Is The Tippman Boss For Me?

[Denster]

I have two Boss' both bought used and they have sewed now over 4,000 holsters + misc belts, mag pouches etc. I have a aerostitch that I now do belts on and liners for western rigs that due to size are a bit complicated on the Boss. Even with a powered machine I still do 90% of holsters on the Boss for much the same reasons that Dwight stated. They are dirt simple to work on. That is if you ever need to the only thing I have broken is a presser foot cable and three needles.

[NatesCustomHolsters]

Sounds like the boss will serve you well. I just bought one this month (used for $800) and within an hour of getting it I had it set up and running great. If your only doing a few things a week and smaller stuff like holsters and belts, its a great machine! I love mine. If I ever need anything all I have to do is call Tippmann and we can figure it out I'm sure.

-Nate

[mlapaglia]

I have two Boss' both bought used and they have sewed now over 4,000 holsters + misc belts, mag pouches etc. I have a aerostitch that I now do belts on and liners for western rigs that due to size are a bit complicated on the Boss. Even with a powered machine I still do 90% of holsters on the Boss for much the same reasons that Dwight stated. They are dirt simple to work on. That is if you ever need to the only thing I have broken is a presser foot cable and three needles.

Sounds like the boss will serve you well. I just bought one this month (used for $800) and within an hour of getting it I had it set up and running great. If your only doing a few things a week and smaller stuff like holsters and belts, its a great machine! I love mine. If I ever need anything all I have to do is call Tippmann and we can figure it out I'm sure.

-Nate

Thank you both. That is what I wanted to hear.

Anyone know the weight of the Cast Iron model?

Michael

[Denster]

Thank you both. That is what I wanted to hear.

Anyone know the weight of the Cast Iron model?

Michael

The cast iron model is right at 40lbs the aluminum cast is right at 25 lbs. The cast iron model, from my perspective, offers nothing of advantage over the aluminum cast one and while not hard to do should be retrofitted with the thread take up arm tension spring.

[TwinOaks]

I picked up a used Boss from another member here, and even in the 2-4 projects/ week range, it paid for itself in about 3.5 months. I am looking forward to a powered machine for things like belts and rifle slings, but for now....the Boss is sitting on the corner of my work table. There's only been a few items I haven't been able to sew with it, due to the throat size. One of the things I did to make mine more stable was to mount the sewing machine to a base I made from wood. I bought a 12 x 48 piece of wood from Lowes, cut the board in half, drilled the bolt holes, and mounted the machine to one piece. The second piece became the bottom of the base, complete with felt pads to prevent scuffing. The result is that the machine is still portable, but can be placed on a counter/table top even without the clamps (but they're still recommended). There's additional room behind the machine that makes a great little mounting point for the accessories box. One of the best things I've done is mount a small eye screw behind the machine and use a small bungee cord to tension the thread for the first stitch.

One downside to MY machine is that either it doesn't like adjustments, or I haven't figured it out. I've pretty well settled on a thread thickness, and stitch length and that's where it stays. Material thickness dictates tensions, but most of my stitching can be adjusted with only the primary tensioner.