Sewing Stitcher/machine For Holster Building

[Denster]

As to preformance hit between manual and powered, virtually none. Sewing heavy leather in no case is a speed situation no matter what machine you are using. The longer arm powered machines are in some case and for some purposes more convenient. ie: I can sew belts on a Boss but I prefer my powered machine I can also sew in liners on large western holsters and sew bullet loops with the Boss but the powered machine is more convenient.

To destroy a Boss beyond repair, let alone two, you have to have either a dedication to purpose that is beyond my ability or a seriously large sledge hammer.

If you decide on a powered machine I would go with Steve at Cobra. As a beginner at machine sewing leather you will need a lot of guidance and after sale service is Steve's Forte.

[Garange]

Sounds like the Cobra is a favorite among many!

[Garange]

As someone who is in the same boat you are, I bit the bullet and spent the money for a new Cobra Class 4 from Steve at Leather Machine Company. Steve was exceptional to work with and is easy to get a hold of if you have any questions. The only issue at all I have had with my machine was assembling it, the factory had forgotten to drill one hole in the base, steve had it figured out in 30 seconds when I got him on the phone, I pulled out the cordless drill and was sewing away within a 30 more minutes. It is capable of sewing very slowly when you master the foot pedal, so after just a couple hours practicing I was feeling very comfortable and starting to speed up. Can't say it enough, Steve was great to work with. I ordered my machine when I was in Iraq which made for some difficult communications, and Steve was more than happy to work with me and was VERY military friendly.

I'll be checking into the Cobra line. Thanks...

Gary

[K-Man]

To destroy a Boss beyond repair, let alone two, you have to have either a dedication to purpose that is beyond my ability or a seriously large sledge hammer.

Or a machine that isn't worth a darn....

I do have to say that Tippmann has great customer service. I continue to use them for the making of the clicker dies for our products. I also have one of their 15-ton clickers, which I've used for clicking out over 10,000 pieces. Have never had a problem with it.

[Mongo]

+1 on the Cobra class 4. I love mine and it is easier to use than my Tippman ever was.

[dirtclod]

Sewing by hand verses powered machine is like digging sewer lines with a shovel versus a backhoe. You can do it either way. But if you want to make any money you better have a backhoe or trencher.

I've never used a Boss and i would guess it is faster then doing by hand. But it seems that folks are having problems with the newer ones. Or that's what i have read on here anyway.

Edited June 7, 2010 by dirtclod

[Denster]

Or a machine that isn't worth a darn....

I do have to say that Tippmann has great customer service. I continue to use them for the making of the clicker dies for our products. I also have one of their 15-ton clickers, which I've used for clicking out over 10,000 pieces. Have never had a problem with it.

OK! I just have to ask. K-Man what did you do to your Boss machines that destroyed them beyond Tippman's ability to repair them? If they are such a piece of junk how did Tippmann manage to sell thousands of them and why do they hold their resale like no other machine and why do ten year and older machines consistantly bring 70% and better of full retail of a new one.

Gary

Just something to consider. Do you have the ability to work on complex mechanical devices yourself? If not how close are you to someone who can service your machine. If you live any distance from L.A. which I believe is where Steve is based you will have at least one third the cost of a Boss in shipping alone. Should it need service, and eventually it will, if you are not close to a service person and have to ship it back you will need to palatize it and pay shipping both ways as well as a repair charge. These are heavy machines on the order of a few hundred pounds. These are all things you need to consider before making a purchase decision.

[Dwight]

FWIW, I own an aluminum Tippmann Boss, . . . had it now for several years, . . . had to have some personal time with Jim at Tippmann over the phone to correct some of my errors.

Perhaps some day, I may move up to an electric machine, . . . but for now, . . . I take it with me to classes I teach, . . . will go to fairs, etc., and never have to worry about power, . . . just need a strong table to clamp it on.

I just finished doing 9 belts with it (one was for a 54 inch waist), . . . and had virtually no trouble with it. They have a sale going now I believe, . . . brand new for $1195 or so, . . .

Take a look on my website, . . . all the stitching you can see was either hand stitched (verrrrrrrry little of it) or the boss.

May God bless,

Dwight

[K-Man]

OK! I just have to ask. K-Man what did you do to your Boss machines that destroyed them beyond Tippman's ability to repair them? If they are such a piece of junk how did Tippmann manage to sell thousands of them and why do they hold their resale like no other machine and why do ten year and older machines consistantly bring 70% and better of full retail of a new one.

Gary

Just something to consider. Do you have the ability to work on complex mechanical devices yourself? If not how close are you to someone who can service your machine. If you live any distance from L.A. which I believe is where Steve is based you will have at least one third the cost of a Boss in shipping alone. Should it need service, and eventually it will, if you are not close to a service person and have to ship it back you will need to palatize it and pay shipping both ways as well as a repair charge. These are heavy machines on the order of a few hundred pounds. These are all things you need to consider before making a purchase decision.

I had both their old version and the current version. I don't recall at this point what had broken on the machine(s), as it's been 6/7 years ago now. The other thing that was a true annoyance was that the machines were constantly getting out of time. Based on my personal experiences with three of the BOSS machines, I will not recommend their use for someone who desires to make higher end/quality gear. Some people have had success with the machine. I know of more who have not.

The workings or adjustments on the Artisan/Cobra/Neel's machines are a lot easier to accomplish than one may be led to believe. Routine maintenance of the machine, i.e., application of oil, keeping it clean, checking belts for any wear, will keep it running smoothly for many years. If it requires the changing out of parts, that's normally easily accomplished, even by the novice. I'm certain that either Steve at Cobra or Ryan at Neel's could walk someone through it over the phone. In addition, you can usually find industrial sewing machine repair shops nearby. Some shops even offer the service of coming to your location. I've had my two Toro 3000's for ~5 years now and I haven't had any problems with them. The only adjustments I've had to make has been when I've changed out the thread size and made minor tweaks on the tension. IMO, it's hard to gauge the resale value of these machines because you rarely see anyone reselling one.

Garange: all I can do is relate to you what my personal experiences with the sewing machines have been. I do a relatively high volume of work and make a variety of products. Good luck to you in your search.

[Shorts]

I bought a Cobra Class 3 from Steve last year and haven't looked back.