crossdraw Report post Posted October 2, 2010 I have searched through this thread and have found only two postings about the Campbell machines. I purchased one of these several years ago and was suprised how complicated they were. I was assured by the company that it would arrive ready to go. However, it was not. I did receive good help each time I called with a problem. I was on the phone for several hours with a number of Campbell representatives who talked me through the issue. This is a beautiful machine and I am perplexed that I have not seen more about the Campbell on this venue. Aside from the cost, is there another reason? When I have suceeded in getting the machine running, it makes a beautiful stitch. I have completed several projects with great results. Needless to say, the Campbell is an intimidating stitching machine. Is there anyone out there who can shed some light on this subject? I know the Randall is similar to the Campbell, but different in some respects ( I also understand the Randall was based here in NJ). I would lijke to find someone in central NJ who is familar with these machines. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveh Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Campbellrandall is a member on this forum. Campell and Randall are now one company located in Texas . Campell was a lease machine out of florida where as randall was located in New york. The machines are very similar . What questions do you have about your machine? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Try searching Campbell Bosworth. You don't see too much about them because they do have a learning curve and are relatively expensive. In the last ten years, prices on single needle machines have come down from 4,500 to less than 2,000. Single needle machines can do alot more different types of work and are easier to change over for different work. All that said, nothing makes the beautiful tight stitch with linen thread running through wax that the Campbell makes. The Landis 16 is a good machine. If you're running at high speed, the Union is a good machine, but I find the stitch lengh to differ too much at different speedsand backstitching to be almost impossible. I have a Landis 3, but it doesn't stitch as nice as the Campbell. Could be the age of the machine, I also wonder, since they were meant to be heated up when run, does that throw off the tolerences? Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Try searching Campbell Bosworth. You don't see too much about them because they do have a learning curve and are relatively expensive. In the last ten years, prices on single needle machines have come down from 4,500 to less than 2,000. Single needle machines can do alot more different types of work and are easier to change over for different work. All that said, nothing makes the beautiful tight stitch with linen thread running through wax that the Campbell makes. The Landis 16 is a good machine. If you're running at high speed, the Union is a good machine, but I find the stitch lengh to differ too much at different speedsand backstitching to be almost impossible. I have a Landis 3, but it doesn't stitch as nice as the Campbell. Could be the age of the machine, I also wonder, since they were meant to be heated up when run, does that throw off the tolerences? Kevin Basically, I am looking for information/help to keep the machine running. At the time I purchased the machine, it did not come with a video or dvd for instruction as I see many newer machines advertised do. Would anyone out there know if one is available? I know it is difficult to trouble shoot over the telephone w/o seeing the problem in person. My Campbell has been idle for a couple years as I haven't had the cash for leather. My son is getting after me to complete some projects for CAS and I have been missing the leather working hobby. My Campbell was purchased as a rebuilt machine right from the company. I do not know if the machine needs to be warmed up for it to run consistently. Thanks for your replies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted October 3, 2010 I think you'll get your answers from the horse's mouth tomorrow. I'm flagging this thread for attention by one of the bosses at CRB. ~J Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveh Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Basically, I am looking for information/help to keep the machine running. At the time I purchased the machine, it did not come with a video or dvd for instruction as I see many newer machines advertised do. Would anyone out there know if one is available? I know it is difficult to trouble shoot over the telephone w/o seeing the problem in person. My Campbell has been idle for a couple years as I haven't had the cash for leather. My son is getting after me to complete some projects for CAS and I have been missing the leather working hobby. My Campbell was purchased as a rebuilt machine right from the company. I do not know if the machine needs to be warmed up for it to run consistently. Thanks for your replies. The machines using heater was from the old days when shop were not heated. As long as your machine is room temperature iy should be fine. If your machine has been idle for sometime be sure to oll all the bearings cams and wear areas.Run scrap thru your machine and adjust your bobbin tensions and upper thread locks till you get a nice stitch.Contact cambell bosworth for an instruction manual. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 4, 2010 The machines using heater was from the old days when shop were not heated. As long as your machine is room temperature iy should be fine. If your machine has been idle for sometime be sure to oll all the bearings cams and wear areas.Run scrap thru your machine and adjust your bobbin tensions and upper thread locks till you get a nice stitch.Contact cambell bosworth for an instruction manual. Johanna: I'll look forward to any help. Thanks. Back in the old days, I believe the machines were heated to melt the wax for lubrication. As was the basic instruction when I recieved the machine; I do not operate the stitcher unless all marked areas are properly oiled. Each and every time I used the machined, they were oiled. As I mentioned before, the people at Campbell were very helpful when I called with a problem. But, I understand how busy they were/are and it is difficult to fix a problem when you cannot see it for yourself. I have a manual, but it is limited in its scope of instruction. Or, being a novice, I just don't get it. Yet. Hands on is the best teacher and I do admit I need more time on the machine. But, I learn by seeing. A video or dvd detailing its operation and trouble shooting would be helpful. I expressed this to Campbell when I bought the stitcher. I didn't hear any more on this issue. Still, they went out of their way to help when I needed it, and I can not fault Campbell. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CampbellRandall Report post Posted October 4, 2010 As was the basic instruction when I recieved the machine; I do not operate the stitcher unless all marked areas are properly oiled. Each and every time I used the machined, they were oiled. As I mentioned before, the people at Campbell were very helpful when I called with a problem. But, I understand how busy they were/are and it is difficult to fix a problem when you cannot see it for yourself. I have a manual, but it is limited in its scope of instruction. Or, being a novice, I just don't get it. Yet. Hands on is the best teacher and I do admit I need more time on the machine. But, I learn by seeing. A video or dvd detailing its operation and trouble shooting would be helpful. I expressed this to Campbell when I bought the stitcher. I didn't hear any more on this issue. Still, they went out of their way to help when I needed it, and I can not fault Campbell. Crossdraw: Don't be afraid to call. Even if we are busy, that is no excuse. I won't be happy until you are comfortable with the machine. I'm not sure when you bought your machine, but we might not have had a DVD at that time. We just started sending DVD's out with machines for the past few years. I'd be happy to send one to you. Also, if there is any part of the manual that is not making sense, let me know and we will re-write it. There are things that may seem obvious to us that are foreign to a beginner. Once you understand the basic principles, the machine should not be that hard to operate. Give me a call Monday, and ask for Dan (that's me). 1-800-327-9420 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TroyWest Report post Posted October 4, 2010 For what it's worth. Consider yourself fortunate to own one. They are fantastic machines. One of the few needle and awl machines that can sew heavy and lighter leathers well. I'm sure few of the people on this forum have had one or own one now as per the reasons Kevin gave above. It is worth taking the time to adapt to it. It's not too complicated to grasp. It is one sweet machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 4, 2010 For what it's worth. Consider yourself fortunate to own one. They are fantastic machines. One of the few needle and awl machines that can sew heavy and lighter leathers well. I'm sure few of the people on this forum have had one or own one now as per the reasons Kevin gave above. It is worth taking the time to adapt to it. It's not too complicated to grasp. It is one sweet machine. Troywest: I couldn't agree with you more. It is a sweet machine. When I had it running, the stitch was awsome. I am determined to master this monster. Thanks. Dan: I believe we have talked (extensively) on the phone when I purchasedthe machine- several times. I live in NJ so I'll give you a call later today. I would love a DVD and if you upgraded your manual, I would like to get a new one if possible. Thanks again for all of your comments. Crossdraw (Ken) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
awharness Report post Posted October 6, 2010 Troywest: I couldn't agree with you more. It is a sweet machine. When I had it running, the stitch was awsome. I am determined to master this monster. Thanks. Dan: I believe we have talked (extensively) on the phone when I purchasedthe machine- several times. I live in NJ so I'll give you a call later today. I would love a DVD and if you upgraded your manual, I would like to get a new one if possible. Thanks again for all of your comments. Crossdraw (Ken) The DVD sounds like Machine porn to me! When I got weavers promo leather machinery video I know I "had" to have aleast a couple things that they sell! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 6, 2010 The DVD sounds like Machine porn to me! When I got weavers promo leather machinery video I know I "had" to have aleast a couple things that they sell! Aweharness: I spoke with Dan at Campbell on Monday. He is going to send me the Campbell DVD. I can't waite! Ken (Crossdraw) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 13, 2010 Aweharness: I spoke with Dan at Campbell on Monday. He is going to send me the Campbell DVD. I can't waite! Ken (Crossdraw) Still waitin'. Crossdraw (Ken) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 13, 2010 Still waitin'. Crossdraw (Ken) Maybe you should call and remind him about the DVD. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crossdraw Report post Posted October 13, 2010 Maybe you should call and remind him about the DVD. Got it today (we get our mail late in the day around these parts). Crossdraw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
