What Machine If You Can Only Get One!

[Art]

Go see Bob Kovar, at Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines and let him SHOW you what a 441 is and what different machines you can get to do your projects, His info is in the banners at the top of the page and I included a link to his website,

Art

[Bob Blea]

My thanks to all who have posted on this topic. Like the OP I don't know much about sewing machines and I'm probably not looking to get one this year, but I'm starting to learn about them. The info in this post has been very helpful.

Bob

[Art]

Bob and Dan,

There are shows throughout the year that are attended by some of the dealers on this forum. Wickenburg, AZ and Sheridan WY are the big ones, but the boot and saddlemakers roundup in Wichita Falls TX is also another good one. These are opportunities to put you hands on the machines and get some one on one instruction from Steve and Dave, and Bob. You can also take delivery at a show and save on shipping.

Art

[Bob Blea]

I've been to Sheridan and I've seen the sewing machines there, but I'm honestly so ignorant on them that I feel lucky to recognize one if I trip over it!

I'm planning this year to talk to some of them and I'm trying to educate myself so I don't look like a complete idiot.

Bob

[billymac814]

I made it a point to not touch a 441 until I could afford one. You don't know what your missing if you don't know what ones like. I loved my Boss until I used the Cowboy.

I also made the mistake of using the Claes patcher at the SSIA show and instantly made me want one and made me think less of my Adler.

I would highly recommend the Cowboy but if you can't swing the cash the Boss is a viable option. Also depending on what you're doing you could afford a Boss and a flatbed machine for other projects which would cover more of your bases than just a 441 alone.

Here's a good deal just posted but its 700 more than your budget but its about 700 cheaper than new.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=45738#entry287815