Leather Sewing Machine

opaul

opaul

KNIFE MAKER
I reached a point that I want a leather sewing machine. Cowboy has a new single stitch lever action model that runs about $1300. The other option is something like the Cobra 3 which runs around $2300.
I’m thinking the Outlaw but it’s relatively new and it’s based on the Tippmann Boss. The Outlaw is cast iron and seems to be a solid machine from what little information Ihave been able to find.
The Cobra is a more versatile machine but for the extra $’s I’m a little hesitant.
What do fellow leather makers recommend?
 
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How is it working g out for you? Would you recommend it for making 5-7 sheaths a month ?
 
opaul said:
How is it working g out for you? Would you recommend it for making 5-7 sheaths a month ?
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No, not for that many sheaths. I still am tweaking it but can run it pretty much with out it messing up need to add a little tension to thread to tighten it up a bit and I have to file the teeth on the bottom of the foot to smooth out the Mark's left on the leather. I hit them a little but didnt want to take it to far because of parts availability. It still is way easier than punching or drilling holes but you have to babysit it and go slow in the curves and transition areas. If the thing was powered I think it would work better because you would have 2 hands to help guide it. Thst may be something I look into in the future. But for the 2 or 3 I do now it's fine. Also for straight runs it works well, so for belts and gun belts I plan on doing it should be a real game changer. If I had the money I would probably look for a commercial used one?
 
Well, I've had a Boss/Tippman for about a year now, and although I've not used it as much as I'd have like (due to my health situation), IF I had it to do over again, I would have purchased the Cobra. My issue with the Tippman is how temperamental it is. To explain, EVERY time I use it, I have to glue up leather to the exact thickness of the sheath I'm hoping to sew. Then, several test rows of stitching, adjusting thread tension with almost every stitch, often taking 1/2 hour or more. Then, the part that makes my teeth itch..... it will go out of adjustment after I get about 1/2 way through the sheath I'm trying to sew......usually it's a stitch that doesn't seat, and the threat breaks! GRRRR!!! Then I have to pull all the stitching, and start again....usually on the 2nd or 3rd run I can get the sheath stitched.....but because of all the hu-bub...... it usually takes me nearly as long as it did by drilling each hole, and sewing by hand.

I've had a couple of folks who make their living at leather come to the shop and have asked them what I'm missing/not doing right...... they tell me it's just the Tippman....saying it's good for very short stitching jobs, in super thick leather.....but otherwise they don't use it. They also said that the Tippman is just a temperamental machine...... "it works when it wants, which isn't most of the time." One of these days, I plan on selling it off and going with the Cobra or Cowboy. The frustration is certainly NOT worth the money I saved by purchasing this thing.
 
EdCaffreyMS said:
Well, I've had a Boss/Tippman for about a year now, and although I've not used it as much as I'd have like (due to my health situation), IF I had it to do over again, I would have purchased the Cobra. My issue with the Tippman is how temperamental it is. To explain, EVERY time I use it, I have to glue up leather to the exact thickness of the sheath I'm hoping to sew. Then, several test rows of stitching, adjusting thread tension with almost every stitch, often taking 1/2 hour or more. Then, the part that makes my teeth itch..... it will go out of adjustment after I get about 1/2 way through the sheath I'm trying to sew......usually it's a stitch that doesn't seat, and the threat breaks! GRRRR!!! Then I have to pull all the stitching, and start again....usually on the 2nd or 3rd run I can get the sheath stitched.....but because of all the hu-bub...... it usually takes me nearly as long as it did by drilling each hole, and sewing by hand.

I've had a couple of folks who make their living at leather come to the shop and have asked them what I'm missing/not doing right...... they tell me it's just the Tippman....saying it's good for very short stitching jobs, in super thick leather.....but otherwise they don't use it. They also said that the Tippman is just a temperamental machine...... "it works when it wants, which isn't most of the time." One of these days, I plan on selling it off and going with the Cobra or Cowboy. The frustration is certainly NOT worth the money I saved by purchasing this thing.
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Thanks Ed. Nothing speaks like experience and i’m sure 95% of my work will be sheaths and I don’t want to deal with the issues you have experienced.
 
EdCaffreyMS said:
Well, I've had a Boss/Tippman for about a year now, and although I've not used it as much as I'd have like (due to my health situation), IF I had it to do over again, I would have purchased the Cobra. My issue with the Tippman is how temperamental it is. To explain, EVERY time I use it, I have to glue up leather to the exact thickness of the sheath I'm hoping to sew. Then, several test rows of stitching, adjusting thread tension with almost every stitch, often taking 1/2 hour or more. Then, the part that makes my teeth itch..... it will go out of adjustment after I get about 1/2 way through the sheath I'm trying to sew......usually it's a stitch that doesn't seat, and the threat breaks! GRRRR!!! Then I have to pull all the stitching, and start again....usually on the 2nd or 3rd run I can get the sheath stitched.....but because of all the hu-bub...... it usually takes me nearly as long as it did by drilling each hole, and sewing by hand.

I've had a couple of folks who make their living at leather come to the shop and have asked them what I'm missing/not doing right...... they tell me it's just the Tippman....saying it's good for very short stitching jobs, in super thick leather.....but otherwise they don't use it. They also said that the Tippman is just a temperamental machine...... "it works when it wants, which isn't most of the time." One of these days, I plan on selling it off and going with the Cobra or Cowboy. The frustration is certainly NOT worth the money I saved by purchasing this thing.
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There's your answer for sure!! If it's that temperamental buy the cheap Chinese one I have and be frustrated because its cheap!! LOL!!
 
I know a guy selling this! In like new condition, it’s Bruce Bump
 

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