Finally, a machine that can do what I need it to!

[mudtwo]

After years of hand sewing shearlings on skirts and all the other little jobs on heavy leather I saved enough to get a Artisan 4000. If I could get it in the bed I'd sleep with it! This machine is amazing and Steve at Artisan helped me every step of the way. I purchased a used singer earlier this year hoping to get by but still had to hand sew the "tuff" projects. My advice to anyone who is considering a machine is to not make the mistake I did and buy too small, save awhile longer and definately go for overkill you won't be sorry!

[Bree]

Yep it's a sweet piece of machinery. Mine takes up half the sewing room!! LOL! The thing is a monster.

[BruceGibson]

I love my Toro 4000-P as pretty much everyone around here knows. In fact, a friend of mine has several Artisan machines, and he got a visit from Jerry and Steve last year. They were in the area for a show of some sort, and stopped by his shop. He said they were discussing his 4000-P, and next thing he knew Jerry and Steve had it taken apart and pretty much rebuilt, tweaked, tuned and turbo-charged the thing for him spur of the moment. They could have simply answered his question, but they were there with his machine, so they SHOWED him the answer--and then some. He'll talk about that for years.

This Forum has become well-established, and well-known throughout the leatherworking community. Membership is a simple matter of registering, and participating if you choose. Of the dozens (maybe more?) of manufacturers that make/distribute industrial-type sewing machines, Artisan is the only one I'm aware of that's shown up. Not only did they show up, but ArtisanDave is a regular participant in Forum discussions.

I've got no vested interest in Artisan beyond "happy customer-hood," and none of my praises of these folks is intended to slight any other vendor or manufacturer. The simple fact is, they answer the phone, they answer the most asinine of questions (I've asked most of 'em), and they respond to e-mails--promptly.

Antiquated as the whole concept has become, these people really care about their customers.

[esantoro]

After years of hand sewing shearlings on skirts and all the other little jobs on heavy leather I saved enough to get a Artisan 4000. If I could get it in the bed I'd sleep with it! This machine is amazing and Steve at Artisan helped me every step of the way. I purchased a used singer earlier this year hoping to get by but still had to hand sew the "tuff" projects. My advice to anyone who is considering a machine is to not make the mistake I did and buy too small, save awhile longer and definately go for overkill you won't be sorry!

I also want to sleep with my machine...power, precision, elegant simplicity.

[Art]

You two need to get out a little more.

Art

I also want to sleep with my machine...power, precision, elegant simplicity.

[jimsaddler]

I love my Toro 4000-P as pretty much everyone around here knows. In fact, a friend of mine has several Artisan machines, and he got a visit from Jerry and Steve last year. They were in the area for a show of some sort, and stopped by his shop. He said they were discussing his 4000-P, and next thing he knew Jerry and Steve had it taken apart and pretty much rebuilt, tweaked, tuned and turbo-charged the thing for him spur of the moment. They could have simply answered his question, but they were there with his machine, so they SHOWED him the answer--and then some. He'll talk about that for years.

This Forum has become well-established, and well-known throughout the leatherworking community. Membership is a simple matter of registering, and participating if you choose. Of the dozens (maybe more?) of manufacturers that make/distribute industrial-type sewing machines, Artisan is the only one I'm aware of that's shown up. Not only did they show up, but ArtisanDave is a regular participant in Forum discussions.

I've got no vested interest in Artisan beyond "happy customer-hood," and none of my praises of these folks is intended to slight any other vendor or manufacturer. The simple fact is, they answer the phone, they answer the most asinine of questions (I've asked most of 'em), and they respond to e-mails--promptly.

Antiquated as the whole concept has become, these people really care about their customers.

Whoa Back young Fella

There are a few of us out here who have actually as good as if not better service on the machines we sell, BUT. We don't brag about it!

I actually am a Saddler & Harness Maker of long Standing who nowa-days sells a few Machines to the Trade and those that want them. But I would not use a Forum to further my Sales unless requested to as there is an Ethic that binds us of Mature years to refrain. Occasionally I have had a burst when I see too much about some of the comments knocking other Machines. So here's my comment. Keep commercialism out of the Forum as there's a few better machines out there with actually better knowledge to back them up. Like the ones I sell, Developed by Saddlers for Saddlers and that's ensured that the Bugs I here about on this forum have allready been knocked out of them.

Kindest Regards.

Jim.

Edited December 14, 2008 by jimsaddler

[BruceGibson]

Whoa Back young Fella

There are a few of us out here who have actually as good as if not better service on the machines we sell, BUT. We don't brag about it!

I actually am a Saddler & Harness Maker of long Standing who nowa-days sells a few Machines to the Trade and those that want them. But I would not use a Forum to further my Sales unless requested to as there is an Ethic that binds us of Mature years to refrain. Occasionally I have had a burst when I see too much about some of the comments knocking other Machines. So here's my comment. Keep commercialism out of the Forum as there's a few better machines out there with actually better knowledge to back them up. Like the ones I sell, Developed by Saddlers for Saddlers and that's ensured that the Bugs I here about on this forum have allready been knocked out of them.

Kindest Regards.

Jim.

No offense intended, Jim. I believe I cited in my post that none of my comments were intended to slight other manufacturers or distributors. If I'd purchased a machine from you, and been as impressed with your operation as I am with Artisan, I would be just as quick to brag on you. When someone's in a position where they're about to drop anywhere from two to five thousand dollars on a piece of equipment, I doubt that minimal information has much appeal.

As to the use of a forum to further sales, everybody does that. Some do it in a subtle manner, others by more assertive means. This forum runs the gamut from the basics of getting started up to and including the finer points of Sheridan carving and saddle tree making. Marketing, pricing, and all those fun and many times confusing topics are also addressed. Heck, if it applies to leather, you'll either find it here, or it's welcome here.

To reiterate what I said in my original post, nothing I expressed was intended to slight anyone else. Artisan does a great job, and that's presented as a result of first-hand experience.

[Art]

Hi Jim,

Why not brag about it? What machine do you sell?

Art

Whoa Back young Fella

There are a few of us out here who have actually as good as if not better service on the machines we sell, BUT. We don't brag about it!

I actually am a Saddler & Harness Maker of long Standing who nowa-days sells a few Machines to the Trade and those that want them. But I would not use a Forum to further my Sales unless requested to as there is an Ethic that binds us of Mature years to refrain. Occasionally I have had a burst when I see too much about some of the comments knocking other Machines. So here's my comment. Keep commercialism out of the Forum as there's a few better machines out there with actually better knowledge to back them up. Like the ones I sell, Developed by Saddlers for Saddlers and that's ensured that the Bugs I here about on this forum have allready been knocked out of them.

Kindest Regards.

Jim.

[Go2Tex]

I sure don't get the impression the Artisan folks are posting to this forum to make sales. I doubt they really need to.........

[jimsaddler]

Hi Jim,

Why not brag about it? What machine do you sell?

Art

Art, I Sell the Master 441 with a few improvements like a proper Big Saddlers Fly Wheel, Stainless Steel sets of Feet and easy to use Power Saver Motors ( a big saving nowadays) with a Saddlers & Harness makers Knowledge of using machines for nearly 50 years, thrown in for good measure.

Not anything special, just a well made Chinese Machine at a reasonable price that Customers can afford. Funny part is that My supplier in China listens to what I say does it and is proud of the Products Quality as a result. They sew our of the Box and don't break Needles, don't need much support as there aren't any problems with them. But the support is there anyway if required. When I started selling them a few years ago here in Australia there were similar Machines selling for around $6.000. to $12.000. without Accessories. I sell them for around half that complete with all accessories and am happy to do so. Funny how others dropped their prices then. They'd been charging big Money to us in the Trades for years. Saddlers & Harness Makers here have been struggling for years to make ends meet. Let alone afford to pay the High prices for new Machines. So we went to overpriced Second Hand Machines. NOW, Hey Presto! suddenly They can buy a New State of the Art Machine, complete with all accessories and Servo Motor for the price they'd been paying for used relics.

Now I say this In the U.S. you have the same deal with the Machines sold as Cowboy or Neels. No Hype, the improvements have been done on the recommendation of Highly Experienced Tradesmen including me, who know their Jobs. Also sold at down to Earth Prices. Usually a bit below others but giving a better package also.

Small is best and my workshop is a small operation run by A Tradesman Saddler & Harness Maker who puts the Trade first.

So I've just broken a rule, I pushed a good product where usualy Trade Ethics tell me to Shut-up. This Forum is a good place to share Knowledge, not to sell Machines.

I have a huge load of Knowledge to Share about the Leather trades and I expect to log on and enjoy the Posts and give help where I can. Also have a laugh at some of the obvious mistakes being offered as advice along with the very good advice of some very dedicated Craftsmen and Women. Please don't take offence at my comment as My Definition of a Trades person is "A person who has learned by making all the mistakes and how to avoid them" So please carry on Learning.

Just one tip for the Hand Stitchers though. If you want to do good stitching throw away all of the Gloves and gee Gaws. Use the skin God gave you. If the needle is too tight you're using the wrong Needles. Hands toughen up quickly. Good stitching is a balance of, the right Awl, Needles and thread, for the Job.

Please feel free to ask about any aspect of the Down under Leather Trades and I'll try to answer it. Not carving though as I appreciate Good Leather and don't like to cover it up.

Now lets all have a Happy Day.

Kindest Regards.

Jim.