Tippmann "BOSS" Hand-stitcher for Belts?

[LMullins]

Hey folks, I'm new to the machinery side of leatherwork (as well as to this forum) and I'm looking for advice on a purchase. 
 

Nearby, someone is selling a complete, working used Tippmann Boss machine for $350. My main market is work belts and gunbelts in the 12-16oz range. I'm wondering if this would be a good purchase.

 

I've been hand-stitching for years now and wondering if this may be a good decision to make a leap into the machine stitch side of leather. I'm not incredibly knowledgeable, so please inform me. Thanks 

[kgg]

52 minutes ago, LMullins said:

I've been hand-stitching for years now and wondering if this may be a good decision to make a leap into the machine stitch side of leather.

It should definitely cut down on your stitching time and should be able to sew up to 3/4" thick leather. The downside is the thread size is probably going to be smaller then what you are use to. It will take up to V415 thread which is about .7 mm thick thread. The price is about 1/3 that of the cheapest new Boss at $999USD so if it sews I think it would be a decent purchase. If it doesn't fit your needs you could easily get your money back.

kgg

[fredk]

That is a real bargain. If you can afford taking a chance buy it. 

But be aware that it is manual. You have to pull a lever with your right hand. It can be tiresome at first then it becomes tedious. Your right arm muscle will get stronger. Its good exercise!

But it has the advantage of not needing any power, so it can go anywhere. Tippmann is a good company and can supply accessories and spare parts

Edited November 9, 2024 by fredk

[DieselTech]

I agree with kgg. If you can string it up with 277 or 346 thread & can physically go sew something with it. I would jump all over that deal. 

Also it sure will give your hands a break from saddle stitching belts. Increase your production too. 

[LMullins]

26 minutes ago, kgg said:

 The downside is the thread size is probably going to be smaller then what you are use to. It will take up to V415 thread which is about .7 mm thick thread.

This is my biggest concern. I'm usually doing my belts in 1mm thread but I will occasionally dip to 0.8mm. My usual belt style, so I'd have to see how the smaller thread would translate.

I do appreciate the information. Although it does seem like a lot of people either really like them or

completely disregard them. 

[bruce johnson]

I sewed several hundred belts and at least the first 20 saddles on one, plus a ton of smaller projects and was great for repair work. Buy it at that price for sure! I sewed up to 415 thread in mine but realistically over 345 is overkill for most stuff. "Leather does the work, thread just holds the leather together".  

[AlZilla]

2 hours ago, LMullins said:

earby, someone is selling a complete, working used Tippmann Boss machine for $350

Stop reading, go buy it.

You'll always get your money back if you decide you don't like it.

[dikman]

Even though I don't need one I'd grab it at that price!  Can't go wrong. If you still want to use your heavier thread you could just use the machine without thread to pre-punch your stitching holes, it's a good way of getting nice straight evenly spaced holes for hand-stitching.

[LMullins]

On 11/9/2024 at 1:25 PM, bruce johnson said:

I sewed several hundred belts and at least the first 20 saddles on one, plus a ton of smaller projects and was great for repair work. Buy it at that price for sure! I sewed up to 415 thread in mine but realistically over 345 is overkill for most stuff. "Leather does the work, thread just holds the leather together".  

Any examples of those belts? Would love to see while I attempt to tension this machine correctly.

it's an older cast model. Came with everything. Metal plate, 3 bobbins, VHS, Manual, all the different feet, needles, even a full spool of 277 thread. Pretty neat.

 

I think I may want to go up in thread size though.

Edited November 11, 2024 by LMullins

[DieselTech]

16 minutes ago, LMullins said:

Any examples of those belts? Would love to see while I attempt to tension this machine correctly.

it's an older cast model. Came with everything. Metal plate, 3 bobbins, VHS, Manual, all the different feet, needles, even a full spool of 277 thread. Pretty neat.

 

I think I may want to go up in thread size though.

That's is a good price for that machine. Especially if it is the older cast iron model.

I think the 346 thread would give you the look you are going for in your belts. 

I can post a pic of a short belt end, that is machine sewn with 346 thread if you want idea what it will look like. 

Edited November 11, 2024 by DieselTech