MORE of my gunbelts

[Art]

Hi Davis and Regis,

I have also had good luck with Artisan. I have the 4000P and the 618 SC1. The 4000P is a special machine that is a Tiwanese casting with U.S. and Japanese parts, a little different looking than the 441. Most parts are interchangable with the Juki 441 with an occasional adjustment (feet). It uses a Japanese shuttle as opposed to the Chinese one in other models. I haven't torn it down to see if there are Juki part numbers on the internals, but if I ever have to replace anything (no indication of that happening after 2+ years) I can get Juki 441 parts easily. The 618 is also a good machine and just runs and runs, however I do break and bend needles (#19) doing step-ups or step-downs sometimes, but then I am usually doing something I shouldn't be doing with that machine anyway. It never complains and makes a nice stitch so if it goes under the foot or I want smaller thread, the 618 gets used. They never flaunt it but their customer list is impressive. Steve does know his machines if you need help.

Art

David & Regis,

Thanks for the kind words. I've tended to gravitate toward belts this year for some reason, but they've been popular with customers and I like making them so it's working out well.

As for machines, that's a great question--one of those that if you ask five people you'll get twenty different answers. :

I recommend Jerry and Steve at Artisan, without reservation. You can take a look at all the toys they've got at www.artisansew.com, and the price list (the dreaded price list) is at http://artisansew.com/manualsfiles/Artisan%20MSRP%202007.pdf

Dusty Johnson put me on to these folks awhile back, and I bought a Toro 4000P. It's a monster, but I've loved the thing the whole time I've had it. I'm not sure, but I think it's actually made by Juki. That's one of the things I find interesting about the whole sewing machine industry--it seems one company will actually manufacture a machine, but numerous companies will slap their label on it.

I also have a Tippmann Boss, and it's been a solid, dependable little hand-operated stitcher. They can be a little aggravating until you develop a "feel" for it, and get everything adjusted, but I wouldn't recommend it at the current price because for $1495 you can get a powered machine.

I think (I'm not sure) that one of our members, K-Man has several of the Toro 3000's that he uses in his holster/gunbelt business. He could give a lot better feedback on that particular machine.

Another I'd mention, is a machine from Neel's Saddlery in Lima, Ohio. I've never used one, but I know of a couple guys that have them and use them daily. The link for Neel's website is http://www.neelsaddlery.com/index.html. They have a machine that I've heard good things about and it will stitch at least a half-inch thickness of leather. I believe the price on it is around $900, and it's the one pictured on the website home page I listed. I wish I had more details, but they may be worth looking into (they have a good reputation).

[Roger]

they look good to me!

clean, rugged belts

[Romey]

Great job Bruce!