Tippmann Boss Problems

[trekster]

My presser foot looks just like the one pictured by mlapaglia.

I never really noticed my needle foot hitting one of the inside edges of the presser foot, but I do know that it is NOT centered in the space. Obviously it has to do with the dimensional tolerances between both the presser foot alignment and the needle bar. My machine has one of the "older" version needle bar assemblies. You can tell if it is an older version, if it does NOT come apart (needle foot removal) as is shown in the Tippman video. However, the needle bar assemblies are interchangeable, so if you have an older one and it needs replacement, the newer one will fit no problem.

However, on the older cast iron machines, the horizontal tension spring for the needle bar is completely different from the tension assembly on the aluminum casting machines, so I'm guessing that needle bar would not be interchangeable with the later ones.

[almac]

are these problems common with the new tippman boss?

i am considering buying one direct from tippman, but if these are common problems, i don't want to risk having to return my new machine for repairs, as shipping from canada is quite expensive...

i prefer to be able to use a NEW machine, than to have to return it to the manufacturer shortly after receiving it.

[billymac814]

I used mine for several years with no major issues and most of my issues in the beginning were user error. They seem to be a machine that you either love or hate. I pretty much loved mine, not as much as I love the Cowboy but it served me well and I've stitched a lot of holsters on it.

I purchased mine used and the one in this discussion was purchased used. I do know of another guy who had some issues with his new one but I would hope that that's not the norm. Keep in mind too that its usually the problems that you hear about or read on line, for every issue you read about there's probably 40 or 50 satisfied people who have no reason to take that to the forum. Of course those figures are entirely made up it could be higher or lower.

In my opinion I would probably only consider buying one used or at least get one on sale. Otherwise at 1500.00(plus a little more on some extra bobbins and feet) I'd spend a few hundred more and try to get into a used or even new 441 clone. The Boss is a great machine and is very capable and compared to handsewing its pretty fast but the 441 clones are very nice to use and they are a little more versatile.

[usmc0341]

Well since Friday I have been practicing on scrap and was happy for the most part although on the back side I either had the bobbin thread not being pulled in or the needle thread was being pulled through. It seemed to be better on the heavier leather so I decided to stitch my first holster tonight. Got it all glued up and put I in the machine. The first stitch seemed to no want to go in for some reason and when I added more pressure my f*#•€*£ needle snapped off and with it broke my needle guide! I have no idea what the issue is but I am beyond pissed right now and my level of frustration is beyond words. I guess I'll order a new needle guide and put this thing up for sale. I don't know how to get this thing to work for me.

[trekster]

Sorry to hear of your frustrating experiences. I know it can be very maddening, especially when you break something. Other than extremely hard, dry leather, or something outside the maximum thickness - there should be few reasons for breaking the needle and needle foot (guide). I can think of one instance that might do it, but it doesn't happen all that often.

If... after the needle just enters the top thickness of leather, you inadvertantly push, pull or put a little sideways pressure on the material - you can cause the needle to bend enough that when it plunges through bottom of the material it will be misalighned enough where the point will actually hit the bobbin shuttle (or the needle plate), and of course if you continue applying force through the operating handle; you can snap off the needle. The clearance between the needle point and the bobbin shuttle is not very much, so it does not take a lot of sideways pressure on the needle to make it contact the shuttle ring as it enters the shuttle area.

Not saying that is why it broke, but it is one thing that might have happened without you knowing what caused it.

Maybe someone else will comment also.

Edited March 6, 2013 by trekster

[usmc0341]

It didn't even make it through the leather to the shuttle. I'm using 8/9 oz Herman oak leather that isn't dry or anything. I don't know what the issue is but I'm so pissed with the whole thing right now. I don't know if I should fix this and keep working at it or try to get a new machine. I'm just afraid if I can't work this simple machine there is no way I could work an electric one.

[trekster]

I'm sure you probably had a brand new "sharp" needle, so if it didn't make it through the leather, it almost sounds to me like the point may have contacted the needle plate. If it hit the plate, it would definitely not have passed into the shuttle area. The screw holes that hold on the needle plate are sloted so the slot in the needle plate can be aligned exactly in the middle of where the needle goes through. But if you did a bunch of practice stitches, I would think you would have noticed if the slot wasn't aligned very well.

[mncarpenter]

sorry- hit send twice

Edited March 6, 2013 by mncarpenter

[usmc0341]

I'm sure you probably had a brand new "sharp" needle, so if it didn't make it through the leather, it almost sounds to me like the point may have contacted the needle plate. If it hit the plate, it would definitely not have passed into the shuttle area. The screw holes that hold on the needle plate are sloted so the slot in the needle plate can be aligned exactly in the middle of where the needle goes through. But if you did a bunch of practice stitches, I would think you would have noticed if the slot wasn't aligned very well.

I did have a newer needle so it is a possibilty that it hit the needle plate. On top of breaking the needle bar my handle will not stay in the up position so I'm not sure if something else broke or what. I don't understand why this thing is kicking my ass, it is a simple machine! I'm not sure what to do with it. I really liked Billy's Cowboy 4500 but I don't think I can justify that much machine for what I do, and like I said before if I can't get this Boss to run right I think hand stitching may be my destiny!

[trekster]

Well, the electric machines are very enticing, but I just don't do that much quantity that I can justify the cost. Plus, don't forget they come with their own "learning curve" and it is probably quite a bit different from using (and getting used to) a Boss.

Let your machine rest awhile, call Ben @ Tippmann in the morning and tell him what happened. He has seen (and heard of) just about any problem you can think of - and he usually has a pretty good solution. Get the parts ordered, and give it another try. Then if you still ain't happy with it, put it on Craigslist or eBay. I've seen the Boss machines on eBay go for darn near new price, so you shouldn't take too much of a beating on it.

BTW, if the operating handle is not acting right, I suspect you probably sheared off some teeth on the rack gear, or perhaps the round gear that mates up to the rack gear. Take the back cover off, and you should be able to tell right away.

Edited March 6, 2013 by trekster