leather stitching machine

[Bailey Knives]

what leather sewing machines do you use for your sheaths? I am looking at them and would like some input.

 

[DC KNIVES]

Well the best is the Artisan 3000 which will run you around $2200.They are great and have excellant customer sevice. For manual operation you could opt for the Tippman Boss which IRC is around $1600.You can also google up some used leather machine companies but you need to know what your looking for as alot of these machines are somewhat specialized and may not work as well for your specific needs. But deals can be had. I just picked up a 1918 Singer 31-15 leather machine with a new motor for $50.00. The thread and needles cost me more than that. Good luck in your search. Dave

 

[Bailey Knives]

will your singer stitch through sheath leather? Say 3 layers of 6-7 ounce leather.

 

[jim moyer]

The Tippman Boss runs 1495.00 direct from the factory and will stitch 3/4 of an inch of stacked leather. Mine gets a good workout as I hate hand stitching anymore.

 

[Hmathews]

I have used a Tippman Boss since 2002. It has worked great and sewn a lot of sheaths, but it does act up from time to time. It can be very frustrating until you figure out some of the problems you can have with the machine. Most are related to keeping it clean and using a sharp needle. Sewing up or down hill can create a problem with stitch length, but that can be overcome by pre marking the stitches and paying attention. Getting the tension set correctly can also be a bit of a problem. Back stitching can be a challenge, but if you get some scrap leather and practice, it won't take long to figure it out. Treating the needles like they are free is the best advice you can get with a Tippman. The customer service at Tippman has always been great. Their people are very knowledgeable and can offer hints that are not in the instruction manual. If you ever use one you will never want to hand stitch a sheath again.

I have friends that have Artisans and they have said that the learning curve is non existent. Basically plug it in and play. I haven't tried one yet, but I am going to when I get the chance.

 

[Bailey Knives]

I just measured the thickness of one of my hand stitched sheaths, and it was 1/2 inch, so the tippmann should take that with no problems.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I bought a Tippman Boss a couple months ago. There is a learning curve but compared to sewing by hand on field grade knife sheaths I cant imagine not having it now.

 

[Steve Hayden]

I stitch 10 oz sheaths with my hands and a pair of pliers to pull the second stitch through-saddle stitched. If you get it right, it gives a great sense of accomplishment.

The lessons that Chuck Burrows gave me didn't hurt either.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I stitch 10 oz sheaths with my hands and a pair of pliers to pull the second stitch through-saddle stitched. If you get it right, it gives a great sense of accomplishment.

The lessons that Chuck Burrows gave me didn't hurt either.

I have Chucks DVD. Its great. I have hand sewn my sheaths for years but anymore my hands and wrists ache just thinking about it.

 

[Wild Rose]

I stitch 10 oz sheaths with my hands and a pair of pliers to pull the second stitch through-saddle stitched.

Steve - try some of those rubber finger tips you cn get at office supplies - I use one only on my forefinger but you can use one on your thumb as well - using them has virtually eliminted the use of pliers.

Tippmans can be nice but IMO a power machine is the thing if you're doing long seams or high production and I;ve done both in my "career". Artisan and Ferdco are the two top names for leather sewing machines - technically a leather stitcher is a needle and awl machine such as the Landis #3, Campbell-Bosworth, and Union Lockstitch - stitchers are also the only machines that will generally use linen or hemp thread, but they are pricey.

I have hand sewn my sheaths for years but anymore my hands and wrists ache just thinking about it.

You woose! (just kidding Bruce)
Now here's a set that should make your hands tired just looking.

Everything is handstitched at 6 stitches per inch including the lined belt which is approximately 40" overall length times 2 = 80 inches times 6 = 480 stitches just for that item alone...
One thing to note if your hands and wrists are getting tired you may be pulling too hard when tightening the stitch - they need to be just snug - it's also the reason I prefer my "wax" to be a mix of pitch and beeswax since the pitch makes it stickier and locks better. My problems are more with my elbows and shoulder, but that's just long term wear and tear on the ole bod and with the work I do (including beading) a machine is mostly out of the picture so I grin and bear it.. well along with a bit of whining now and a again!

FWIW - machines are nice, but they are not a cure for bad stitching - they can and will have their own set of problems - once learned though they do speed up the process.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Chuck I cant compete with you hand stitching or the best machine made. Thats just great work there!
I do have a comment though...the bowie and the semi-auto w/clips are from 2 different centuries

Hey I'm working on a pistol/dagger combo right now. Do you still want to do the collab?

 

[Wild Rose]

Sounds good on the collab - let's talk.......

The Bowie by the way is one of Gib's the gent who owns it carried one of Gib's while in Afghanistan and wanted this one for his turn of the century rig ala some of the old Texas Ranger rigs from that era...

 

[Hmathews]

That is the very rig that is causing me to carry my S&W 29 in my back pocket. I was getting ready to make a rig for it and Chuck posted a picture of this beautiful outfit and I thought "I need to wait and get in some more practice before tackling something like that." The thought of hand stitching that makes me cringe.

 

[Wild Rose]

Harry - if you're in want of a good pattern for that M29 let me know - I've made up a pattern from an original George Lawrence Keith Holster and will be glad to send it to you - nothing better than the classic holster for a classic revolver...

and here's a carving pattern from that time period....it's Tom Threepersons holster - the Keith holster is basically the same with the addition of the safety loop...

apologies for getting off topic....

 

[Hmathews]

Chuck, e-mail sent.

 

[i4Marc]

Chuck,

Thanks for all of your posts. You are very generous with your knowledge and you continue to help a lot of people. Could you give us a little more information about which beeswax/pitch-blend you use along with some links of where to find it? I have seen the Montana product but it has mink oil as well. Is that ok or do you recommend another?

Thanks,
Marc

 

[brettn]

I'm a tippman boss owner as well and have had great experiences with it so far.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Chuck sells videos on his techniques, and is a big help with info. maybe it would be best to send him an email or PM. This is almost a five year old thread, so I am closing it.