Thoughts On Tippman Boss Sewing Machine?

[rmr]

AustinB

might check out the used section of forum- there is a guy selling a cobra 3 machine with stand, accessories... 1600- its only 500 more than what several others are selling used tippman boss machines for- might look at it real hard. Not sure if its still available or not- nothing was said about it being sold

good luck in your pursuit of a machine

RMR

[cjg]

I like my Tippman Boss. I've had it for over 10 years, it's paid for itself many times over. Once you get it figured out it works fine, I almost never drop stitches and I like being able to put every stitch exactly where I want it. But I've never tried a Cobra 4.

[Chavez]

Its a good machine for what it is: a compact, portable mechanical stitcher. It's not in the same league as powered machines and they can't really be

compared imho.

1) It's tiny. if your workshop space is limited it's a good call. Just keep it under your desk and take it out when you need it.

2) If you're going to stitch a lot, go for a powered one. I used my boss to tailor my heavy canvas shooting jacket and I must have stitched an equivalent of 4 belts. I was in agony after that, though I'm not the fittest person here.

3) It's very fiddly, It took me 2 long weeks to set it up and I even considered sending it back for a refund. Once I set up and got used to it, it worked like magic ever since.

4) It's a stitching machine. It will never give you as good a result as hand stitching.

[mlapaglia]

+1 on all the good comments above. It's a great machine for holsters, belts, Purses, cases, etc. Not so good for thin leather. It's not rated for less than 4 oz leather. Never had the problem of dropped stitches or bottom thread pulling to the top that wasnt a result of me not pulling and pushing the handle all the way.

FYI there is an update kit to help the stops on the top and bottom of the arm travel.

[shooter55]

Before you commit to buying a Tippmann, check with Bob at Toledo Industrial Sewing machine. (Cowboy Bob here on the forum) He has a new model CB3200 for $1595 and it does almost as much as the CB 4500. I have them both and they work great. Just remember that with a Boss, every stitch means a downward motion using your hand and arm. Lot of up and down for a belt……..

No, I am not affiliated with Bob, but did stay at a Motel 6 the other night…..or was that a Holiday Inn????

[RustyReb]

All, I have decided to move on up to a Cobra class 3.......not sure if I'm going to hang on to the Boss or not.....might be nice to keep it loaded up with black thread for that occasional project......haven't decided yet. You just might be seeing it in the classified section of this forum soon!

[Troy I]

Agree with Shooter...check with Bob...I just got the CB 4500 from him...He will treat you right...great customer service.

[Claykan]

If you take the Tippmann Boss out of the box, install a needle and thread, and start sewing, you're going to be disappointed. But, if you take the time read and understand the manual, you're going to enjoy the Tippmann Boss. Viewing Tippmann's instructional videos will help also.

Check out the videos on Youtube of the leathercrafters using the Tippmann Boss to sew holsters and sheaths to see them in action.

Good luck,

[Hooper26]

I was seriously thinking about the Tippmann Boss because of its compact size. However I've read too many horror stories about it. So I think the Tippmann is going to be a no go for me. For it's price I should be able to take it out of the box and sew with no problem. I'm thinking the Cobra Class 18 is the way to go.

Edited April 21, 2015 by Hooper26

[Dwight]

Make sure you share your horror stories with us on the Cobra Class 18 after you get it and use it for a couple of months.

Unless you are Cinderella's fairy god mother, . . . you do not have the ability to anticipate every possible situation that will come up in sewing. I've been running thread on this and that machine now for right at 60 years, . . . and it is THE exceptional piece that I sit down to and there is simply NOTHING in the entire piece that is less than perfect.

Machines are made by imperfect men and women, . . . and to expect ANY of them to be perfect, . . . well, . . . your coach becomes a pumpkin at midnight tonight.

I bought my Boss to be free of electricity where I planned on using it. It did the job, . . . and is still doing the job, . . . but like any other machine, there is a learning curve, . . . (hint, hint), . . . read and follow directions.

As for the "horror" stories, . . . far as I am concerned, . . . overanxious people wanting the machine to make up for their own inadequacies.

May God bless,

Dwight