Billsotx Posted November 4, 2006 Report Posted November 4, 2006 If you get a Boss email me and I'll tell you my method of tweaking it. I'd bet Bruce will give you some pointers too. Bruce helped me quite a bit and then I picked up some more pointers along the way. You'll have some options anyway. The video, at least the one I received, is ok in that you can see the machine in action and get a handle on the nomenclature. Especially where it shows you how to sew backwards. I don't stop and start my stitches like they show in the video and there's more they could show & tell you. The manual is good, especially the schematics but it is dated in my opinion. For instance if you call them they'll tell you to thread the machine different than in the manual - that's a GOOD THING! ... cause the way the manual shows no longer works. (Remember there's been updates ... lol I think you'll do ok with a Boss. Quote
Members whinewine Posted November 4, 2006 Author Members Report Posted November 4, 2006 If you get a Boss email me and I'll tell you my method of tweaking it. I'd bet Bruce will give you some pointers too. Bruce helped me quite a bit and then I picked up some more pointers along the way. You'll have some options anyway.The video, at least the one I received, is ok in that you can see the machine in action and get a handle on the nomenclature. Especially where it shows you how to sew backwards. I don't stop and start my stitches like they show in the video and there's more they could show & tell you. The manual is good, especially the schematics but it is dated in my opinion. For instance if you call them they'll tell you to thread the machine different than in the manual - that's a GOOD THING! ... cause the way the manual shows no longer works. (Remember there's been updates ... lol I think you'll do ok with a Boss. Thank you. I have decided to go ahead & purchase the Boss (in payments, so it's manageable). For what I can afford to spend, and what I want to spend, it seems like the best deal. I don't want electric at this point: I need to be able to know how to learn to sew manually (before I'd want to zip off the end of the project with electric). If I don't like it, I can always sell it on ebay for what I paid for it. Plus the bench itself can be used to attach my rivet/snap setter/embossing machine. When I do finally pay it off & have it in my possession, I will most definitely email you and take you up on your offer of how to tweak it. Again, thanks to you and thanks to all who gave their valued input. Believe me, it is appreciated. Russ Quote
Members pella Posted February 19, 2007 Members Report Posted February 19, 2007 I buy the boss because it was the only machine that sew very thick i could afford. I dream the day i will be able to buy a better older foot operated machine... i do not like the boss. I cannot sew thin stuff only thick stuff minimum 14oz will give a nice result for me and i have trouble with the tension, I like to use fine points and fine thread so the lower tensioner is not thight enough and that cause me problems...I tried to modifed last day and i think it is worst now. I hate my machine, i even broke a tooth of the mecanism one day in a rage i suppose when everything was stuck in the machine. I email tipmann and never had an anwser. I wanted to ask them for another piece that brake on my machine...a little piece, and i find a way to replace it but still... I use center foot also as other feet is VERY BIG... SO many hours spend on that machine...and still not have good result, sometime yes sometime no... I use it for repair job... also the needle do not enter in the exact middle of the hole (on the plate) it even touch one side... GRRRRRRRRRRRR it drive me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO now you all know why i like my hands ans awl... nb: i have good souvenirs of a machine when i was at school...there some nice machine out there but you need to pay for... Quote
Members whinewine Posted February 19, 2007 Author Members Report Posted February 19, 2007 Pella: I actually did buy the tippmann in question & I love it. I haven't had any problems with it, so far. I haven't tried to use it to sew thin stuff, though, and I haven't needed to adjust the stitch length either. I usually sew stuff between 4 and 9 oz with no problems & no need to make any adjustments, either. I've been told that the problems come from people turning the adjustment wheels too far: in other words, instead of making a quarter inch turn, they'll make 2 or 3 turns, which throws the machine out of adjustment. As far as the broken part, call tippmann at 1-866-286-8046. Tell them about your email that was ignored and I'm sure they'll they'll help you & replace the broken part with no problems. ***Companies find it easy to ignore an email but very hard to ignore a real person face to face (or voice to voice, for that matter)!*** Call them: if I don't get results, I always call and speak to a real person. If I'm still not satisfied, I go to that person's supervisor, and so on, up the chain. It doesn't always work, but many times it does. YOU have to be firm, YOU have to be forceful, YOU have to be the one in control. Quote
Members Justis Cases Posted February 19, 2007 Members Report Posted February 19, 2007 Most complaints that I hear about sewing machines are usually from individuals that are not one bit mechanically inclined or cannot read and understand the manual that accompanies the machine. Unless you have a fairly good eye, a slightly bent or burred needle point can drive you crazy with skipped stitches, funny noises, etc. Another thing is getting your upper and lower tension correct. You have to be able to look at the stitches closely to make sure the lock is as close to the center of the material as possible. Unless you have the eye for this, it can be frustrating. One small burr on the pick up hook can disable the best machine every made. You also need a good ear to detect changes in sound that will usually tell you in advance that something is about ready to blow. I would say without hesitation that 90% of complaints on sewing machines (manual or electric) are caused by operator error. If you plan on buying a sewing machine, make sure its from a reputable dealer with excellent service backup. When you buy from an individual, your usually on your own. I've always maintained sewing by hand is great only if you don't own a sewing machine. Mine is an old walking foot Juki LU-562. Quote Jack, JUSTIS CASES
Members Justis Cases Posted February 19, 2007 Members Report Posted February 19, 2007 I've always maintained sewing my hand ............ Ouch! That would hurt.......no way to edit the spelling.... Yes there is! Posting is covered in "Help". I fixed it for you.~ Johanna Quote Jack, JUSTIS CASES
Moderator bruce johnson Posted February 20, 2007 Moderator Report Posted February 20, 2007 Jack, I have to agree with you on a few levels. I liked your last line about handsewing is great only if you don't own a sewing machine. From experience, there is nothing romantic about handsewing 20 checkbooks on a Sunday. I could hardly lift my arms to dial the phone Monday morning to order the Boss. "Did I want 2nd day air? YES!!!" I had zero experience with sewing on a machine before, but knew it was time to nod my head or go home. When I went from one inch per minute to one foot per minute, I knew I was right. The Boss and the mechanics taught me how they are supposed to work properly, and being able to cycle it by hand and watch the stitch cycle taught me how to troubleshoot when something wasn't quite right. That was several years ago, but the lessons remain. Biggest lesson, when something changes - always change out needles first. Figuring out what a machine can and can't do directly aided when I moved up to powered machines. I don't think I would have had as good a handle on the powered machines, and which one(s) to buy, had I not bought the Boss first. I knew what capacity machine I needed, not what price machine I wanted to pay. Bruce Johnson Quote Bruce Johnson Malachi 4:2 "the windshield's bigger than the mirror, somewhere west of Laramie" - Dave Stamey Vintage Refurbished And Selected New Leather Tools For Sale - www.brucejohnsonleather.com
Members pella Posted February 20, 2007 Members Report Posted February 20, 2007 It is not the first machine i operate and "no machine is the same", this is the worst i operate since my beginning, and i read all manual carefully, watch the video, let me say there is not much to read. I also know about needle and when problem, i change. look if needle blunt and make test. I had some courses about sewing machine mecanism at school, but these machine where much better quality, i understand the Boss is not that expensive for the work we can accomplish with. Just want to say that is is not a fine quality tool like german machines so maybe normal to have more problem...with pieces. I have a Juki like your justin and it work fine. I had some help from another who own the Boss and i may be able to find the problem, may be some parts to update and thread problem. I'll let you know what happen, i have to call the company. I find romantic to hand sew! lol! Quote
Billsotx Posted February 21, 2007 Report Posted February 21, 2007 Romantic? ... you must have some French blood ... lol! Quote
Members pella Posted February 21, 2007 Members Report Posted February 21, 2007 well...i was replying to Bruce...about romantisism... I do have french blood! lol! From Normandie and my leather teacher where all french from france so they do tranmit their love for hand-sewn stuff. Even if i had a superb machine, i am not sure if i would switch to machine stitch on my products...i am a purist and conservative person, i like tradition when it come to art crafts (but i like creativity as well! ...made the old way!) I call Boss cie and they will send me a replacement shuttle, the NEW MODEL...wow! i supose that will help me with the tension problems. The guys were sympatic and comprehensive of my french accent. One question here, maybe i should start a new thread but it is a question of words What is the difference between STITCHING AND SEWING? In french we have distinct terms for hand stich(?or hand sewn?) and machine stich it is "Cousu à la main" or "piqué à la machine" Quote
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