Tandy Cowboy Outlaw Sewing Machine.

[JayEhl]

On 3/12/2021 at 5:16 PM, RemingtonSteel said:

Jay, this is not as simple as this sounds.

While researching sewing machines, I've come to learn this to be so true.  And I thank you so much for your advice. 

I think I need to focus on just a couple machines that I need to look for because it is getting confusing on brand and versions.  It's making my tiny brain hurt!  

[RemingtonSteel]

Jay, I was looking at the Tippman Boss and the Cowboy Outlaw.  People either love or hate the Boss, and I don't think the Outlaw has been around long enough to find enough people that have had/have one to get a good sense of its functionality, reliability, and stitching quality. I believe that Cowboy, took a hard look at the Boss, and took into account all of its strengths and weaknesses, and tried to minimize/eliminate the weaknesses to produce a better machine.  Whether or not Cowboy achieved this or not, I can't say, but I personally was leaning toward the Outlaw as it appears to be really well made, with a similar shuttle/bobbin assembly to that of the 441 clones.

Here is the irony of it all... I took so much time researching and agonizing over which one to buy in addition to the desire to have a powered machine, I ended up saving even more money over that time frame that I could put toward a used powered machine.

6 hours ago, JayEhl said:

I think I need to focus on just a couple machines that I need to look for because it is getting confusing on brand and versions.  It's making my tiny brain hurt! 

Maybe I can be of a little more assistance here.  As far as the clones go, if you stick with Artisan, Cobra, Cowboy, Ferdco, SewPro, or TechSew (alphabetical order, no preference), you won't go wrong.  All have clones that are based on tried-and-true name brand machines like the Juki 441, or other models. They have been around for years and are used by many members of this forum. From what you have stated above, it sounds like you are going to mainly be sewing veg tanned leather. So, start by narrowing down your search by determining 3 main spec that your sewing machine will require in order to sew your projects, and the are: Presser Foot Lift, Sewing Thickness, and Arm Length. Presser Foot Lift and Sewing Thickness (essentially, but not the same) will be determined by the thickest piece of assembleed leather that you intend to sew. Arm length is determined by the largest pieces you intend to sew and how easily it can be maneuver in the space the machine's arm length offers. 

Although all of the clone manufacturers may offer machines that look the same such as a 441 clone with a 9" arm, you might find that if you look at the specs, they may have different presser foot lift and sewing thickness limitations. If buying new, you would then narrow down your search to those manufacturers that have a machine that meets your requirements, and then it may just come down to who offers the best price, or service, or be local enough for you to pick up and save shipping on, etc.  However if buying used, those don't factor in, and you end up just getting whatever brand becomes available near you, when you are ready to pull the trigger on a purchase. In the meantime, keep a eye out on Craigslist and other classified sites, and don't narrow your search in the keywords you choose or the distance from your home.  I drove 2 1/2 hours each way to pick up my machine, but it was well worth it.

Good Luck. 

[bigsig11010]

I’ve tried 2 different Tandy stores and neither had a cowboy outlaw machine that I could look at. One had a boss but the demo was broken.  I just can’t get comfy spending 1400 for something I can’t see in person. I bought a used Seiko stw 8/ consew 225 and after a month of tinkering and one trip to the shop I’m still not able to sew on the thing.  I’m very frustrated. I have a couple of threads on here about my efforts.  I think I’d buy an outlaw if I could try it out. 

[KeepItSimple]

The thread size and thickness it can sew really appeal to me. I have other machines but this would fill a gap