How Would You Sew This And What Machine

[Dwight]

My problem with the Boss is that it is a relatively low volume machine yet the most likely to be seen on the For Sale pages here. Surely that says something.

I think what is says is simple: it is THE bottom end of the price structure for a sewing machine that will sew through 3/4 of an inch of leather. Many folks by them as a starting machine, . . . then choose to graduate to a different machine, . . . especially if what they are doing requires a lot of stitching.

When I began my search for a machine, . . . I already had a slight familiarization with the Boss as a local leather store sold them.

Therefore, . . . when I saw one of the full time craftsmen of a major holster mfg. here in the US, . . . standing beside his in an advertisement promotion, . . . I immediately recognized the machine.

Later as I began to finalize the decision, . . . I guess I figured if my business got so good using a Boss, . . . some day I would be like them, . . . and have a 1 year waiting list for my product.

Sometimes volume is better used to describe the output of a radio than a craftsman's shop.

And, . . . if volume goes up in a production facility, . . . about 99.95% of the time, . . . quality goes down.

May God bless,

Dwight

[DDahl]

I have a Claes 30, and with 180 (24) needles or larger (if you can find them) it will sew a great stitch with 207 (top and bottom) through about 1/2" of leather. Unlike the Singers its stitch length doesn't vary as a function of material thickness. Even have managed to mount a swing down guide for use when needed. It's a great machine that is VERY useful for its unique capabilities on the RARE occasions their needed. However, the price is way high and I sometimes view it as a piece of jewelry.

Dave

[supercub]

My problem with the Boss is that it is a relatively low volume machine yet the most likely to be seen on the For Sale pages here. Surely that says something.

I started sewing leather many years ago with a Tandy Awl and a couple of harness needles. After a few years, I upgraded the awl to one of Douglas snakehead designs. I handsewed for quite awhile until I had enough business to buy an entry level machine. That machine was the Boss. It was one of the first machines that Tippmann made and it took me awhile to figure out it's quirks. Once I did, it served me well until I had enough customers to upgrade to a Pro 2000. It is certainly faster than the Boss, but I still use the Boss (and the awl and harness needles) when the need arises. If I need to lay down a lot of stiches - like a belt, I'll use the Pro 2000. For small jobs, or prototypes, I'll usually do them on the Boss. It continues to work well and I have no desire to give it up anytime soon.