sfcdan

Thanks for the feed back on the machine. I was curious to see how it worked but again all I saw were company videos.

I own both a clone 441, and a Tippman. I first purchased the Tippman, and I loved to hate it. Once I figured out all the quirks, it became easy to trouble shoot all the temperamental issues. The one thing I hated and still do, is the short throat that everyone is talking about. A few years later I purchased a clone 441, which I’ve onwed for 11 years now with no issues whatsoever. My goal was to get rid of the Tippman, keeping the clone alone. After using both for a bit I realized both had advantages over the other so I decided to keep both. I like the fact that I can get closer to an edge with a Tippman, but I also love the fact that I can stitch faster and more accurately with the clone. If you must get one, probably the 3200, you won’t miss the smaller details the Tippman can do, but if I were you, I would save my money for a 4500. This has a bigger clearance throat than both. I’ve written several times to Tippman inquiring if they’re gonna make a 9” Boss, but so far the answer has been no. I think it’s messed up that Tippman, stopped Tandy from making the 9” Boss clone, only to let it die. Good luck, any PD the machines mentioned will work.

If you're looking for that specific size and width, your best bet is to have one made. I've had several tools and dies made by Texas Custom Dies, they're on this site.

It's a little over my budget, but it gave me an idea of how to make my own, tnks for posting.

Very nice, how much did it cost you?

I normally do something similar to Bruce, but a bit different. I usually go to Tap Plastics, I have them cut me a piece of plastic. I usually get the cheap plastic, but it has to be at least 3/16 thick. I then mark holes where I need marking. This is very efficient for repetitive work. As far as chisels, I like Bruce's idea. Good luck with your productivity. Daniel

When I first got my punch, it was hard to punch through thick leather. I purchased a 3 ton arbor press with a hole in the center of the ram and this tool made my job easier. I also use the arbor press to punch letters on the leather and it cosst about the same price as the Tandy letter press.

Texas Custom Dies, they made a custom 2.5" for me 3 years ago. The tool still looks new. quote name='JoelR' timestamp='1316479711' post='214241'] Anyone know of a source of oblong punches (bag punches for the search engines) in a suitable size for gun-weight belts of 1 1/2" width. I currently use the two round punches and a chisel method but would like the speed and consistency of a punch. Only issue I have seen is the 1 5/8" punches are only about 3/16" wide and I have found that 3/8" is a better size.

I have stamps from 3 different makers. Laser Gift Creations have been by far the best, least expensive, with the quickest turn around.

Old Timer nice job. I'm finding myself with a similar dilemma, I'd like to add a motor, but I'm finding out that most of the motors out there are the small .9 volt ones. If you don't mind, what type of motor did you use, and where did you get it? Thanks, D. Valencia.

I just want to say thanks for the information guys. I actually purchased Velcro without adhesive, it will take time to get used to it since I liked the convenience of sticky Velcro, but I haven't given up on it completely. I think I will try the silicone bath, or the oil. Thanks again, Sincerely, D. Valencia.

I bought my first 441 clone in 2008. Along with the machine, I purchased 277 thread, and a two inch sticky velcro that came in 15 foot rolls, from Home Depot. I used the sticky velcro on leather until this year when I finally ran out of the roll that I purchased in 2008. Surprisingly, I also ran out of the 277 thread. I purchased a new roll of 277 thread, and a new roll of sticky velcro to continue sewing the velcro onto the leather. The problem I'm having now with the new combo, is that the needle is picking up the glue from the sticky velcro when I stitch them together causing the thread to stick to the needle. When this happens I get about four stitches then the thread sticks to the needle and the machine stops working. At first I though it was the nylon thread and purchased polyester thread to remedy the problem, but I then discovered that the polyester thread was giving me the same results. I tried just about everything and the only solution that sometimes works is waxing the needle prior to stitching sticky velcro to leather. Waxing the needle works, but even this gives me poor results because the needle ends up skipping one or two stitches in the process. I also have a Tippmann that I purchased prior to my 441 clone. I refused to give up the Tippmann because I like using both machines. When i stitch the sticky velcro onto the leather with the Tippmann, i don't have the above mentioned problem. I'm able to sew the velcro on the leather with ease. I thought it may have been a needle problem so I switched the 441 needle with the the Tippmann and the 207 thread I was using on the Tippmann, but I received the same results. I tried just about everything to prevent the needle from picking up glue as I stitch velcro onto leather. I suspect that the last roll of velcro I purchased had poor glue because it didnt' stick to the leather as good as this new roll, but since I don't have the old box, I can't verify this. If any one else has had this issue, any information to fix it would be greatly appreciated.

Bruce great work, I love the belt and the design.

Troy, wow! great work, I love your website.

Thanks again to everyone for the replies. I actually own many HF tools, and I noticed its a hit and miss. I'm glad to hear that the air brushes are actually a potential hit. Time to make the next move and buy one so I can learn how to work with it. Sincerely, Daniel.