This is a great machine! I just received mine this morning and have already split some leather. I toiled over this purchase for some time and have to say it was money well spent. I had an issue with it turning in the wrong direction. The current machine has a box on the table with a red button. I thought it was an E-stop turns out it's to reverse the motor. Unfortunately they send directions with the unit to change the program on the speed drive, which doesn't work. Just have to hit the red button to change the machine direction.
Andrew, Thanks for the run down on this machine. I have been looking at this thing for a couple of years but could never get a good review. I think you have made up my mind whether I should buy it or not,I think I will! Thanks again. Mike,3MP Leather Kalispell Montana. Semper Fi !!!
Thanks for the very informative video! I’ve been contemplating one of these but, now am convinced it’s the way to go (for me). I have friends close by who have a commercial leather company and they have a Fortuna band blade splitter and they have been doing my splitting for me but, frankly this looks better and I’m due an Easter present soon ;). I will give your guys at American Leather Works a call and let them know you referred this sale.
A very good and informative video and the only one showing us what we want to see. Is it possible to split wide pieces of leather on these. Somehow these manufacturar only can afford to show us thin straps and pieces of scrap and that makes me wonder. Steve ought to use this video for demonstration, thanks.
Really great review Andrew ! I looks like you have put together a really nice shop ! You have some really nice equipment from the first time I saw one of your videos. Good for you Sir !
Hello, couple question I have this machine and have had tons of issues and I am sure it’s operator error but I can’t figure it out. I only use Hermann Oak leather typically 9-10oz. Splitting the leather the splits just get thinner as it splits. I have destroyed almost an entire side. Electric or hand crank same results. The top roller is locked into place, I checked the gap between the top roller and bottom and it is perfect. If I am splitting a belt strip at 1-1.5 inches it runs perfect. Try to split anything 5-6” wide and it destroyed it. Any advice?
It will stay consistent. If you get a splitter, you’ll be running to your scrap leather like it’s Christmas. So many small projects. Sorry, I just now saw your comment.
Just checking in, now that you have owned it for a couple years, do you still use it and would you buy it again looking back. Also what supplier did you buy it from?
I ordered it from American Leather Works in Kansas. I use it on just about every project and I would buy it again. The most important thing that has to be done with the machine, is stropping the blade. I strop it every time I start a new project. If you let it go too long without stropping the blade, the machine will start chewing up leather.
Hi I bought the Cobra splitter like you have. Have you had any problems with inconsistent splitting, and the machine eating and ruining pieces of leather? For example you split a small sample piece to get a desired result, and it doesn't come out even close. It usually comes out way thinner than the test piece. also examples of not going all the way through the splitting process. Getting stuck 90% of the way through. Thank you
My machine will do the same thing. When that happens it’s time to strop the blade. Now before I start any project such as a holster, where I know I’ll be splitting several pieces, I will strop the blade before starting. It just saves the frustration of bad splits. I made a video of how I strop the blade.
Wow great review. I was wondering where did you get the machine from? You mentioned that you purchased the motorized version for cheaper than the manual (from the official website). Thanks
I am a shoe and bake machine technician stitching machines and cutting machines such as hydrolic presses and shoe sole assembly machines I am electromechanical of all cooking machine c my specialist and with a diploma since 2000 if you want we can work together and I'm very serious
