Tippmann Boss Tips

[chiefjason]

Anyone have a good reference or pointers on the Boss? I have a lead on one locally that I will be picking up next week to test drive. A friends brother bought it and it's sat in a shed unused for years. I'll be doing a lot of web searching here soon. But thought I would ask here for any good references. Thanks!

[mlapaglia]

If its been in a shed for years clean and lube it BEFORE you do anything else. Then watch all the videos on tension set up. Tension is the biggest issue with a Boss. I have one and love it. If you buy it send it to Tippmann and get it gone over. It will be worth it since its been in a shed.

[supercub]

Yep, pay attention to tension. You will likely initially set more tension than what you need. Loosen the bobbin tension to only around a pound or two and adjust the top thread tension for a good stitch. Also, pay attention to sewing technique. Make sure the needle is still in the leather ( around a quarter inch up from the bottom stroke) when you make a turn. Don't short stroke the handle, make sure you make a complete motion of the handle or you WILL get missed stitches.

The Boss takes a little effort to get used to, but once you get it set up and understand its quirks, it will do a good job for you. Even though I have a Pro 2000 that usually works very well, I still use the boss for a lot of work that needs close accurate stitch placement.

[chiefjason]

Thanks guys. I found the Tippmann channel on youtube and watched the introduction video last night. I was surprised at how simple the machine seems to be. The tension adjustments are similar to those on my rod building/rod wrapping lathe. And I've got some time on a standard sewing machine so the lower bobbin area looks pretty similar, and probably easier to deal with. I feel like a kid waiting on Christmas. lol