How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine for Leatherwork

In this video I share my thoughts are on what the three best sewing machines are for general leatherwork. I talk about the Leather Machine Co.'s Cobra Class 18, Cobra Class 26, and Cobra Class 4 Machines. I explain the pros and cons of flatbed and cylinder arm machines.
Cobra Class 18 Flatbed Machine:
www.aldenleath...
Cobra Class 26 Cylinder Arm Machine:
www.aldenleath...
Cobra Class 4 Cylinder Arm Machine:
Standard: www.aldenleath...
Premium: www.aldenleath...
Check out the other machines on my website: www.aldenleath...
current class schedule: leathercrafting... Alden's School of Leather Trades - leathercrafting... Facebook - / leathercraftingschool Instagram - / leather_crafting_school
Video Production - / savagewinds Music from Artlist.io: If you use my affiliate link you can receive an extra two months, and I will as well! artlist.io/Aar...

[@oldschooljack3479]

Best breakdown I have seen yet. I knew I really needed a cylinder arm machine for gussets in handbags, but didn't know how big I needed to go... Or not go. Thank you for the in-depth explanation. Much appreciated.

[@gelgameshnassar5517]

Hiya Actually I have got very nice idea because I was looking long time to find good leather Sewing machine

[@ronr9276]

Tim, could you possibly do a how to on the different needle plates that come with the class 4. I’ve looked but haven’t found anything on those accessories. Thanks

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

I will put it on the list.

[@jamesrichardson5162]

Can class 26 sow heavy meterial and leather and do use heavy material and leather different needles

[@bruceedwards5271]

Fantastic video! You answered ever question I had in my mind. Thank you!!

[@tanialilliestips]

I have a sail rite for my smaller work. They advertised it as being able to handle way more than it can. I’m so glad I ran into this video. I primarily make knife sheaths. My husband is a bladesmith, he’s started doing it full time. I can’t keep up with the hand stitching. Looks like class 4 is our machine!!

[@victorcabrera4489]

In you experience what weight does the sailrite machine sew and what kinds of projects?

[@victorcabrera4489]

What is the sewing machine that is in the thumbnail?

[@EdwardOlivares-m6t]

Can leather patches be sewn on hats with the class 26

[@og_leathercraft]

Thank you for the video! Last spring I was choosing a skiving machine and a sewing machine and was choosing between Cobra and TechSew. I bought Tech Sew 2750 PRO and SK-4.

[@markcarson1244]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Enjoyed the video.

[@jos9569]

Is the Class 26 similar to a Consew 227? I'm a bagmaker, using up to 3-4 oz leather but might want to go higher.

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

They are similar. I haven't used the consew 227 but the class 26 will sew 2-20 oz leather.

[@earthangel8875]

+Alden's School of Leather Trades Question for anyone. Is that Cobra Class 26 stand up only? Or can you lower it to sit in a chair while working on a project? Does anyone know? Thanks in advance. Angel from The Bay

[@bernardtotten7564]

Hi. Which is best for leather jackets?

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

I would say the class 26 because it will get into tight places like the cuffs.

[@i_s_a_i_a_h]

Tim, you are amazing! Thank you for responding to my emails so promptly! Can't wait to purchase the 26 from you.

[@jordanwhite5470]

Noticed that you stood for the demo. Is it possible to sit while using the class 26 or class 4?

[@rosabayhan810]

Could you use it for quilting

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Not in light fabric.

[@johntyson9102]

Hello what is the price on class 4with all the plates p

[@pequodexpress]

So, the Class 26 (cylinder arm) and Class 20 (flatbed) have the same minimum and maximum limits regarding needle and thread sizes?

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

That is correct

[@bbrachman]

Tim: Could you sew your apron on the Cobra 26? Non-Leather canvas. Can't seem to find an answer to this question.

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Yes that should be no problem

[@gergemall]

Getting more into it , thank you

[@raymaledon1461]

Is there a freight charge when a cobra 26 is ordered, if so how much

[@jordanwhite5470]

I believe so. Contact the LeatherMachineCompany for information.

[@LisaCornwell2014]

Clear as mud

[@jayjohnson1440]

Have you used the techesew 5100 SE? How does it compare to the Cobra Class 4?

[@LizDavis2009]

I have the TechSew 5100SE. I’ve had it for almost a year now. I looooove that thing, what a beast!! I’ve bought lots of accessories for the Class 4 that fit my 5100 perfectly. If you check out the specs on both machines, I believe they are pretty much clones of one another.

[@LizDavis2009]

P.S. If you are choosing between the Cobra and the TechSew and live in the U.S., I would go with the Cobra Class 4. Delivery of the machine and parts are quicker and Leather Machine Company’s customer service is waaaay better!!!

[@jayjohnson1440]

@@LizDavis2009 This was so helpful. I have been toying around with which machine to purchase and It's pretty difficult when you don't get to test each machine out. I actually saw The Adler 669 recently and added it to my search too....The main feature that it has that I love is the Automatic Thread clipping abilities. Thanks again for your input.

[@LizDavis2009]

@@jayjohnson1440 ohhh, that sounds awesome!! I have a Juki semi industrial sewing machine that has the auto thread cutter and I love it!!

[@juancedeno6650]

Liz Davis Hi, what about the stability of the table? That would be the deal breaker for me between these two machines

[@martinstults9419]

I have hand stitched the equivalent of 4 ounce to 15 ounce leather, from 1/8th inch to 3/4 inch plus. I'm worried that the class 26 would be too small and the class 4 might be too big. I can only have one machine because I am not in the business. Most of my projects are in the middle. I need a do all machine. Which one is it?

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Hi Martin, feel free to give me a call and we can talk about what you are making and see if we can direct you to the right machine. 541-659-1260 Thanks

[@gregthompson8062]

Cowboy 4500 or the Class 4. Same machines different paint job.

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Greg although a lot of these machines have the same casting for the head the internal parts are not created equal.

[@gregthompson8062]

Alden's School of Leather Trades these are exact clones of the Juki’s. They are both produced in the same factory in China. Cowboy machines offer stainless steel plates. Cobra has coated. These are the same machine with exception of color and coatings in certain parts.

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Greg thanks for you comment I am curious where you are getting your information from because I have just been told there are 6 factories in China making the Juki clones and they do not use the same one. Also leather machine co has a lifetime warranty and is the only company I know of that pays for shipping both ways in the event something does go wrong with one of these machines. Not to knock the cowboy machines but I have had multiple customers sell theirs to replace it with a leather machine co machine.

[@MrKJDeSilva]

Hi Tim, I am in the process of setting up my Workshop and, financially speaking, am able to do this ... once. So ... I would like to get it right the first time. My researches narrowed my Brands down to Cobra and Techsew for quality and service ... absolutely love both companies and, truthfully, will end up with a mix of both in the Workshop. Techsew is not far from where I live ... so, I also wanted to support my neighbors, all other considerations being found equal. At the moment, I have narrowed my choices down to Techsew Model 1660, 4800 and 5100 ... which, in a very interesting way, mirrors the Cobra Models you have highlighted in this video. I would PREFER to narrow down to two Machines ... but, if I had to, will go with all three. This will be for a Full Time Business and not as a Hobby ... so the Industrial (assembly line) idea will be how the Workshop will be designed. Items that will be created include: . Belts (Dress, Work, Play, etc) . Wallets for women and men . Purses . Larger Bags . Toiletry Kits (Bags) . Key Fobs . Books . Journal and Passport Covers . Knife Sheaths ... Welted not fold-over . Motorcycle Saddlebags . Guitar Straps Most items will be done in runs of 50 + ... but, some items, like the M/C Saddlebags and Sheaths will have to be Custom due to exact requirements. So!! ... with all that in mind ... if you were in a similar position; would you go for the three machines? Or, if you figure two would do the trick ... which would you eliminate? Whilst the middle Machine is certainly the most versatile ... there are items that are best done with the Flatbed or the large machine.

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Hey sorry for the delay, just saw all these comments. With everything you listed the class 26 would do them all. If you have any questions feel free to call me.

[@mikeboone4425]

I have a question how do you get away with putting that AC out let on the floor level . I could be wrong but I do not know of any building code in the US that would allow this. It's nothing but an accident waiting to happen. Happy Trails

[@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades]

Well they were done by a licensed electrician and the building was inspected before I moved in so hard to say. But thanks for the info.

[@martinstults9419]

@@AldensSchoolofLeatherTrades I don't know what part of the country you are from Mike but I have seen a number of outlets in the floor.

[@kcstott]

Commercial buildings are different code then residential, Older residential home allow for this and everything in electrical code can be grandfathered if done correctly. Hell we still have houses with knob and tube wiring. and nothing wrong with it as long as you don't screw with it to much.

[@franciscomoreno9916]

I didn't see any demos just the talk and for that reason I don't think I never going to buy a cobra sewing machine!!!!