Need the right sewing machine for me

[Regis]

After reading a lot of posts, I've learned that there is not any one machine that everyone would choose as THE top one. I need some info to make reasonable decision on a machine. I'm not starting a business and will likely sew one - two projects a month (have to make something with the carvings that are becomming an obsession). I've also learned that I don't care to hand stitch and I definately want the neat stitching that I see on Bruce's belts (just wonderful). It sounds like the powered machines are pretty messy (because of all the lube & oil) and might not be good inside the house but, I don't know that for sure. With machines like Artisan 3000 or Baby Bull can they run slow enough to closely watch one-stitch at a time (e.g. 1 stitch per second)?

I know some folks are much opposed to Tippman and some regularly use them but, from those that haven't tossed them out, would you help me with some questions?

The newer BOSS seems to be a lightweight machine that I can stash away in a cabinet when not in use. Is that correct? "Assuming" proper setup, will Boss do the perfect stitching that I see in Bruce's belts (about 352 pulls of the handle for my belt)? And, when properly set does it stay set or does it need frequent adjustment?

There is just nothing around here for me to look at. The only leather shop I know of nearby just does repairs and all by hand.

I'd appreciate any clarification or info on all of this.

Regis

[Art]

Hi Regis,

Don't let the oiling get you down, it takes less than a minute to oil any of my machines. Doing belts would get old quick with a Boss. If I ever needed a machine to go on the road with, that would be it instead of my No.9 that weighs 175lbs. However, after doing a small piece of harness or a few belts with a Boss, you will see why a powered machine or a No. 9 or Classic or even a Landis #1 are better. If you don't have to go on the road regularly, get something with a motor. If you are going to be at or under 16 oz total, get an Artisan 618 SC-1 or a Consew 206RB5 or a Pfaff 1245 set-up for leather and you will probably never buy another machine that size and your kids will be using it when you're gone. As far as mess goes, there isn't much, about as much as a fabric sewing machine.

As far as slow goes, with the new solid state motors and speed reducers you can do one stitch at a time. If you want more control, there are Efka needle positioning motors available. After you use your machine for a month or two you will be wondering how the heck to get it going faster, it is just experience. Practice will bring you up to speed, scrap leather is great for practice.

You might want to note that you won't be able to use the thread size Bruce uses in the 618 or 206RB, for that you will need a Toro 3000 or better. After you determine the size machine you want, you set it up to sew what you do all the time, like belts, and any small adjustments are really easy. The 3000 is a couple hundred more than a Boss and that decision if you are not on the road a lot is easy.

Art

After reading a lot of posts, I've learned that there is not any one machine that everyone would choose as THE top one. I need some info to make reasonable decision on a machine. I'm not starting a business and will likely sew one - two projects a month (have to make something with the carvings that are becomming an obsession). I've also learned that I don't care to hand stitch and I definately want the neat stitching that I see on Bruce's belts (just wonderful). It sounds like the powered machines are pretty messy (because of all the lube & oil) and might not be good inside the house but, I don't know that for sure. With machines like Artisan 3000 or Baby Bull can they run slow enough to closely watch one-stitch at a time (e.g. 1 stitch per second)?

I know some folks are much opposed to Tippman and some regularly use them but, from those that haven't tossed them out, would you help me with some questions?

The newer BOSS seems to be a lightweight machine that I can stash away in a cabinet when not in use. Is that correct? "Assuming" proper setup, will Boss do the perfect stitching that I see in Bruce's belts (about 352 pulls of the handle for my belt)? And, when properly set does it stay set or does it need frequent adjustment?

There is just nothing around here for me to look at. The only leather shop I know of nearby just does repairs and all by hand.

I'd appreciate any clarification or info on all of this.

Regis

[bruce johnson]

Regis,

I owned one of the early Boss machines. I used it quite a lot, and it is pretty easy to learn and control. I would buy one again in the same position. However I now have a big stitcher and the 1245 Art mentioned. Between those two I can do everything I could with the Boss more efficiently. If you are using it twice a month and don't have the place to keep a machine and table set up, the Boss would be the machine. If you don't mind long boring repetitive motion stitching, it works. It will sew about anything you can cram under the presser foot. Tippmann will rebuild a used machine for $100 the last I checked, and warrant it like new. You need to oil and maintain a Boss just like any other stitcher.

Also as Art said the electronic servo motors take a lot of the learning curve out of the powered machines. On my 1245, I can dial down to one stitch every 2-3 seconds. That is cool.

Bruce Johnson

[Regis]

I did talk to Steve at Artisan and am about convinced to go with 3000 (unless I find a really good deal on a Boss).

Thanks a lot for the comments and discussion on this and other related posts. Been reading them all.

Regis

[skipj]

I found this on the Boss. It's informative and good for a laugh:

http://forums.westernhorseman.com/cgi-bin/...ic;f=3;t=001004

SkipJ