Ideas For Sewing Machine Purchase

[Eagle Crest]

I need help. I have tried to research this but i am amazed at how overwhelming and confusing this has been. I am looking to purchase a sewing machine. I make holsters and the majority of my work consistes of 8-9 oz leather i am looking for a machine that can handle the load. i know there are many options out there I am just looking for some direction from seasoned pros. I acquired a singer 241-12 in a trade recently and I know this machine will not work but it was basically given to me.

I have roughly $1000 to spend. any reccomendations in this price range.

Thanks

[Ferg]

Unless you find one used I believe you would be better satisfied with a CowBoy or Cobra machine that will handle the range you wish to sew.

Cobra 4 or Cowboy 4500

ferg

[SteelcityK9Cop]

Eagle... I have spent the past month doing a ton of research and bugging the heck out of a few members on the forums about the same thing... and I am sure some with chime in and fix anything I get wrong here...

There are two "big issues" 1) The leather thickness 2) The needle and thread size. Only a few types of machines can handle both.

One option are the hand crank machines like the Tippman Boss and the Luberto's Classic Cub. ($1400+)

From there you have the _______ Clone likes of the Cowboy 2500. There are a bunch of these from different manufacturers all around $1000. The only issue is that these have a sharp bottom feed dog with will leave track marks on the leather that you are able (hopefully) to smooth out.

From there you have the Jeuki 441 clones like the Cowboy 3500 / Cobra Class 3 with their different arm lengths. The smallest is the 9" which runs about $2,000 These are triple fed, walking foot machines which most will agree are the best got holster making.

From there you have the big buck models that will run you $6,000 and up.

I hope I got all that right... no offense taken if anyone corrects what I wrote... I'm just learning myself about all of these machines.

[Techsew Ron]

The main considerations when you're looking for a sewing machine that can handle holsters is the sewing capacity of the machine, thread sizes it can use and needle sizes.

For the most part holsters are sewn using #270 thread and #25 needles. If you're sewing 2 layers or more of 8-9oz you need a machine that has at least 7/16" sewing capacity. All of the following machines can accomplish this:

Here are your options:

$1300 range:

Techsew 3650HD

Cowboy 2500

$2000 range:

Techsew 4100

Cowboy 3500

Cobra class 3

$2500 range:

Techsew 5100

Cowboy 4500

Cobra class 4

You may want to contact individual dealers to see if anyone has a used machine as well.

Ron

[Eagle Crest]

Thanks for all the info. It is much appreciated. Now I have more to go on.

[billymac814]

A grand just won't get you what you need to do the job right. The closest to that price range would be a used Boss. They are very capable little machines for stitching holsters. I probably stitch a couple thousand holsters on mine before I got the cowboy 4500. I was always pretty pleased with it and the stitches looked good on both sides. If I were in your situation I'd either spend 2695 on the 4500? Or look for a used boss for under 1000. I don't think that I'd personally want to deal with the sharp feed dogs on my holsters using a 2500 or 3650hd.

It seems with the Boss you either love them or hate them, I pretty much loved mine, up to the point I tested out a Cowboy anyway.

[Eagle Crest]

i checked on the luberto. thet y are in a transitional phase and will be producing more in may. i can get one of them for 1400. has anybody used one of them and is it better or worse than the boss. i think for now one of the hand operated machines will be the way to go just not sure which one to go with.

[Itch]

You need a 441 clone to do the job..Check out Artisan,Sewpro,and Stitch master to name a few..

[J Hayes]

Cobra, Cowboy, and Techsew all have them and they sponsor this site for us. Their ads run in the banner at the top of the page and these guys answer many questions on the forums too.

[awharness]

If you're going with a hand cranker, I'd say the cub over the boss, never used a cub, but I had a boss, wasn't impressed. Lubertos seems like a great guy! Plus, how hard would it be to add, a fly wheel and a sewpro gear reduced servo?? All of a sudden for under $200 more you have it powered!

[billymac814]

I'd be curious to see how the Cub works. My only reservation would be that I don't know many people that have used them and I'd imagine if you have issues with them its harder to get help maybe. I dunno.

I had a boss and was always pleased with it. It served its purpose and made me a bunch of cash. But you either love them or hate them.

[PappyUSA]

I've been useing a Boss for over 10 years and love it for holsters. It's great for going around sharp corners and curves. Belts are do-able but take a long time.

[Eagle Crest]

I've been thinking a lot. For the money and what I'm using it for I'm getting a boss.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Ronnie is a dealer and he has been very even handed by listing machines from different suppliers. Most dealers also offer options on finance. The Boss is an ok machine but it is also the one that people seem to raise the most questions about.

As Ronnie has been open about your options why don't you give him a call?

I have never done business with Techsew or Ronnie so I am only working on the advice and assistance he has given on this board. While I am a dealer in machines I doubt that I could be of any help as I am in Australia!

I've been thinking a lot. For the money and what I'm using it for I'm getting a boss.

[midwestislander]

I have dealt with Techsew and spoke to Ron on the phone. I bought a Techsew 3650 HD and was pleasantly surprised as to how fast I was able to get to sewing after receiving it. Very simple to assemble ( came in 3 boxes ), came preset. Very straight forward operation. The servo-motor is INCLUDED and makes sewing much easier and more precise (I am a super newby). Service is fast.