Tippmann Boss

[AKRob]

I have used a Boss for about 28 monthes. Tippmann's service is excellent. There is a learning curve and both of my machines have their own "personality" so to speak. Tippmann created a lot of bad blood recently when they eliminated a whole pile of small dealers. It took me a bit to nrealize that the rack and gear are designed to break BEFORE the more expensive parts do. They have replaced parts free out of warrenty and been informative on the phone. We use our machines hard and often. I would like to find an Aero Stich one of these days or get into a good electric machine for doing heavy belt stiching, etc.

But we will keep the boss machines for doing our general holster work as they do it so well.

Rob

[whinewine]

I have used a Boss for about 28 monthes. Tippmann's service is excellent. There is a learning curve and both of my machines have their own "personality" so to speak. Tippmann created a lot of bad blood recently when they eliminated a whole pile of small dealers. It took me a bit to realize that the rack and gear are designed to break BEFORE the more expensive parts do. They have replaced parts free out of warrenty and been informative on the phone. We use our machines hard and often. I would like to find an Aero Stich one of these days or get into a good electric machine for doing heavy belt stiching, etc.

But we will keep the boss machines for doing our general holster work as they do it so well.

Rob

Several months ago (when I first joined the forum), I had started a whole other post about the fact that certain dealers would no longer sell the Boss & I wondered why & asked why. . Some refused to tell me & others gave me some song & dance about reliability & service, etc. Bottom line is that I purchased a new (but out of warranty) machine from Ron Ross in St Joe, Indiana & I love it. I've had no problems with it so far. It's a great machine to operate, Ron has been extremely accomodating & helpful & someone from Tippmann has even contacted me... The only downside I can see from this is in its inability to sew backwards (easily) to lock the stitches ( it needs to be done manually). At this point, though, I can't complain...Now, I haven't had to make many adjustments yet, but I still don't forsee any major problems. I'm getting ready to sew two 3oz pieces of upholstery leather together without the use of a sewing table/platform (an optional piece of equipment) & we'll see where this goes. At this point, I do not want electric; I just want to control everything & place every stitch where I want it. I'm also considering buying an edge guide and possibly an optional sewing table for it.

BTW: if anyone who hates the Tippmann Boss has any of these items for sale, I might be interested... (this is not a solicitation to buy, but if you have this stuff around & want to get rid of it, quote me a price... thank you.)

[K-Man]

Tippmann's Boss was my first, second, and third machine. I broke the first two and sold the third off in frustration. The first machine was their old model; the second and third machines were their current model. The third machine I tried to work with for about eight months. Tippmann's customer service was/is exceptional and I certainly have no complaints about their willingness to help. I was just one of those people who could not get along with the machine. In fact, after I broke the second one, I told Jim Miller at Tippmann that before they came out with a new model of it to send it to me and let me try it out first. If I couldn't break it, then they knew they had a good machine. :biggrin:

With respect to availability of a BOSS, there is a gentleman I know who may be getting rid of his. I'll check with him and see if he's still considering doing that. If he is, I'll send you a pm/email with respect to the details.

[whinewine]

K-man: my machine is an aluminam one & I love it at this point, as I've said before. BTW, I'm NOT looking to buy a 2nd machine, JUST some of the accessories (i.e., the edge guide, and/or the sewing table, and perhaps the stirrup sewing option. Nothing more. Thanks. Russ

[wolvenstien]

K-Man, if it is for sale, hit me with the info.... I may/may not be in the market, but it wont hurt to get the info.

Thanks

[Jim M]

I used the heck out of one, but it was no where close to worn out when I sold it.

Bruce Johnson

I've hesitated to reply to this, Bruce. I think the Boss was worn out. Only reason I can think of to explain why my work with it doesn't look anything like yours.

Seriously, I've been very happy with the Boss, and it easily handles my needs.

Much thanks to Bruce for all of the tips and guidance, too. Now if some of his talent would just rub off! :biggrin:

Edited June 15, 2007 by Jim M

[Phil]

Thank you all for your observations and recommendations related to the Tippmann Boss manual sticher. I recently located a used machine for $800.00 from Landwerlen Leather, Indianapolis with all options and stand for sale as they are a former dealer. Taking into account it is a used machine from Bruce and others, I called the factory yesterday who suggested I make an appointment to bring it in to them since I live in Indiana so they could check it's condition. Next Wednesday I will be spending a couple hours with a technition who will go over my Tippmann Boss with me and make any neccesary updates. Price will start at $50.00 for the inspection and any price of parts. So far I have found the service exceptional.

Being new to leather crafting, I appreciate this forum for information you all provide. I ask the technition why dealers are being dropped and his explanation was the margins for retail are just too small. I own a shoe repair and would like to do leather holster work and tooling.

Thanks from Greenwood, Indiana!

[Phil]

Follow up on visiting Tippmann Industrial Products.

Yesterday I made a 3 hour drive to Fort Wayne, Indiana with my used Boss. Ben Keck greeted me and was the technician who helped me go through the machine for re-adjustment. Two hours later and free replacement of some parts and updated parts cost under $30.00, resulted in a machine now in new working condition. Total cost was under $50.00 and the knowledge gained on set up and adjustment, priceless. I found the shop to be rather small (maybe 150' x 100') with very experienced staff building every gear, body, casting and workings (100% build in plant at Ft. Wayne). This is top shelf service you do not expect which included a plant tour of production (they no longer have a minimum $100.00 fee).

I can say that the Boss can easily get out of adjustment over time and needle placement is critical when changing along with spring tensions. Ben mentioned many times he's opened a machine to find it packed in grease which stops it from operating correctly (you should not grease internal parts as they will not need it). Factory service is highly suggested and many upgrades are done which will help your used machines, some at no charge. I hope this answers some questions in this forum and feel free to respond.

As far as the dealership drops are concerned, lets just say there may be an issue with the former distributor pending, concerning politics and patent rights.

[oldtimer]

My experience of the Boss is that the old model, cast iron frame with steel inner parts, is a lot better than the "upgraded" model with aluminium frame and zink inner parts. I have had 2 alu. frame that have broken down , then I bought a used iron frame Boss that runs like a clockwork from the first day. I repaired the first two machines and sold them. So my suggestion to a Boss buyer is: Find a used iron frame Boss . a much better machine than the "upgraded version".

Also, there is much to be desired about the way Tippmanns help their customers in need. At least they could reply your emails ??