Sewing Machine Question

[Warpe]

I am starting off making holsters, and i have quickly tired of sewing by hand. I am not planning at this time to "mass produce", but i do want to lower my man-hours for making a holster. Within my budget are two machines that I am looking at. One is a Sailrite LSZ-1 (with upgraded equipment) and the other is a Tippmann Boss. I realize they are both at opposite ends of the spectrum, but as i said before, I take my time. My concern is if the 3/8 clearance on the LSZ-1 is going to quickly become a liability. I usually work with 6/7 or 8/9 oz leather.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to purchase a machine and than turn around in a couple of months to upgrade just to sew thicker leather. Again, I will be primarily making holsters, belts and ammo/mag pouches.

Thanks ahead of time for input.

Warpe

[TwinOaks]

The sailrite is not suitable for sewing holsters, unless you're making unlined, unformed pocket holsters out of oil tanned leather. It will also not handle the thicker threads like 277 that are common to holsters.

Read this thread: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25239

[Wizcrafts]

Of the two machines, only the hand operated Boss will sew over 3/8" with heavy thread. This will work out okay for short sewing projects. If you get into sewing a long run, your right arm will wear out fairly quickly. Keep a kid handy to pull the lever!

Have you considered getting a motorized heavy stitcher? A nine inch arm model can sew over 3/4" of leather, with up to #415 bonded nylon thread. These 9" cylinder arm machines sell for under $2000, shipped.

[Warpe]

Thanks all for the information. Unfortunately the Cowboy CB3500 machine is what i want, but is just out of my price range right now. I probably will settle on the manual Tippmann Boss for now and save up for the CB3500.

Thanks again. Great information, especially the article on the sewing machines.

Warpe

[Rayban]

I went looking for the Boss and ended up getting the CB3500 instead...it took another couple months to come up with the additional $500 but I'm so glad I did.....

After observing a quality electric motor machine in action, I knew I would never be happy with a hand-cranker.

[LeatherLegion]

I had the Boss for over 8-9 years...very good machine ...very happy !!! I just bought the CB 4500...even happier !!! If i were you i would go straight for the CB 3500(or even the CB 4500) if the money is an issue. There is a saying..."I am too poor to buy cheap things". Although in my oppinion the Boss is a great machine , it has it's limitations .

[Warpe]

Well, took the plunge, upset the wife a tad and ordered a CB3500! It ships next week, and i can't wait. Thanks to all who helped in my decision.

[KAYAK45]

Good idea!

Your not the first guy thats been CB'D to the basement sleeping arrangement,

It's worth it.