Cobra Class 26 Leatherworking Sewing Machine Torture Test!

[@WilliamWilson_org]

This is *EXACTLY* the video I was looking for. Your experience (or lack of) and a head-on approach to "how much leather can I plow it through?" is exactly what I was wondering. THANK YOU!!!

[@DavidWilliams-tr9gt]

A tip for the table. If you remove the table a lot, replace the wingnuts with M8 thru-bolt knobs. A game changer for these old hands.

[@theconsummatenerd]

David your comment got me thinking. I'm going to look into a camloc system for the table connection, so I can just quarter turn a knob on the bottom to lock the table in place. This would make putting the table and taking it off a BREEZE!

[@bartstewart1807]

Over 60 years it’s the best thing in my life I ever purchased👍🏻👍🏻❤

[@jondotterer4770]

Exactly what I needed to see. I have been researching the Class 26 and Class 4. The 26 should do the vast majority of the work I currently do.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad I could help!

[@brentlarsen6974]

I went with the Class 4, and I wish I had gotten the Class 26 instead. The Class 4 says it can go down to 6oz, but it has not been great in that 6-8oz range. Thanks for the video. It looks like the Class 26 will be my next machine.

[@oldschooljack3479]

Impressive. Been looking at a Class 26 myself. I appreciate the torture test. It will definitely handle thickness well beyond what I would ever need it to do.

[@TopoPilot]

11:09 from my understanding after you complete your stitching you would want to remove your material from the machine, by pulling it towards the back of the sewing area, not by pulling it towards you. I guess it can bend the needle. You probably already know this by now (this video is 2 years old) but maybe it could help someone else who is interested in a sewing machine. (Disclaimer) I am not an expert. I am currently in the market for a Class 26 and this is just what I was told by the guy demoing the machine for me. Awesome machines!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Yeah. I still do the same thing. I just push the thread release pedal to release most of the tension. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@Nontacticalboy]

I think there's 1 thing people forget to mention on demos like this is the glue. On real projects, people put glue in between the leather, and that adds density that add stress to the sewing machines.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

The Cobra has an oiler pad for the thread just above the needle. I find that helps a bit. I used to spray the thread with silicone on my Boss for the same reason.

[@Nontacticalboy]

@@RoadAgentLeather I'm using the Cowboy CB3200, which is similar to the Class 3, im quite surprised class 26 can go that heavy of a leather. Love your work man!

[@dougewing5997]

I have a 26 Like what you did Still learning !

[@ljr8819]

What size needle and thread have you tried?

[@billhartman150]

I have a 26. Mine came with a few problems out of the box. The wick oiler was binding up the machine and the needle was seated right. I probably voided the warranty by removing it, ( just have oil it more often) now it sews great. I wish I had order the table with it, but for what I do it would be on and off all of the time.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I saw that weird yarn thing wrapped around a bunch of stuff and thought it was some leftover from the factory. Almost starting removing it when I saw the sticker saying it's there on purpose.

[@billhartman150]

@@RoadAgentLeather Mine was actually binding up the machine. After I removed it all of my problems went away.

[@ricksworlddereaux2397]

For them reall thick Leathers,you need a old handcrank adler 30 or singer 29 patchermachine,with a 160 Needle..i still broke few..or a special 130 Leather needle,with a twisted tip..🤔

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@ricksworlddereaux2397]

@@RoadAgentLeather Yes we all can learn more..from others..🫡

[@martinstults9419]

I bought one 4/8/2022, at Tandy Fort Worth. It was a special event and a lot of machines there for 2 days.I thought about ordering one last month and was told it would be July delivery. That was info from a shop in Waco. Glad I didn't order through them.

[@robertd6925]

What did you pay?

[@martinstults9419]

@@robertd6925 with table extension and tax, $2700.

[@bigchiefleatherworks7245]

That was impressive, I'm surprised the needle didn't snap.

[@FatManLeather]

I've been trying to decide which machine I want to get, the class 26 has been on top of the list. Now Tandy just needs to bring that deal to a store in Minnesota.

[@WilliamWilson_org]

I agree. Do you visit Hans up in Roseville, or do you prefer the Bloomington location?

[@FatManLeather]

@@WilliamWilson_org I usually go to Bloomington on my way home from appointments at the VA but I've been to both. It all depends on what part of the Twin Cities I'm in. I'll go to the Roseville store next month when I go see the Saints play.

[@WilliamWilson_org]

@@FatManLeather Well, hello to a local fellow craftsman. Pleasure meeting you!

[@jeffreycorson4959]

Are you happy with the appearance of 207 thread which is maximum for the 26. Your hand stitching on holsters appears thicker. I’m considering the 26 for my first machine. Like you, I make holsters as well as bags. Your work is beautiful!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I went through the same decision-making process. I bought this machine almost specifically to sew liners. I knew I was always going to saddle-stitch the main seam on holsters and knife sheaths by hand. Those seams aren't typically that long or difficult. But sewing together a bag, pouch, satchel, or a backpack by hand takes forever. From a practical standpoint, there's only a slight difference visually in 207 and 277 thread (in my opinion). Supposedly, you can run #277 thread on the top of the Class 26 . . . although I've never tried it myself.

[@dsshooter2000]

Thank you know one has ever done that , sold

[@fordfan3179]

So, a year later, how do you like the machine? I'm actually leaning into a sailrite leatherworker set up. 1. It's in my budget 2. I like the support available. 3. It's already got the hotrod upgrades for working on leather specifically. Any opinions? I'm watching everything I can find on leather working sewing machines. I'm one of your subscribers so you came up first.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for subscribing! Still loving my Class 26. It's changed the way I do my leatherwork. No problems with it so far!

[@kcg3927]

I'm pricing & comparing. Thanks for review video!

[@godislove201]

How are you cleaning up the bottom stitches where the needle tears through the leather?

[@charlesabbott5563]

You definitely need to watch Al Bane's KZbin videos on the 26.

[@joshuapoche5137]

Great machine i love my 26

[@ediliocantu7954]

Badass machine thanks

[@RoadAgentLeather]

You bet

[@fordfan3179]

Two years later? What do you think? What can it do well and what doesn't it do well? Dependable? Serviceable? How much maintenance?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I would highly recommend the Class 26. I've had zero mechanical issues with it so far. But ultimately, it's going to depend on how thick of material you're regularly sewing. I don't typically machine sew anything thicker than two pieces of lined 10 oz (think a holster or sheath WITHOUT a welt). This approaches this machine's limits. Anything heavier than that, I saddle stitch by hand ... or I'd get a Class 3. Hope this helps.

[@fordfan3179]

@@RoadAgentLeather yeah, I gotta sell some stuff, lol

[@1Sewstuff]

Very helpful video

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffallen3382]

That was impressive!

[@charliebarba5943]

I recently bought a 26 and love it, but I noticed you never back-stitched anything, have you found that on thick stuff that it’ll go forward but have problems in reverse?

[@MCFrontierGoods]

I always have problems in reverse with mine too, I usually just backstitch by hand using the wheel. That works the best for me anyways.

[@charliebarba5943]

@@MCFrontierGoods thanks for the reply and the video. Looking forward to see what you’ll have in the future

[@sehtzek]

Was speaking with someone that has a lot of exp with the machine. He said that it doesn't have a real reverse like the class 4 does. It is a pita to try and get it to land hole for hole. He said on the last stitch, raise the presser foot and spin the leather 180 and stitch forward again. Then repeat to stitch off the project.

[@earthangel8875]

Road Agent Leather Is there anyway to avoid the "drag mark" the walking foot leaves on the veg tan leather? Is it just a "Settings" issue or that's just the way this machine is? Anyone know? Researching machines but that drag mark is not pretty on veg tan. Thanks in advance. Angel from The Bay

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Not sure what you're referring to. Is it the marks on top from the pressor foot? That's adjustable. I'm not an expert on this machine yet. There's a wealth of knowledge on Leatherworker.net; including an active sub-forum just on leather sewing machines.

[@earthangel8875]

@@RoadAgentLeather I was referring to the marks from the presser foot. I don't know the correct verbiage yet, so I explained it as best as possible.

[@oceanbeliever681]

@@earthangel8875 I was asking the same thing. This marks were pretty bad and I would not be happy at all nor would I want to buy a smooth foot after paying all that money. I’m struggling….I’m ready to make this significant purchase and thought this was it now I am second guessing my decision.

[@earthangel8875]

@@oceanbeliever681 Keep researching until you find the answer. Buy once, cry once. Angel from The Bay

[@ricardogranger2709]

What type and thickness thread are you using?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

in this video I'me using #207 bonded nylon.

[@ARAGSDALE1]

Great video! So, it stitched fine on approximately 32 Oz total? 2, 10 oz, and 2, 6 oz ? Thank you !

[@JW-vx6zc]

How is the class 26 doing nowadays ? I am in the same shoes as you, Class 3 or Class 26 for Veg Tanned and Chrome tanned bag making (no holster no saddle making).

[@MCFrontierGoods]

Cool video! I’ve wondered what the machine could do as well. I got mine probably Around 6 months ago and have not got it to jam on a piece of leather yet. Mostly because I’ve been scared to try but now I don’t have to lol!

[@kcpstudio]

Not going to yell at you. Because…. “been there and done that”. I think once you get to the point the presser foot no longer has any room, you’re pretty much assured of stalling. Or, if you try to run what you did at a higher speed, the needle could very well flex when piercing that much leather to the point of crashing into the throat plate. Not a huge issue other than a busted needle and readjusting the needle bar. These machines are tanks.

[@tungaum7531]

What needle and thread size do you sew!!

[@choelzer]

What needle and thread setup are you using?

[@xxwes997xx]

does it stitch like that right out of the box or is it like the tippman where you have to blow through 100 spools of thread to maybe get 1 clean stitch

[@RoadAgentLeather]

perfect stitches right out of the box.

[@sehtzek]

If you get a 26 from the leather machine co directly they will set it up and it will come with the sample piece they stiched on still attached to the machine. Any adjustments after that will depend on what you are seeing, but you will know that it was working from their office.

[@woogaboogawiththegreenteet8436]

after having it for awhile, are youstill happy with it?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Yes!!

[@theconsummatenerd]

I am curious what thread was supplied with the machine? Is that a nylon 207 thread?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

spool it came with is 138 bonded nylon. I use 207

[@theconsummatenerd]

@@RoadAgentLeather Thank you!

[@CaulderLeather]

Class 3 PROBABLY would have been a better fit for what I see you do mostly, but I am impressed with the 26. Plus the class 3 is another minimum $500 bucks. Congrats on joining the Cobra family. Lol

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks! It was a choice I fretted over a bit, but I'm also wanting to move into making bags, purses, wallets, and other smaller items. So felt the 26 was a better machine for that.

[@55418und]

Is cobra made in China?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I presume everything comes from China :P Thanks for subscribing!

[@anchordownleather]

Do you still have the Outlaw? Good test on the 26!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I still have my Tippmann Boss. Will have to see how much use it gets now that I have this machine.

[@anchordownleather]

@@RoadAgentLeather lol I bet it gets benched. I was looking to upgrade. Didnt know if it was for sale or not. Thanks

[@jeffallen3382]

How was setting the tension like between the different thickness leather you used?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I didn't change it. Haven't even touched the tensioner yet.

[@jeffallen3382]

@@RoadAgentLeather wow that's impressive! Thank you.

[@dmmdmm5435]

The poor quality voice recording made it so I could only understand a small portion of what you said. Your voice sounds very muffled.

[@sloth_e]

What the hell is 5.10mm? That would be 6mm. 😂😂 Decimal is broken up into 10s. I wonder if your callipers are made in America? 😂 Excellent demo of the machine. I feel like I get more from a fellow newbie when I'm looking at review type content. I'm looking at this and the cowboy right now. It's a financial plunge I'm finally prepared for.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaeltexeira6185]

THE MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE CRAP,,,NOISY AND STRAINING. YOU CANNOT PUT THE FABRIC SO THE PRESSURE FOOT IS TO HIGH. THE TENSION UNIT WILL NOT CLOSE. THIS IS A REMAKE OF OLDER MAKES. MACHINES. YOU WILL DAMAGE THE MACHINE. YOU AINT PROVING NOTHING,,SEWING ON A SMALL PIECE AND SEWING TO MAKE SOMETHING IS DIFFERENT. SOUNDS LIKE A TRACTOR.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. But why are you YELLING?!

[@rahmatfunke6954]

How much please

[@michelefrank3825]

😕 ｐｒｏｍｏｓｍ