looking and of course the strongest.  Try making some staging loop strips with 10 loops on each side

[daddyeaux]

Well I did it .........wound some bobbins and sewed a few scraps together......I sure like the look of that 346 thread Steve had on the machine.

[Slowhand Bob]

I also like the look of the large ropey threads on leather.  Almost gives it that hand sewn look on the top.  The last time I was going through my machine drawer I found a center foot that was purchased or given to me early on.  It looks like the one installed except for a small ridge on the bottom.  My best guess is that it is supposed to press the bottom thread into the leather tighter for a more finished look.  If I ever get back out to the shop again I think I will try it out, anyone use one of these?

[TN Mongo]

Many people file a lot of that ridge off so it doesn't mark up the leather on corners.  Your correct, it is intended to push the stitch down into the leather.

[Slowhand Bob]

HMMM, I see where it might cause problems with that.  I did mis-speak  when I said bottom thread as it rides on the top thread.  Which foot or feet are you guys using most, wide foot, narrow foot or double foot?  The narrow footsys should work better for bullet loops, knife sheaths and anytime a stitch is very close to fold overs or such but is it actually a universal foot for anyone or do you take the time to change feet often?

[TN Mongo]

I mostly use the single foot ones.  Left or Right depending what direction the project is going through the machine.

[Bill LOGAN]

I useful also left and the right and very rarely of double with my Toro 4000

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

OK guys here it is......just finished putting it together under the carport........Cobra CM 4........
Waited since February for this machine........

Congrats on the machine DE.

Here's a repost from our forum.

[SIZE="4"][COLOR="Blue"]After conversing back and forth with Steve at the Leather Machine Company http://www.leathermachineco.com/
it just so happen Steves mom lived just up the road from us. Well this weekend he made his normal visits to see her and called us and asked if he could deliver one of his machines. Of couse I said and he spent lots of time showing us the ropes.
He gave us the full demo. We were amazed at the service we got from him.

Steve is the older distinguished looking gentleman.
So were ready to make saddles, pack saddles and harness work.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

On the  Ferdco Pro 2000 (same as the Cobra class 4) I use 277 top and 207 bobbiin with a 200 needle.

Cliff,  I use the same when stitching bullet loops.  Although I have various sizes of thread I tend to stick with the aforementioned sizes.  On my TK-1245 (Pfaff clone) I use 207 top and bottom..with a 180 needle....makes a really nice stitch.

Through trial and error- pain and woe I found by accident the same combination works good for me also.

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

Many people file a lot of that ridge off so it doesn't mark up the leather on corners.  Your correct, it is intended to push the stitch down into the leather.

I picked up an extra one from Steve and did the same thing. No dents when going around sharp corners.

[Cliff Fendley]

I'm planning on doing the same thing. I was practicing stitching bullet loops and it marks the belt when I turn to make the next run. I don't want to sew a belt until I stop that from happening. It does make the stitch line look nice on a normal run without a sharp corner.

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

I'm planning on doing the same thing. I was practicing stitching bullet loops and it marks the belt when I turn to make the next run. I don't want to sew a belt until I stop that from happening. It does make the stitch line look nice on a normal run without a sharp corner.

I also polished mine. But I'm sure you already thought of that with the very fine knife shop you own.