Holster Sewing Machines - Lets Talk

[jbird]

The plain fact is this if you want the best machine at the best price with the best service its A homer Simpson no brainer.

Cobra!

Josh

[MattW]

We (John Bianchi and I) just finished our Holster and Gunbelt workshop in Wickenburg last month. We asked Steve if he would let us use 2 of his machines during the class. We used a Class 3 and a Class 4. Both with the needle positioner. They both performed flawlessly.

If you are at all serious about making professional looking goods a quality machine is the only way to go. If you start with a Boss, you will outgrow it soon and have a hard time getting your money back out of it.

The finest stitchers in the world are now less expensive than they have ever been. The return on investment is incredibly good right now.

If I were in the market for another machine now, the Cobra 4 with the needle positioner would be the way I'd go. The extra arm length is super handy when stitching on cartridge loops for western belts.

[Denster]

MatW said:If you are at all serious about making professional looking goods a quality machine is the only way to go. If you start with a Boss, you will outgrow it soon and have a hard time getting your money back out of it.

Now here I will have to disagree: You may start with a Boss and go to a powered machine but you will likely keep the Boss just because there are some things that are easier and quicker to do on it. I can't imagine not having one in the shop. If you bought it lightly used for between $800 and $1000 and you decide to get rid of it put it on eBay or advertise it here and it will sell and you will get your money back if not a profit.

I doubt you can do that with a Cobra. Which is nothing against Cobra they are excellent machines and you won't hear anything bad about Steve from the people he has sold machines to. Recall that the original poster is in the beginning hobby stage and is not certain that this will be a long term thing or that it will develop into a business.

As to quality work the Boss will sew every bit as nice a stitch as any other machine short of a needle/awl. Don't believe it look at some of Particle's work in other posts.

[jbird]

Well I am sure you can do great work with a awl and needle and two good hands as well , so think about it like this Matt and John are the best John built the moderen holster biz, so for me his word roots deep. The boss I am sure is a great machine but think pulling a handle with each stitch and maybe that's ok.

Josh

[Denster]

Well I am sure you can do great work with a awl and needle and two good hands as well , so think about it like this Matt and John are the best John built the moderen holster biz, so for me his word roots deep. The boss I am sure is a great machine but think pulling a handle with each stitch and maybe that's ok.

Josh

Actually what I was refering to was a needle and awl machine like the union lockstitch where the back looks every bit as nice as the front.

I meant nothing disparaging towards John or Matt. For the work John currently does making lined western holsters and gunbelts a machine like the cobra is an absolute if you want to make any money at it. Can you do it on a Boss? Yes but it can be a P.I.T.A. particularly bullet loops.

I get back to what the OP inquired about, which is making holsters as a hobby which he may or may not find satisfying in the long run. Lets say he buys a Cobra 3 I believe $2395 plus $300 to $500 as a guess for shipping and decides a year from now this isn't for me. A used Cobra might bring $1800 if you are willing to paletize it for shipping. If not you are confined to a local market which might not be favorable. A Boss however, purchased lightly used will be around $1000 if you decide to sell it you can advertise it here or put it on ebay and get back all of your money or a profit. You can ship it anywhere in the ConUS for $30 or less.

That was the point I have been trying to make. Most seem to be aproaching it from the idea that going into business and making a variety of items is a given. In that case of course the Cobra would be the logical choice probably the class 4 with EP.

[Mongo]

I started with a Boss. I've had a Cobra class 4 for 7 months now. The Cobra is a far easier machine to use; the Boss is sitting in the corner collecting dust. It was a hard decision to spend the money on the Cobra, but I am far happy with that investment than the $1400 I spent on the Boss.

[Denster]

I started with a Boss. I've had a Cobra class 4 for 7 months now. The Cobra is a far easier machine to use; the Boss is sitting in the corner collecting dust. It was a hard decision to spend the money on the Cobra, but I am far happy with that investment than the $1400 I spent on the Boss.

I'll give you $600 plus shipping for that old dust collector and you won't have to look at it any more.

[rickybobby]

We (John Bianchi and I) just finished our Holster and Gunbelt workshop in Wickenburg last month. We asked Steve if he would let us use 2 of his machines during the class. We used a Class 3 and a Class 4. Both with the needle positioner. They both performed flawlessly.

If you are at all serious about making professional looking goods a quality machine is the only way to go. If you start with a Boss, you will outgrow it soon and have a hard time getting your money back out of it.

The finest stitchers in the world are now less expensive than they have ever been. The return on investment is incredibly good right now.

If I were in the market for another machine now, the Cobra 4 with the needle positioner would be the way I'd go. The extra arm length is super handy when stitching on cartridge loops for western belts.

Matt,

You guys are what the rest of us strive to achieve in this business, your work and knowledge are unquestionable, it is the best. But this gentleman is a beginner (without knowing for sure he will make it a profession) and may have not ever used an powered machine, he is on a budget and wants to step up to the next level. A machine such as the Cobra is a Rolls Royce to use but, for the hobbyist it may be to big of a jump.

You are correct, the return on investment is the best it ever has been, the machines are less now than years ago thanks to competition in the market. I have sold the original Boss I bought as a hobbyist within hours of posting it (I wish I had more) I have a list of people hopeing the deal will fall through so they have a chance at it because they called me and hour after the second person I talked to bought it.

Actually what I was refering to was a needle and awl machine like the union lockstitch where the back looks every bit as nice as the front.

I meant nothing disparaging towards John or Matt. For the work John currently does making lined western holsters and gunbelts a machine like the cobra is an absolute if you want to make any money at it. Can you do it on a Boss? Yes but it can be a P.I.T.A. particularly bullet loops.

I get back to what the OP inquired about, which is making holsters as a hobby which he may or may not find satisfying in the long run. Lets say he buys a Cobra 3 I believe $2395 plus $300 to $500 as a guess for shipping and decides a year from now this isn't for me. A used Cobra might bring $1800 if you are willing to paletize it for shipping. If not you are confined to a local market which might not be favorable. A Boss however, purchased lightly used will be around $1000 if you decide to sell it you can advertise it here or put it on ebay and get back all of your money or a profit. You can ship it anywhere in the ConUS for $30 or less.

That was the point I have been trying to make. Most seem to be aproaching it from the idea that going into business and making a variety of items is a given. In that case of course the Cobra would be the logical choice probably the class 4 with EP.

I think you are correct, it is easier to loose 10% on $1000.00 from depreciation than 10% of $2400.00 +shipping. A beginner, not sure they are going to stick with it may not want to put out that much money for something they have never used before (power machine).

I'll give you $600 plus shipping for that old dust collector and you won't have to look at it any more.

How about a bidding war!!? lol!!!

Just my .02cents

Rick J.

[OWP Saddery]

Matt,

You guys are what the rest of us strive to achieve in this business, your work and knowledge are unquestionable, it is the best. But this gentleman is a beginner (without knowing for sure he will make it a profession) and may have not ever used an powered machine, he is on a budget and wants to step up to the next level. A machine such as the Cobra is a Rolls Royce to use but, for the hobbyist it may be to big of a jump.

You are correct, the return on investment is the best it ever has been, the machines are less now than years ago thanks to competition in the market. I have sold the original Boss I bought as a hobbyist within hours of posting it (I wish I had more) I have a list of people hopeing the deal will fall through so they have a chance at it because they called me and hour after the second person I talked to bought it.

Any more advice on buying a new machine for a beginner saddler maker

I think you are correct, it is easier to loose 10% on $1000.00 from depreciation than 10% of $2400.00 +shipping. A beginner, not sure they are going to stick with it may not want to put out that much money for something they have never used before (power machine).

How about a bidding war!!? lol!!!

Just my .02cents

Rick J.

Any advice for a beginner saddler maker in purchising a new machine?

[jimsaddler]

Any advice for a beginner saddler maker in purchising a new machine?

Bit of quiet advice

Lot of hype going on to steer towards the Cobra.

Try them all! Including Ferdco, Cowboy , Artisan. They are all the same machine virtually except for experience.

The low prices as a result of the Price War are unsustainable and there will be casualties and it would appear from the Hype that there is a lot of drumming up going on. My advice is when times are tight the Belt is pulled in so that you can survive on less. Those that fail are those that resort to Hype and claim they have a better Mouse Trap.

A Saddlers machine is just that, a Saddlers Machine that sews through Heavy and light Leather with ease and has good clearance under the Arm to accommodate the Job, 16.5 inches is ideal. Smaller will crunch up your Skirts, Bigger is too big. All four have such a Machine, so it is up to you to talk to each one and decide. I'd go for the Biggest Flywheel for better Torque and control and Stainless Steel Feet and Needle Plates to avoid Metal Stains on Damp Leather. Ask about a variable speed Servo Motor and big Speed reducer, so you can crawl ( about 1 or 2 stitches per second) before you walk (150 Stitches per minute) and start to Run (3-400 per min). Reverse is a bonus for back tacking. 3 or 4 different Needle Plates (preferably Stainless). A Roller stitch guide. Also a Flat Bed attachment to increase the scope of the Machine to make Saddle Pads and Blankets.

Ask the seller if he has any Saddle Trade qualification. Some have! This is a must. Also send some proper Samples to be sewn if you can't get to see the Machine.

Now I hope this is of some benefit to you. Go for it and get the best Deal you can.

Yes I sell a Saddlers Machine or two down under and they are the Market Leaders down here. I'm not trying to sell you one though. I am trying to let sanity reign on LW Forum, as it is an advice Forum not a Sales Pitch.

There are some very good Sewing Machines available now and that is the way it should stay. No one deserves the biggest piece of the Cake at the expense of the others. Just because he makes the most noise. Fair competition creates Fair development and we have certainly seen this happen in the past 10 years in Saddle Stitching Machines. But lately it has become a real Battle with Mud slinging and all.

So go for it while the prices are so low, There are some who will still help you if there are casualties of this Battle. They are the Quiet ones!!

Best of luck with your search.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.