Going To Order In A Boss

[Phatdaddy]

I want to order a Boss I've almost got myself 100% convinced.

I will be making Sheaths and Belts and bags and maybe a holster or 2 eventually.

I'd like to order everything I need at once.

Is the flatbed attachment very useful in any situation?

The Material guide?

For general use, will I need any of the additional feet? I do not know how to sew with a machine at all at present. It's unlikely that i will sew much of anything other than straight runs on flat leather pieces.

Should I get some of all the needles? (how many needles should one have?)

Will 6 bobbins be enough?

I'm guessing there is cheaper places to buy thread, if I had to pick one size to learn on for Belts and Sheaths what size thread? (and needle)

Lastly, "Open Mic" tell me anything I'm missing.

I really appreciate it, I have been debating this for about a year...please give honest opinions, pm me if you rather.

Thanks a ton,

Kevin

[particle]

The Boss is a great machine. But, if you're planning on sewing bags, you might find the shallow throat a little restricting.

Bobbins - you should have at least one bobbin per color of thread you plan to use.

Thread size for belts and sheaths - personally, I'd go with 277 and whatever size needle is recommended for that size (don't have the chart in front of me). I've used 277 for all my holsters and belts and am plenty happy with it. However, the thread color choices will broaden with each smaller size you go with.

I only work with veg-tan leather, so I've never had a need for the flat-bed attachment personally.

The material guide - don't have it. It might be useful, but if you score a line first it's not hard to stay on track.

I use the stirrup plate exclusively. If you buy it, make sure you polish away all the sharp edges because it will scratch up your leather in a heartbeat.

[Ferg]

Kevin,

My following question is out of curiosity, nothing more.

I know many folks have the Boss, most seem to like it. Why would you spend as much as they cost for a machine that you have to pull a handle for every cottin-pickin stitch when a cylinder arm machine would do what you wish to do in a heart beat with a lot less physical movement? LOL

The CA wouldn't cost much more either, if any.

ferg

I want to order a Boss I've almost got myself 100% convinced.

I will be making Sheaths and Belts and bags and maybe a holster or 2 eventually.

I'd like to order everything I need at once.

Is the flatbed attachment very useful in any situation?

The Material guide?

For general use, will I need any of the additional feet? I do not know how to sew with a machine at all at present. It's unlikely that i will sew much of anything other than straight runs on flat leather pieces.

Should I get some of all the needles? (how many needles should one have?)

Will 6 bobbins be enough?

I'm guessing there is cheaper places to buy thread, if I had to pick one size to learn on for Belts and Sheaths what size thread? (and needle)

Lastly, "Open Mic" tell me anything I'm missing.

I really appreciate it, I have been debating this for about a year...please give honest opinions, pm me if you rather.

Thanks a ton,

Kevin

[Art]

A Boss is a great machine, but for belts? not too much. The Boss is expensive, but after you buy the optional stuff, it is the price of a decent cylinder arm with all the goodies. When you said sheaths, I said ok, but when you say belts, you need a little electricity in your life. After the first belt, you say whew, that was fun, after the tenth one it will be oh ghod, not again. Dealers at top of page, call all of them, talk about it.

Art

I want to order a Boss I've almost got myself 100% convinced.

I will be making Sheaths and Belts and bags and maybe a holster or 2 eventually.

I'd like to order everything I need at once.

Is the flatbed attachment very useful in any situation?

The Material guide?

For general use, will I need any of the additional feet? I do not know how to sew with a machine at all at present. It's unlikely that i will sew much of anything other than straight runs on flat leather pieces.

Should I get some of all the needles? (how many needles should one have?)

Will 6 bobbins be enough?

I'm guessing there is cheaper places to buy thread, if I had to pick one size to learn on for Belts and Sheaths what size thread? (and needle)

Lastly, "Open Mic" tell me anything I'm missing.

I really appreciate it, I have been debating this for about a year...please give honest opinions, pm me if you rather.

Thanks a ton,

Kevin

[bruce johnson]

I bought a Boss not too long after they came out. At that time the only machines that could sew anything close cost over $5000. I used the snot out of it. I did belts, saddles, tack, spur straps, checkbooks, purses and everything from thin to thick. I did a lot of doubled and stitched latigo reins. It was easy to learn - my son and wife sewed a lot for me. Eventually I got a used Adler and sold the Boss. I'd agree with Art, after a guy has handsewn a mile or two, the Boss was like a joining the space age. That got fatiguing after a while too though. Getting the Adler was a similar step up.

The big advantage of the Boss is the lack of space needed and no power requirements. If you are learning to sew, the ultimate control is a plus. That was also before the servo motors were affordable too. I don't begrudge the Boss back then,. If I was doing it now, with the servo motors and the lower costs on the powered machine, I'd go with one of them over a Boss. No question.

[KAYAK45]

Hey Kevin:

I gotta agree on the electricity thing. If you don't have, get it! (Fox News Joke).

Really... count the stitches in a say 40" belt and maybe add the gunfighter loops. My arm gets tired thinking about it.

IF..your gonna stop at holsters and sheaths...go for it.

Otherwise look at a Cobra/Cowboy/used Adler, ETC.ETC.

Learning time will be ... the same ~+=-. Threads needles acc. ~=+-..same.

Needing to move up in the future?? Totally different.

My two cents, backed up by a LOT OF WASTED DOLLARS.

Kevin

[Steven Kelley]

I will have to agree with all of the above. I purchased a Boss, thinking "I can save a few $ and get by with it". Well, after my second holster with it, I was regretting the purchase. It will make a good stitch, but there is minimal throat clearance. I think they advertise 6" or something like that, but I measured closer to 5.25". Anyway, when you swing a holster through the opening, and the holster is too long to fit, you have to bend it to pass through, while also guiding it to make sure the stitch is in the right spot, and pulling the handle. You need 3 arms. I sent it back under Tippmann's 30 day return policy and purchased a Cowboy 4500. If you buy all the attachments you mentioned for the Boss, you will be in the same price range as a Cowboy 3500 or a Cobra Class 3. The Boss is also a little finicky with tension and settings. My Cowboy just sews and sews. My advice after traveling down the same road you are on is get a powered machine. I bought a Cowboy and Bob's customer service is second to none, so I recommend him. Other's have had the same experience with Cobra and Steve. Basically the same machine, so you make the call. You won't regret it, but I think you might regret the Boss after a while.

[Tree Reaper]

I considered a Boss but was concerned sewing one handed.

[Phatdaddy]

My main concern is the fact that I live in Eastern Canada, getting decent leather and tools is a chore in itself. I guess my frame of mind was that the Boss was simple in design, doesn't weigh 300 lbs and if something goes wrong with it I could likely fix it rather than try to arrange shipping a beast to get repair work done.

Secondly, I lost my right leg in a car accident nearly 14 years ago and I don't know how much adjustment there is on an electric machine/table to make it possible/comfortable to operate with my left leg and while sitting.

So take in to account that I do this mostly as a hobby and ... there's my dilemma.

Thanks for all of the feedback,

Kevin

[Ferg]

Your loss of a limb is/can be horrible but don't let that sway you on the "Electrified" machine. You can lift the presser feet/needle bar with your left hand when necessary. Almost all leather machines have Servo Motors, the control is fantastic.

Bob Kovar can give you minute instructions on his machines as will any of the other suppliers. That simply is not a problem.

You have a "One UP" on some of us since you live in "God's Country".

ferg

My main concern is the fact that I live in Eastern Canada, getting decent leather and tools is a chore in itself. I guess my frame of mind was that the Boss was simple in design, doesn't weigh 300 lbs and if something goes wrong with it I could likely fix it rather than try to arrange shipping a beast to get repair work done.

Secondly, I lost my right leg in a car accident nearly 14 years ago and I don't know how much adjustment there is on an electric machine/table to make it possible/comfortable to operate with my left leg and while sitting.

So take in to account that I do this mostly as a hobby and ... there's my dilemma.

Thanks for all of the feedback,

Kevin

[Northmount]

Secondly, I lost my right leg in a car accident nearly 14 years ago and I don't know how much adjustment there is on an electric machine/table to make it possible/comfortable to operate with my left leg and while sitting.

Don't take me wrong, but I think sewing with 2 arms and one leg is a lot easier than with 3 arms and one leg.

Since you are in eastern Canada, talk to Ron at raphaelsewing.com in Montreal. I purchased a Techsew 2700, delivered just the week before Christmas. Very happy with it.

There are 2 pedals, one for speed (with a servo motor) and one for the presser foot. I only use one at a time so I don't get crossed up. So you might equate it to the brake and gas pedal for a car. Shouldn't have one foot on each at the same time, so one leg is fine. You can dial the servo motor down to its lowest speed so it will just about crawl. Ron could put an additional speed reducer pulley on it for you it you really figure you need it. Talk to hime.

The head itself is around a 100 lbs. I managed it myself and with the medical problems I have had the past few years, I can't lift and do the physical work I used to. I'm sure someone would help you with the assembly, and if it needed to go back for any service or adjustment, it wouldn't be too difficult to get it back into a box and ship it in. But I don't see you needing to do that. Ron can help talk you through anything if you need it. I haven't had to ask for any support on this one yet, and don't expect to. The machine was all setup/adjusted correctly when delivered. I have a little experience with regular seamstress type flat bed Singers (including an industrial model U20-33 that I put a smaller pulley on the constant speed motor so I can use it with light leather like wallet interiors), so at least have a little idea of simple adjustments like with tension. Used to use an old Singer treadle machine when I was a kid.

I think with the Boss, you would have more trouble trying to stay balanced and comfortably seated while guiding the leather and pulling the lever, especially if you are dealing with thick leather.

Good luck with what ever you decide to choose, but I'd go for a servo motor machine any day versus the Boss.

C Tom G

PS

Set the table height down to just nicely clear your knee before you put the head on the table. I found the inital table height was too high for me and was bothering my shoulders.

Edited February 3, 2012 by northmount

[Techsew Ron]

Thanks for your support Tom. Glad you're happy with your Techsew 2700.

Kevin, feel free to give me a call tomorrow if you need any information, we can definitely accommodate your needs with a custom setup.

Cheers,

Ron

[rickybobby]

Kevin,

I hand sewed for years, then bought a Boss and like Bruce said "it was like joining the space age" I was thrilled, it worked great, my work improved, all was right in the world! Then there was about the fourth 50" belt that needed double stitching "ughhh!" I tried to talk the customer out of it because my arm was so tired from a couple of past orders, that is when I decided to go electric!

I shopped around, Steve from Cobra had taken in an Artisan 3000 on trade after a show, I gave him my card number, loaded up the wife and dog and drove to California (from Arizona) and made a road trip out of it. The wife and dog had never been to CA. I grew up there, the wife loved it, the dog didn't seem to care lol!!

My advice is go electric, you have some backup for reputable dealers from other members and the machines are all good, so think about it before the Boss. I really liked mine but I really like my 3000, even with the shallow throat it is wider then the boss.

FWIW, my opinion only and my experience, I have been in the market twice for different sewing machines in the last two years. Both times I called Artisan, left messages, told them I wanted to buy a machine, and did not get a call back until I had made 2 or 3 calls. I bought the Artisan machine because Steve from Cobra had it, will warranty it, and when I call he answers his phone. Bob from Toledo Machine is the same and I have seen threads here on LW that the Techsew guys are great at customer service as well.

Keep us informed!!!

Rick

Edited February 3, 2012 by rickybobby

[particle]

Kevin - I also lost my right foot in a car accident (1996). Several years ago I was making custom rifle rests with a Consew 206rb with a clutch motor. That thing would run like a scalded dog - WAY faster than I was comfortable with and my stitch lines were max 6" long with several 1-2" runs. However, I was able to get used to it (mostly) and did a lot of sewing with it. A low-speed servo motor would be a walk in the park! I lifted the presser foot with my left hand as was previously suggested and it worked just fine.

I do agree with what everyone else said about a powered machine vs. the manual machine. There are lots of times when I have to take a few deep breaths because I simply can't sew something one-handed. I've even had the frame of the Boss scratch my leather a few times because I had the leather rolled up to slide through the narrow neck. The Boss is a great machine, but it certainly has its disadvantages - price being one of them.

Edited February 3, 2012 by particle