Boss Vs 441 Vs ?

[cleveland]

I would like to get a machine to make belts and holsters with. From everything I have read the Juki 441 or a 441 clone would be the biggest bang for my buck, but I am not ready to spend $2500. Money is the current obsticle, but it wont be an issue forever.

I am looking at my options as the following three:

1-Get a used Tippmann Boss. It would work well for holsters but I can't imagine it working well for belts.

2-Wait till I can scrape together the $2500 and get the 441 clone.

3-Find an alternative solution for around $900

Part of me says, get the Boss and start making holsters now. Once I have pulled my investment back out of the machine, get a 441 and streamline production. The other part of me says, wait till you have the 441 and then hit the ground running. I am really on the fence and would like the recommendations.

The idea of finding a $900 alternative solution is unlikely, but I figured I would throw it out there.

Thanks!

Edited January 9, 2012 by cleveland

[particle]

I currently have a Boss, but am hoping to upgrade to a powered machine very soon if funds allow. The Boss is certainly capable of sewing belts. I've done quite a few with mine. Yes, it takes a while, but if you sew non-stop, you can finish one in about 5 minutes - maybe a little longer. The edge guide isn't even necessary - just scribe a line along the edge and pay attention to your stitch placement and you'll be just fine.

If all you can spend right now is enough to buy the Boss, then do it - you'll be able to sew a holster/belt in just a few minutes instead of a few hours, and in a few months time you'll be able to sell that Boss for almost what you paid for it and buy a powered machine.

[cleveland]

I currently have a Boss, but am hoping to upgrade to a powered machine very soon if funds allow. The Boss is certainly capable of sewing belts. I've done quite a few with mine. Yes, it takes a while, but if you sew non-stop, you can finish one in about 5 minutes - maybe a little longer. The edge guide isn't even necessary - just scribe a line along the edge and pay attention to your stitch placement and you'll be just fine.

If all you can spend right now is enough to buy the Boss, then do it - you'll be able to sew a holster/belt in just a few minutes instead of a few hours, and in a few months time you'll be able to sell that Boss for almost what you paid for it and buy a powered machine.

Really?! That is encouraging to hear.

I don't want to squeeze too hard when I stroke your ego here, but YOUR work is what got me interested in making my own holsters. I stumbled upon you video on youtube and I was hooked! I currently make hybrid holsters and they are doing very well, but would like to make belts to go with them and expand the holsters to pancake style holsters too.

Thanks for input!

[particle]

Thank you for the kind words. Always happy to help! Good luck with your decision, but I don't think you'll be disappointed by starting out with a Boss until you can afford to upgrade. I was just looking at your website - hat's off to ya' for the Wounded Warrior page.

[Rayban]

Cleveland...your OP sounds exactly what I went through about a year ago....I had the $$ to buy the Boss but I thought I would see if I could find something used at Toledo Bob's before I drove to Fort Wayne.

After Bob demo-ed a couple machines for me I decided to scrape up the necessary funds to go electric.

It took me a couple months, but I'm sure glad I waited.

[Wizcrafts]

I would like to get a machine to make belts and holsters with. From everything I have read the Juki 441 or a 441 clone would be the biggest bang for my buck, but I am not ready to spend $2500. Money is the current obsticle, but it wont be an issue forever.

Where are you going to find a Juki 441 for $2500? Send me a link so I can buy one! They sell for over $5000 everywhere I've looked. One would be lucky to find a used Juki 441 for $2500.

The Chinese 441 clones sell for about $2500 new, with 16.5" arms. Nine inch models sell for around 2 grand.

[cleveland]

Where are you going to find a Juki 441 for $2500? Send me a link so I can buy one! They sell for over $5000 everywhere I've looked. One would be lucky to find a used Juki 441 for $2500.

The Chinese 441 clones sell for about $2500 new, with 16.5" arms. Nine inch models sell for around 2 grand.

It should have read "find a used Juki 441 or rather a 441 clone" and I was referring to used machines.

Sorry about the typo. Most of the info I got about the Juki 441 clones was from you back in July through PM's.

Thanks again for all the input!

Edited January 10, 2012 by cleveland

[rickybobby]

I started with a boss, did holsters and belts. The belt stitching is time consuming but it is a LOT LESS than hand stitching!! :brainbleach:

I sold my boss (I do miss it for some jobs) and picked up a Artisan 3000 from Cobra Steve that he took on trade from a show he did. I paid a lot less than Artisan wanted for a new one and get to deal with Steve instead of Artisan. It was not much more than the Boss was new (on sale even). This machine will be fine for me for a while, I may never sell it and just upgrade to a longer are later.

The Boss works fine for belts just don't "short stroke" it. If you do not make the full pull and push length it will miss a stitch. Take your time and remember "You are not hand sewing this damn belt"!!! And SMILE !!!

Look for someone upgrading and wanting to sell there 441 clone. They do come up, especially after a leather crafters show (next one in feb., Wickenburg Az.)

Rick

[Wizcrafts]

It should have read "find a used Juki 441 or rather a 441 clone" and I was referring to used machines.

Sorry about the typo. Most of the info I got about the Juki 441 clones was from you back in July through PM's.

Thanks again for all the input!

I wuz just funnin' with ya ;-)

[cleveland]

Thanks!

Being an old school single stage reloader (powder drop), I can appreciate the dangers of short stroking.

I think the Boss may be a good investment and perhaps I will keep it around for the kids when I move up.

Someone send me a lead on a Tippman Aerostitc. Can you offer any insight on these?

Thanks again!