Need help deciding on leather sewing machine.

[Prince]

Hey folks, I'm now in the market for an automatic machine that can handle upholstery leathers and stuff like the thicker supple buffalo or bull hides.

Main thing I need it for is a commission for a big coat (just think trench coat for reference) using 8oz buffalo or bull hide. Odds are I'll also use it for bags and pouches, overlays stitched to armor.

I think $600 - $700, maybe $800 would be ideal but I'm wondering if it would be better to bite the bullet and get something like the artisan 3000 or something. Though I do need the machine pretty soon and something that expensive would probably put me in a bind.

I don't know if the machine will get frequent enough use to justify the 1-$2K+ price range. Just having the machine would yield an excuse to make more stitched things. I think it's safe to say it'd be a good investment, that is, if that's what I need. Maybe I can do just fine with something mid ranged?

I've already got a Boss. Sometimes it's nice, sometimes its the biggest PITA in the world but point of mentioning it is that I have something that can handle the super thick stuff if need be. And stitching overlays to armor doesn't really take that long after it's set up. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to find a heavy duty machine that can handle the thick stuff too since the boss is so slow and often problematic.

I'm definitely open to any options and suggestions.

Hmm, I do wonder though, if I got the heavy duty machine, would that render the boss obsolete? or would it still be handy to have around? Cause if it isn't I could always sell it and recoup from the cost I guess. It's an option at least but I expect the boss would still be handy.

Also wonder why the Boss is so expensive for such a relatively primitive piece of machinery. compared to the similarly priced sewing machines I've been looking at.

Thanks in advance.

[Art]

Hi Azmal,

Boss is made in America and built like a tank (as is everything Tippmann makes), they could sell it cheaper, but no real competition. You probably want the heavy duty machine like the Artisan 3000 as your seams may be kinda thick, especially if flat felling 8oz. The cylinder arm helps a lot in sewing any garment. For thin stuff, you may want to get a used machine later on like a singer 18 or 19 class or even a 153. The 3000 will sew practically anything and the 18, 19, or 153 will do the thinner stuff.

Art

Hey folks, I'm now in the market for an automatic machine that can handle upholstery leathers and stuff like the thicker supple buffalo or bull hides.

Main thing I need it for is a commission for a big coat (just think trench coat for reference) using 8oz buffalo or bull hide. Odds are I'll also use it for bags and pouches, overlays stitched to armor.

I think $600 - $700, maybe $800 would be ideal but I'm wondering if it would be better to bite the bullet and get something like the artisan 3000 or something. Though I do need the machine pretty soon and something that expensive would probably put me in a bind.

I don't know if the machine will get frequent enough use to justify the 1-$2K+ price range. Just having the machine would yield an excuse to make more stitched things. I think it's safe to say it'd be a good investment, that is, if that's what I need. Maybe I can do just fine with something mid ranged?

I've already got a Boss. Sometimes it's nice, sometimes its the biggest PITA in the world but point of mentioning it is that I have something that can handle the super thick stuff if need be. And stitching overlays to armor doesn't really take that long after it's set up. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to find a heavy duty machine that can handle the thick stuff too since the boss is so slow and often problematic.

I'm definitely open to any options and suggestions.

Hmm, I do wonder though, if I got the heavy duty machine, would that render the boss obsolete? or would it still be handy to have around? Cause if it isn't I could always sell it and recoup from the cost I guess. It's an option at least but I expect the boss would still be handy.

Also wonder why the Boss is so expensive for such a relatively primitive piece of machinery. compared to the similarly priced sewing machines I've been looking at.

Thanks in advance.

[Prince]

The 3000 seems to be held in high regard. List price seems to be around $2200 which I can't swing now though unfortunately... Though I would hate to compromise on something and have wasted money on something that's not good enough for what I need. But are there any viable alternatives? Wouldn't be fun to do the entire coat with the Boss... Horrible thought.

Thanks again

[Art]

Hi Azmal,

A Singer 153w103 (or Consew 227 with R would be better) would go a long way but would not be good in the real heavy category; of course you could use your Boss for that.

Art

The 3000 seems to be held in high regard. List price seems to be around $2200 which I can't swing now though unfortunately... Though I would hate to compromise on something and have wasted money on something that's not good enough for what I need. But are there any viable alternatives? Wouldn't be fun to do the entire coat with the Boss... Horrible thought.

Thanks again