Too Much Info! Help Me Break It Down Simple Please

[DHauser]

Man, what a great website! Unfortunately it's way too much info (not really, just brain overload at the moment). I am in the market for a new machine. I have been using a Tipmann Boss for 10 years and it does pretty good (just tired of pulling the lever). I manufacture many various items and many various thicknesses of leather. As a team-mate for my Boss is there a single machine that I should look at to handle all leather sewing? Thick, thin, stiff, flexible (you get the picture). I have been seriously looking at the Cobra 4 ESP but after reading many of the posts on this site I just dont know anymore. Better to get 2 machines vs. 1? I really believe I should keep my Boss as it is portable (kinda) and stitches about anything. About the best I've narrowed it down at this point is that I need a walking foot machine. Anyone have some fairly simple suggestions please chime in.

[Techsew Ron]

Man, what a great website! Unfortunately it's way too much info (not really, just brain overload at the moment). I am in the market for a new machine. I have been using a Tipmann Boss for 10 years and it does pretty good (just tired of pulling the lever). I manufacture many various items and many various thicknesses of leather. As a team-mate for my Boss is there a single machine that I should look at to handle all leather sewing? Thick, thin, stiff, flexible (you get the picture). I have been seriously looking at the Cobra 4 ESP but after reading many of the posts on this site I just dont know anymore. Better to get 2 machines vs. 1? I really believe I should keep my Boss as it is portable (kinda) and stitches about anything. About the best I've narrowed it down at this point is that I need a walking foot machine. Anyone have some fairly simple suggestions please chime in.

Hi David. A 441 clone would be a good choice for you since it covers a wide variety of applications and leather thickness. We have customers using ours for briefcases, belts, handbags, knife sheaths, quivers, holsters, saddles and more.

The main issue with using 1 machine for all applications though is the constant adjustment you'll have to make in order to go from sewing something thin to something heavier. This is why ideally it is best to have 1 machine such as a cylinder walking foot with 3/8" sewing capacity for sewing garment weight leather, bags, belts etc..., and then you can use the 441 clone for thicker applications such as knife sheaths, holsters etc...

Feel free to post any other questions you may have.

Ron

[DHauser]

Thanks Ron, that's the knid of info I was hoping for. I have no problem in setting up a machine for each job as I do purely custom work at the moment. Would the 441 still be good all round even with

consistantly having to set it up each time? I do that now with my Tipmann Boss.

[Andrew Chee]

What do you sew? If you're trying to sew wallet interiors that are like 3-4oz total with 69 thread then the 441 clone won't be able to do that.

On the other hand, if what you've been using is a Boss then you're probably sewing heavier stuff and a 441 will do just fine.

Andrew

[Techsew Ron]

Thanks Ron, that's the knid of info I was hoping for. I have no problem in setting up a machine for each job as I do purely custom work at the moment. Would the 441 still be good all round even with

consistantly having to set it up each time? I do that now with my Tipmann Boss.

Yes it'll be fine as long as you're not sewing too thin. Minimum should be about 6-7oz.

Ron

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

The picture Ron has in his profile is what I would go for as the No2 machine. Compound feed and tops out at about 10mm.