Prices on band knife splitters.

[TracyMoss]

Does anyone know what a price should be for a 18" Band Knife splitter? I am thinking of buying one and would like to know the fair price for a used machine.

[David Genadek]

Tracy,

I was just looking for one for some Amish Friends here is an e-mail I got from a dealer in TX:

Dave Here are some pictures of the 18 inch Fortuna ( model UAF - 470 ), this is the mint splitter that I was telling you about, not the actual machine that I had priced to you for your Amish friends, but the very same machine. The machine in picture Price is $10,500.00. The machine which is exactly like this with out motors and electrical your cost would be $3500.00. Have also included a picture of the Camoga ( model 512 ), price on the Camoga is also $10,500.00. If you have any questions fell free to call me anytime night or day my cell # is 940-736-4707 ( Ron ). He might still have that one he sent that to me on the 8th of January.

One of the questions you want to ask is if it has new guide plates. I haven't worked on a Fortuna for a long time but on a Camoga you need to replace them every year or every few years depending on how much you use it. They have teflon on them and when it wears out your splitting goes down hill. They will cost a couple of grand to replace so if your buying a new reconditioned machine you want to make sure they replaced them. If you haven't owned and run one of these and tore it apart and tuned it up your better off paying more and getting it from a reputable dealer. A really good deal can cost you on these machines.

They are worth the learning curve and an essential peice of equipment if your making a living with leather you won't regret it.

David Genadek

[Dink]

Hi TRacy (again)

When I sent mail earlier I thought you were from Texas, guess I should pay more attention. Where are you located.

I had a band knife splitter a while back. Mine was a Fortuna 620 in 12". I got it from Campbell Bosworth completley reconditioned for $3500. Though I did not end up keeping it. I do not know much about other models, but I do know that this one was effective on very light leathers, but it would not work well at all with veg tan. They are very complex machines and require constant adjusting when ever changing leather. I am sure others have gotten along fine with them once they figure them out. Operator error with mine is not out of the question either.

If you want one or better info on them Dan at Campbell was very helpful and had some around. If you want to pick his mind call him at 1-800-223-6018. I am looking at getting the new Artisan 20" splitter as soon as they get more of them.

Dink

[TracyMoss]

Dink, I am from Texas, however, I have been Transplanted in Colorado. I will check these out and the Artisan splitter.

Davis, I used one of the band knife spltters at the saddle shop I worked at in Texas and we slit chap, latigo, harness, and veg-tan with it. It was one of the old ones about the size of a Football Field.