Neel's Saddlery 441 Machine, Good For Professional Work?

[LeatherLegion]

I went to Bob few years back to get the CB3500 ...I changed my mind while in the shop there and bought the 4500...best decision !!!

Edited July 19, 2013 by LeatherLegion

[particle]

Something to keep in mind is the resale value will be much better with the longer arm machines like the 4500 / Class 4. You can invest your money knowing if you ever have to sell the machine, you'll get most of your money back. I actually sold my Boss for more than I paid for it after using it for around 3 years for holsters and belts, and a few journal covers and a couple bags.

[Les No6]

A 9inch arm is more than adequate for holsters and belts and most leather work you won't have a problem the only thing I've come across that can't be fully stitched on my machines (11-12inch arms) are splash boards, depends on what you intend to do if its a jack of all trades then a 16" arm may be handy but it also may not be enough, it is nice to have a little extra room while working though. The missed stitches on the corners are nothing to worry about he will not be turning the corners correctly before turning you need to ensure the shuttle has picked up the thread other wise when turning you move the thread out of the path of the shuttle and miss a stitch this is true for all machines.

[Techsew Ron]

_{It comes with needles and 5# of thread, if it will be suitable for my purpose I don't know. I was planning on driving to Bob's for a cowboy machine to save the cost of freight, but even the drive would be expensive, My price range is more like the 2500 class, but managed to pull some strings to reach the 3500/4500 range. Even still a few hundred dollars makes a big difference right now, but I still want to make a good investment. My first thoughts were for the 4500 with the 16" arm, but for holster and belt work I assume the 9" would be sufficient.}

You'll be fine sewing belts and holsters with this machine. By comparison a new short arm 441 clone will run you about $2195 plus shipping.

If you decide to jump up to a long arm machine it is offered by:

Cowboy

Leather machine co

Techsew sewing machines

Ron

[jbossartcustomgunleather]

I sure appreciate the input, you guys are great

[jbossartcustomgunleather]

Just an update, considering the savings I decided to go look at the machine, sewed with it, and took it home. Only having experience with the old singer 29-4s I am very impressed with the stitch quality, ease of operation, simplicty of the machine, etc. Also came with 5 spools of very nice heavy thread(I forget what weight I'd have to check) the roller guide, holster plate, and a dozen bobbins. The machine still looks brand new, and I am pleased with the purchase. It was great to share stories and techniques and tools with another crafter, a great experience indeed. I was concerned about how much time it would take to learn to operate the machine well enough for production, but I expect to put it to work with in a couple days. Thanks for all the advice, and your help with this decision.

Cheers!

Josh

[Rayban]

I have the CB3500 and (9" arm) it's plenty adequate for holsters....and I also had problems with skipped stitches til I learned how to use the machine.

With only 10 hours on this machine, it should be" like new" condition and $1700 is a good deal....MY Cowboy is going on 4 years old and no way would I sell it for less than that.

[Matchlock]

Skipping a stitch on a corner could be a user error. When turning say, a 90 degree corner, I always stop the machine at the turning point with the needle all the way down into the material. Now, just before it starts to come back out, lift the presser foot and turn the material 90 degrees and start sewing again. Doing it that way will likely result in no skipped stitches.

I use a Cobra Class 4 machine ad that process works for me every time.

I hope that helps.

Bud

[jbossartcustomgunleather]

Thanks for the advice guys, it sews like a dream with the correct turning discipline!

[Rayban]

Easiest way to remember is if the needle isn't on it's upward stroke, it hasn't picked up the bobbin thread yet. And without the bobbin thread, you have no stitch if you lift the foot.