sewing machine for leather?

M

Mahoney

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Mar 8, 2006
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I'm thinking of buying a proper sewing machine to deal with jobs involving lots of layers of leather or vinyl. So far I've found the Tippmann Boss, Tippmann Aerostitch, Consew 756, Artisan Toro 4000, and Cobra class 4. Any other machine I should look at? Any comments on any of these machines?

The advantages of the powered machines over the Boss include being able to use both hands to hold the work, a possible plus as we sometimes make sheaths for swords and other big projects. The machine would see occasional heavy use, and while I don't want to spend more than I need to, I'd rather buy just once and get a machine that will see us through whatever project might come up

Thanks
 
As long as you're researching, here's one you should be aware of.
I've had my Cowboy 3500 for about a month now, and the honeymoon is still going strong.:D
It's rated to go through 3/4" and I know it will do so because I've done it.
Most of my projects are 2-3 layers of 8-10oz and it makes very short work of them. What used to take me 45 minutes to hand-stitch, now takes me 5.
I'm no expert (yet) on this machine, but as I understand it, several of these 441 style machine are basically the same with interchangeable parts,( Cobra, Juki, Singer, Artisan, Cowboy, to name a few).
This CB3500 is a 9-1/2" arm....their 4500 is comparable to the Cobra Class 4 and the Toro 4000 if I'm not mistaken.
The dealer who sold it to me is only 1/2 hr from me, and readily available on the phone so that makes it nice for me too. While we've become fast friends, I haven't had to bother him too much, but it's nice to know he's there!

Here I've got it set at 6 SPI and it's almost as nice as my hand-stitching...:D

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And another thing........I actually went to this dealer hoping I could find a used Boss (he carries many used machines), I was really sold on them. After hand-stitching daily for 5 years I figured it (Boss) would be quite the up-grade.
And it would have been....but when he demoed this Cowboy, for $500 more, it was a no-brainer decision......not that I had the extra cash laying around, I just had to wait another month or so before I could bring it home.
 
Rayban is correct about the similarity of the major brands out there. The kicker is IF that dealer is close you, then he has the best machine!

My personal choice above all is the Artisan brand and you should also investigate the Artisan Toro 3000 and 3200. Basically the same machine as the 4000 but with a shorter throat. As Ray said it's a very short step price wise from the Tippman Boss to the 3000 or the 3200.

Good luck!
 
I was recently in the same boat and bought a used Tippmann Boss for $500. They are finicky machines (I had used a family members before deciding hand stitching was eating up too much time) but once you get it dialed in they run beautifully. I look at it like a challenge and I found this one cheap enough I didn't get my feelings hurt too bad either.

I do know the next machine I buy will be a Cobra Class 4 - my thinking is overkill is always better!
 
Good find on the Boss...I bet if you sold it you could get 800-900 for it....lots of peeps are looking out for a used one.
 
I have used a Tippman Boss for 8 years and really like it. For the difference between a new one and an Artisan though I think I would hold out for the Artisan. The Tippman does a great job but it can take some getting used to and you need to change needles like they are free.
 
Thanks for the advice, Cobra and Artisan are both close enough to me to be "local" I'll take a couple field trips when I have a bit of time.
 
rayban said:
Good find on the Boss...I bet if you sold it you could get 800-900 for it....lots of peeps are looking out for a used one.
Click to expand...

Those were my thoughts as well, I wasn't 'in the market' but I wasn't going to pass up on it either when I knew I could get my money back out of it. Should you find a used one I have already spoken with Tippmann and if need be they will do a total overhaul for around $200 IIRC.

Hmathews said:
I have used a Tippman Boss for 8 years and really like it. For the difference between a new one and an Artisan though I think I would hold out for the Artisan. The Tippman does a great job but it can take some getting used to and you need to change needles like they are free.
Click to expand...

I'll second that as well. As nice as the Boss is just doing holsters which is my primary work, I can see how nice it would be to be able to use both hands on a project with a foot control.
 
I've been using an Artisan Toro 3000 in my holster shop for the past 5 years. Good machine.
Randy
 
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