Deal?

[OutEast]

Greetings all,

This is my introductory post. I have been lurking for quite some time, as you can see! I got into leatherwork (off and on) about 10 years ago when my Father taught me how to construct leather holsters. I am a LEO, and have been for 12 years now. My forte are pocket holsters for J frames, and I have made a few for my friends (and myself of course) over the years.. I also make belt holsters and belts for friends from time to time, and again for myself when I find the time. I would say I have made perhaps 35 holsters over the years. Until now all have been hand sewn. I recently decided that if I could up the production (35 in 10 years?, no where to go but up!) I might be able to make a bit of money at it. I began to research machines ad nauseum (you know you've been there staring at the monitor for hours!) until I decided on a Cobra class 3/Artisan Toro 3000 machine. Although I was concerned that this might be too much for a first powered machine, I figured with the customer support and this forum, I would find my way soon enough. Then my brother emails me a most curious find. Turns out he spotted a local ad for a guy selling a Luberto's#9 Harness Stitcher in excellent condition. I called him to ask about the machine and he said he had used it little in over 10 years, and still had the original spools of thread purchased with the machine, extra needles, all paperwork,(the service video as well), and mounted on a sturdy stand. I did MORE research on the #9 and saw nothing but great things about the machine. It seemed a hand cranked machine like this would be great for a first timer. So, I drove 8 hours round trip today to take a look....and all was good! The seller gave me an in depth demonstration, and I tried it out for myself and it seemed fairly straightforward in its operation. Everything seemed great with the deal, the seller wanted $1,500 cash. I did run into a problem though....the machine was red, and I definately wanted black. So, I got back in my truck and drove the 4 hours home to begin the search for a black #9........NOT!....Thought I would insert my own little brand of humor there, sorry. I hope no one spit on their monitor! Did I get a good deal?. The machine seems real solid and is in great condition. I tried a little sewing on some scraps and things went OK, but I am having some tension troubles. I will post pics when I am able, and all you #9 experts please prepare yourself to be bombarded with questions! Sorry for the rambling, still amped up from the day. Thanks for your time.

Out East

[bruce johnson]

Yeah, I think you got a deal. I'd have done it in a heartbeat. I have not owned one, but got to play with a Classsic a few years ago. Kind of cool to see all that clickety clacking going on in front of you. I like the humor about the color too. Yep, you did well.

[Cobra Steve]

Hi Out East, the Classic #9 is a great machine. The price is even better! I know Tony Luberto personally, and he will be able to help you with all of your questions. I have his number at work if you need it. Thanks, Steve

[OutEast]

Hi Out East, the Classic #9 is a great machine. The price is even better! I know Tony Luberto personally, and he will be able to help you with all of your questions. I have his number at work if you need it. Thanks, Steve

Thanks guys, I thought I done good! I watched the video, and re-read the manual and think I have the tension adjustments down (for now!). The stitches look great top and bottom....I will attempt a pic of both the machine and the stitch today and let the experts take a look!

Thanks again,

Mike

[Art]

Hi OE,

Welcome aboard.

If you got a red one it is probably a Classic. The No.9 was an ASE machine and was black. The Classic has a few upgrades to the No.9 like the ability to use two different needle systems (screw placement). I have a No.9 if you have questions, but the video pretty much says it all. The Classic is one of the best threaded needle harness machines out there, and you got one helluva deal at $1500. It can be easily motorized for around $250 (servo and speed reducer), but even hand cranking, it is way better than a Boss, and faster. Everything is pretty much out front and easy to fix. They like fresh needles when things start acting funny, and get new thread or strip off the first 100 feet or so of that 10 year old stuff.

Art

Greetings all,

This is my introductory post. I have been lurking for quite some time, as you can see! I got into leatherwork (off and on) about 10 years ago when my Father taught me how to construct leather holsters. I am a LEO, and have been for 12 years now. My forte are pocket holsters for J frames, and I have made a few for my friends (and myself of course) over the years.. I also make belt holsters and belts for friends from time to time, and again for myself when I find the time. I would say I have made perhaps 35 holsters over the years. Until now all have been hand sewn. I recently decided that if I could up the production (35 in 10 years?, no where to go but up!) I might be able to make a bit of money at it. I began to research machines ad nauseum (you know you've been there staring at the monitor for hours!) until I decided on a Cobra class 3/Artisan Toro 3000 machine. Although I was concerned that this might be too much for a first powered machine, I figured with the customer support and this forum, I would find my way soon enough. Then my brother emails me a most curious find. Turns out he spotted a local ad for a guy selling a Luberto's#9 Harness Stitcher in excellent condition. I called him to ask about the machine and he said he had used it little in over 10 years, and still had the original spools of thread purchased with the machine, extra needles, all paperwork,(the service video as well), and mounted on a sturdy stand. I did MORE research on the #9 and saw nothing but great things about the machine. It seemed a hand cranked machine like this would be great for a first timer. So, I drove 8 hours round trip today to take a look....and all was good! The seller gave me an in depth demonstration, and I tried it out for myself and it seemed fairly straightforward in its operation. Everything seemed great with the deal, the seller wanted $1,500 cash. I did run into a problem though....the machine was red, and I definately wanted black. So, I got back in my truck and drove the 4 hours home to begin the search for a black #9........NOT!....Thought I would insert my own little brand of humor there, sorry. I hope no one spit on their monitor! Did I get a good deal?. The machine seems real solid and is in great condition. I tried a little sewing on some scraps and things went OK, but I am having some tension troubles. I will post pics when I am able, and all you #9 experts please prepare yourself to be bombarded with questions! Sorry for the rambling, still amped up from the day. Thanks for your time.

Out East

[OutEast]

Hi OE,

Welcome aboard.

If you got a red one it is probably a Classic. The No.9 was an ASE machine and was black. The Classic has a few upgrades to the No.9 like the ability to use two different needle systems (screw placement). I have a No.9 if you have questions, but the video pretty much says it all. The Classic is one of the best threaded needle harness machines out there, and you got one helluva deal at $1500. It can be easily motorized for around $250 (servo and speed reducer), but even hand cranking, it is way better than a Boss, and faster. Everything is pretty much out front and easy to fix. They like fresh needles when things start acting funny, and get new thread or strip off the first 100 feet or so of that 10 year old stuff.

Art

Hey Art,

Thanks for the tip! That may be the root of my troubles....it seems like the thread is fraying a bit and causing me some difficulty. I'll give it a try.

Thanks again!