Singer 201

[idaholeather]

Thanks wizcrafts for a great answer to my question I think I might still buy the 201 for doing lighter stuff but am leaning really hard towards theTippman boss now after doing a little more research.

[Wizcrafts]

Thanks wizcrafts for a great answer to my question I think I might still buy the 201 for doing lighter stuff but am leaning really hard towards theTippman boss now after doing a little more research.

Did you not say something about arthritis in your hands or arms? Are you sure you want a hand operated sewing machine? Then again, they are ok for short runs, but how will you turn the holsters around to sew the different sides in a Tippman Boss? It only has a 6.5" throat.

[idaholeather]

Well the arthritus is mainly in my fingers so pulling a handle would not affect that. But the throat would be a bit of a problem I guess if I was going to make a really wide holster. Although I dont really care for pancake holsters myself after being a concealed carry license holder for years inside the pants holster carried on the strong arm side front hip is way more comfortable and easier to draw in my opinion. But I guess I might look at the cowboy or the cobras since they would allow me to do more variety.

[Wizcrafts]

You won't go wrong if you get either of those machines, or a Neel's machine. They all do serious sewing! And, the support is unequaled in the industry. When you are investing a couple of grand into a machine you definitely should be looking for follow-up support and advice. Bob, Steve and Ryan O'Neel all give that kind of support.

Regarding that 201 you are thinking of buying, watch it run before plunking down the long-wheelbase ten. If smoke comes out of the wires or motor, head for the hills!

[Denster]

Actually the Boss is the greatest thing since good candy for holsters. Having a left and right foot and a little thought on planning your stitch runs and you are good to go. The narrow throat is only a problem, although not an insurmountable one, when sewing together the front and backs for mexican loop cowboy holsters. For that I use a powered machine but still close them on the Boss. It's good to have one of each type but if I could have only one it would be the Boss.

[Jimbob]

Well the arthritus is mainly in my fingers so pulling a handle would not affect that. But the throat would be a bit of a problem I guess if I was going to make a really wide holster. Although I dont really care for pancake holsters myself after being a concealed carry license holder for years inside the pants holster carried on the strong arm side front hip is way more comfortable and easier to draw in my opinion. But I guess I might look at the cowboy or the cobras since they would allow me to do more variety.

OK, here is my two cents...I am a bloody beginner in sewing machines and had absolutly the same questions....I have now a Singer 99K with 18 needles, it will do nicly some chrom taned chap leather about 2 layers or max three of 2-3 oz....that is pushing it bad....so forget that for holsters....then I bought an Adler 105-64 used in veruy good condition...but not for free...I learned it fast here on this forum)))) nothing is for free...BUT there are good deals somewhere....U need to look and search...I found a guy here locally with very good used deals!!

Stay away from this Tippman stuff, a joke for the money....and lots of bad reports about the support....u need to spend about 500 dollar to 1000 to get a used machine from somebody trustworty....like these guys here on the forum selling machines....again I am a bloody rookie but I know exactly what u going throu...U will be upset, unhappy and ill if u not get the right machine for the right job!!!

This art guy is cool, Bob Kovar is super ( he helped me big time ) there are good folks on here...I can check my guy what he has, give me a ringer, check craig list....check local upholstery and shoe shops...

Greetings from a Rookie

James

[Denster]

OK, here is my two cents...I am a bloody beginner in sewing machines and had absolutly the same questions....I have now a Singer 99K with 18 needles, it will do nicly some chrom taned chap leather about 2 layers or max three of 2-3 oz....that is pushing it bad....so forget that for holsters....then I bought an Adler 105-64 used in veruy good condition...but not for free...I learned it fast here on this forum)))) nothing is for free...BUT there are good deals somewhere....U need to look and search...I found a guy here locally with very good used deals!!

Stay away from this Tippman stuff, a joke for the money....and lots of bad reports about the support....u need to spend about 500 dollar to 1000 to get a used machine from somebody trustworty....like these guys here on the forum selling machines....again I am a bloody rookie but I know exactly what u going throu...U will be upset, unhappy and ill if u not get the right machine for the right job!!!

This art guy is cool, Bob Kovar is super ( he helped me big time ) there are good folks on here...I can check my guy what he has, give me a ringer, check craig list....check local upholstery and shoe shops...

Greetings from a Rookie

James

It might be wise to actually have some experience with a product and service before you decide to trash them. My two Boss machines have sewen over 2000 holsters. They were used when I bought them and they are still going strong. As to Tippmann's service they are aces. The only time I had to contact them was about my aerostitch. Their service tech spent over an hour on the phone explaining the machine to me and they didn't make a dime and invited me to call back if I had any problems. I have a hard time finding fault with that. There isn't anything on either machine that you can't fix yourself if you have any mechanical ability at all.

[Wizcrafts]

It might be wise to actually have some experience with a product and service before you decide to trash them.

And I thought we were all friends here on this forum. My mistake.

[Jimbob]

It might be wise to actually have some experience with a product and service before you decide to trash them. My two Boss machines have sewen over 2000 holsters. They were used when I bought them and they are still going strong. As to Tippmann's service they are aces. The only time I had to contact them was about my aerostitch. Their service tech spent over an hour on the phone explaining the machine to me and they didn't make a dime and invited me to call back if I had any problems. I have a hard time finding fault with that. There isn't anything on either machine that you can't fix yourself if you have any mechanical ability at all.

Hey, no harm done and if u own two of them thingy's that's just fine....my opinion, and that's all that is...is that these "aparatuses"are made simple and very straight forward...need one hand to sew and no motor...?? Well that's OK when u pay little for little...but the price tags these things have can buy a very nice real sewing machine!!!

So if u'r happy that's fine, I like to get my money's worth....

So as I said, just my opinion and comon sense.

Thanks for your view

As an actual owner,

We all have the same destination >>> being a good leather worker >>>but the way we get there may be totally different!!

So let's get back to the bench and make something pretty....ya all hang in there!!!

James

[Denster]

And I thought we were all friends here on this forum. My mistake.

No mistake. We are all friends here.

James

The original posters was looking towards options for sewing heavy veg-tan leather holsters. From my experience the Boss is idealy suited for that, simple to use, and darn near indistructable. Are they over priced at $1,195 (current sale price new)? Probably, but they are the only game in town for this type of stitcher. If the Chinese decide to knock off this design they will probably sell for $650. You can find Boss machines at local aucutions with a little searching and sometimes get them on the cheap. My first one was $75 the second was $700. Tippmann will completely rebuild them with a new factory warranty for about $100. My bone of contention with your statement was not actually having first hand experience with them. I'm not upset or anything like that.