Price Of Campbell Lockstitch?

[Mike Craw]

Does anybody have a ballpark idea of the price on a Campbell lockstitch leather sewing machine. Every time I try to find a price online, I wind up back at the company's website that only offers a lease to own. I probably can't come close to affording one, but I love an old machine with that many moving parts! OK, I was born 100 years too late...

Mike

[Tom]

Hi Mike , Give them a call they can give you lots of information Toll Free: 1-800-223-6018

[Mike Craw]

Thanks Tom!

Mike

[Art]

Hi Mike,

About 5 Large or thereabouts.

Art

Does anybody have a ballpark idea of the price on a Campbell lockstitch leather sewing machine. Every time I try to find a price online, I wind up back at the company's website that only offers a lease to own. I probably can't come close to affording one, but I love an old machine with that many moving parts! OK, I was born 100 years too late...

Mike

[Spinner]

Now that's a hard core machine! How do these compare to the modern day versions like Cobra and such?

[Art]

Different animal the needle and awl machine (as opposed to the threaded needle machine). Nicer stitch top AND bottom, will sew linen without a problem (in fact they like it) and poly as well. They require a little more maintenance and have a little longer learning curve. I haven't seen many equipped with a servo motor but I guess it is possible (with the speed reducer provided, slow is clipping along pretty good). Good, helpful folks at Campbell to deal with. You see these machines in production shops and factories now, but in earlier years, most saddle shops had one, mine was in the Olsen Nolte Saddle Shop in San Francisco in the '40s and probably a lot of years before that. The Campbell, it's bigger brother the Cyclone, the Randall, the Landis, and the Union are very much alive and stroking today, still laying down a great stitch. Those who have them know what they've got and are usually very happy with them.

Art

Now that's a hard core machine! How do these compare to the modern day versions like Cobra and such?

[Spinner]

Thanks for the clarification Art. You're a wealth of knowledge.

Coming from a production and large scale woodturning background I tend to like machines that scare the bejeebus out of most folks and this looks to be my style. Of course, the price is a bit prohibitive for being a hobbyist but it sure is nice to look at for now.

[bdt46]

I wouldn't trade my Landis 16 or my Landis 1 for a carload of the CHINESE CLONES!!!!!!!

[Art]

Hmmmm,

That would be turning down a pretty good deal, you could turn around and sell them (the clones) and buy a Cyclone, Campbell, Randall, Union, Landis 16 and 1, and have enough left over to build a shop to put them in. Make deals with your head, not your heart.

Art

I wouldn't trade my Landis 16 or my Landis 1 for a carload of the CHINESE CLONES!!!!!!!

[Lindsay John Ross]

Hi Spinner,

I have been using needle awl machines from Campbell Bosworth ( Randalls and Campbells) for over 30 odd years.

Not running a mass producing factory anymore I have "stolen" 4 of the machines from those days there and have set them up in my custom shop. One thing I have discovered is that ( and I have 3 operating in my shop............ yes I know its overkill but I could do it so I did ) the Union Lockstitch machines without a doubt will give the tightest looking stitch of the 3 makes. The lock brake mechanism on these Unions is a much better "invention" than what is used on the Campbells in my opinion. It is this solid BRAKE that holds the thread tight during the lock.Im sure that Art , I and others could write screeds about these machines and their applications. I have had the Super Bull as well but after spending some time with it myself in the factory and having spare parts made for special applications, I just eventually gave up and it became another boat anchor

From what I saw on the internet ( I live in Cape Town SA) and write ups, I really thought someone had come up with a NEW alternative to the needle awl machines........ only to find out that it was just another OVERSIZED domestic machine from the East that was revved up but still had the same inherent problems as all the other needle machines out there. If you want a machine to sew leather just dont look anywhere else other than the needle awls machines. The needle feed machines are easier to operate but that is the only advantage I see. Price is another factor but if you can afford them . Go for it!! At the top of the game is the Cyclone but that sells for around 10K and over and has a waiting period. The Unions are in the 5 to 6K when I looked last.I have been waiting a year now:) Anyone out there own a Cyclone?

Take care.

Lindsay