Paulr Report post Posted January 5, 2014 Im looking into getting a sewing machine. Most of what i would do would be dog collars, sheaths, and holsters, but might want to try some saddles down the road. I have narrowed it down to a tippmann or a cowboy. I know pulling the lever is going to get old fast, but im not looking to set up a commercial operation. I guess my question is if people have found that the extra $1000 really worth it when you are not doing it as a source of income? Toledo industrial sewing isnt for from me so that was a big deciding part on what powered machines made the short list. Im just trying to weigh the pros and cons against my wallet. Any insight would be helpful. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J Hayes Report post Posted January 5, 2014 Might the CB3200 fit your needs? Comes in @ $1595, not much more than a boss, plus if Bob is just down the road that'd be real handy if you need service. That 3200 is a new model, slightly less thickness capabilities and a 10.5" arm. I've never worked on saddles so I don't know what one would need in a machine for them, but I bet it'd handle all of your holster and sheath needs. Plus with a powered machine you have both hands to guide large and/or awkward work. Pullin' that arm making collars would get old real fast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paulr Report post Posted January 5, 2014 Im just worried that a 1/2in max leather will leave me short on some things and i will just end up wanting a heavier machine in the end. i just dont know that i can justify the $2000 if the $1000 will do it with a little more work Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted January 5, 2014 Most all the people I know that got the boss and stayed in the leather business found the boss too slow and stepped up to power. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 5, 2014 Once you sew on a powered 441 clone, you won't even think about using a manual stitcher (except for on-location shows lacking power). Also, you only need to encounter one project that requires you to turn 90 or more degrees, where the side you turn into exceeds 5 inches, to appreciate a longer arm machine. I can't even imagine having less than 12 inches of arm for the work I do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paulr Report post Posted January 6, 2014 You guys are the devil on my shoulder. Making me want that cb3500 or even th 4500. I still don't know that I can justify the $2000+ on something that is a hobby right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted January 6, 2014 Serious hobby. Others spend thousands on cars, cards, booze, boats, ATVs, etc. Just depends whether you can afford it. Credit card interest is not kind. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cascabel Report post Posted January 6, 2014 Money spent on quality equipment is never wasted !! Always buy more machine than you actually need right now so that you don't have to upgrade later..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted January 9, 2014 The 441 style is the ultimate machine for every leather working shop. However I will always question whether it is the best machine for the majority of your work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted January 9, 2014 In my opinion, for versatility, the 441 clones are the way to go. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paulr Report post Posted January 11, 2014 I know they would be a better machine and more enjoyable/efficient to use, but im still hung up on if i will really get my moneys worth from it. Mostly if i have no money left over for leather. Although after looking in the used machine area and seeing the top 8 posts selling used boss makes me feel like people out grow them fast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anne Bonnys Locker Report post Posted January 11, 2014 Steve, Agree they are the most versatile but I have spoken to a lot of people here in Australia doing light work who were talked into a 441 and it is just too 'cumbersome' for the work. My approach is always to look at the actual work done. One guy I know was sold a 441 for doing chaps when a 335/cw8/LSC/LSW/227R etc was all was ever going to need. As soon as someone starts talking 8mm I know they really mean 10mm and then a 441 is really the only option In my opinion, for versatility, the 441 clones are the way to go. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
