Artisan Toro 4500

[rschreiber]

I am new to the forum. Does anyone know the difference between an Artisan 4500R and a 4500P? Are they both equally good for sewing leather?

Thanks.

Russ

[Art]

Hi Russ,

I believe the 4500P is the Highlead version of the 4500R. The Highlead version is built like a tank, for factory use, but the other version is also very heavy duty and will last a leatherworker forever if properly maintained. You probably cannot get the 4500P from Artisan any longer and as far as I know (Artisan please correct me if I am wrong) they are exploring other opportunities at the present. If you want that type of machine, you should check here.

Art

I am new to the forum. Does anyone know the difference between an Artisan 4500R and a 4500P? Are they both equally good for sewing leather?

Thanks.

Russ

[rschreiber]

Thanks so much Art. You are exactly right about the designations.

I have been looking at an older Toro 4500, about 2002, and I have been told by Jerry at Artisan that the Toro 4500 is not really suitable for leather work as the bottom feed will mark the leather. This is a bit confusing to me as all the current literature on the Toro 4500 says that it is actually designed for leather. Not sure how to proceed.

Thanks again.

Russ

Hi Russ,

I believe the 4500P is the Highlead version of the 4500R. The Highlead version is built like a tank, for factory use, but the other version is also very heavy duty and will last a leatherworker forever if properly maintained. You probably cannot get the 4500P from Artisan any longer and as far as I know (Artisan please correct me if I am wrong) they are exploring other opportunities at the present. If you want that type of machine, you should check here.

Art

[Art]

Hi Russ,

I have a Highlead version of the 4000P (cylinder arm of the 4500) which IS set up for blankets etc. It does have aggressive feed dog and feet, not smooth. This is the way the machine is supplied by Highlead. My 4000P from Artisan has smooth feet, no feed dog, and a slotted plate. These modifications are usually provided by the distributor. You can modify the feed dog yourself by grinding the teeth smooth, or just knocking the tops off. That way it will feed a little better than a slotted plate and the hole in the feed dog will act as a needle guide. You'll still have to get some smooth feet from Artisan or Leather Machine Company (Cobra).

Art

Thanks so much Art. You are exactly right about the designations.

I have been looking at an older Toro 4500, about 2002, and I have been told by Jerry at Artisan that the Toro 4500 is not really suitable for leather work as the bottom feed will mark the leather. This is a bit confusing to me as all the current literature on the Toro 4500 says that it is actually designed for leather. Not sure how to proceed.

Thanks again.

Russ

Hi Russ,

I believe the 4500P is the Highlead version of the 4500R. The Highlead version is built like a tank, for factory use, but the other version is also very heavy duty and will last a leatherworker forever if properly maintained. You probably cannot get the 4500P from Artisan any longer and as far as I know (Artisan please correct me if I am wrong) they are exploring other opportunities at the present. If you want that type of machine, you should check here.

Art