Greatly appreciate this in-depth review. Just beginning leather work as a hobby and considering a sewing machine to save time and your insights were very useful. Thanks for sharing
I lucked out BIG TIME! The house right across the street was having a garage sale, they had a bunch if leather working supplies and among them was a tippmann boss, I asked how much they wanted for everything. The lady told me $80!!!! Clearly they didn't know what they had.
Good morning! Just saw this video and you have some good key points, pros and cons. I think everyone in leather craft gets to this point; hand sew or machine sew. I was right there! I, just like you, bought the Boss and went through everything you spoke about. It is a good machine even with the issues we had. I still use it from time to time however, buying a sewing machine solves many issues. I know this is an older video and I'm not shure if you have purchased another machine but, I went to Makers Leather in Waco to kick tires and to see one in action. They were very helpfull in letting me sew on the machine they use and sell. I would think about a road trip :) I'm setting mine up right now in my new shop, Her in Cleveland, Texas and can't wait to use it. Keep up the good work and the videos. I injoy every one.
If you end up deciding to get a motorized sewing machine, my advise is regardless of the brand, make sure you’re getting something with a d.c. servo motor and speed reducer. I’ve used clutch motor machines before. They cost less but are very difficult to control.
I had a much different experience with mine. I bought one from the local Tandy’s several months ago. I’d been considering the purchase for about ten years. The tension was adjusted wrong out of the box. I went through 1/2 the provided thread spool and tinkered for about a month and it never was correct. I followed the instructions, RUclips videos, etc. Nothing worked. The Tandy staff knew next to nothing about the machine. I never got through directly to Tippman. I finally returned it to Tandy’s. Then, I purchased a Cobra Class 26 from Maker’s Leather Supply in Waco. It was worth the extra expense due to the lack of frustration! The Cobra works like a charm and the support is fantastic. It was a very disappointing experience.
I have found Mine to be finnicky to use . It has it's uses and limitations. I mounted Mine to a board and made My own 2 spool thread stand that incorporates a swing away 120-watt LED floodlight. I use My Boss stitcher equally as much for hole layout in thick assemblies that will be hand sewn with Tiger thread . I changed the tensioner nuts to Nylock nuts as vibration caused tons of trouble loosening the stock nuts.
I have heard this from several people whi have also purchased the Boss. It did take me a good minute to get everything dialed in. Im currently looking to transition to the cowboy outlaw
I purchased one 16 months ago, but health issues prevented me from setting it up/learning until about 4 months ago.... and it has been nothing short of pure hell ever since. I have 30+ years under my belt as a Blacksmith/Bladesmith/Knifemaker, and know about "learning curves", but for 4 months and countless hours on the phone with Tippmann, this machine simply will not sew correctly nor reliably. Even the Tippmann support has told me "I don't know what's wrong". I'm done wasting time on a machine who's design is either significantly flawed, or the one I have is a lemon. If you must have a hand stitcher, look to the Cowboy Outlaw, and RUN from this one. At least the Cowboy has a cast iron body and steel internals! The Boss has a cast ALUMINUM body, and DIE CAST ZINC internals! Just today, I told Tippmann that I have a $1500 BOAT ANCHOR on my bench, and they need to make it right! The ball is in their court now.
Great Video! I hand stitch cordovan leather wallets with a total combined layer thickness of 3-5mm. How close can one "safely" get to the edge of the leather and what is the shortest length of a one individual stitch? I want to have as fine ones as possible.
The tippman boss can use size threads 69-415 and can lay 4-16 stitches per inch. Ive gotten farely close to the edges of my smaller wallets and it gets the job done. The main thing is to have the propper needle size, thread size, and presser foot setting
Glad I came across this video. I am exactly where you are in leather work. I am a full time firefighter in AZ and just recently got back into leather work. Been doing it off and on since I was a kid and now its become a small business. Started off with small ID badge holders now I’m making all kind of wallets and such. Guys are asking for the bigger stuff like radio harness, axe sheaths etc. Hand stitching is killing my time and profits as you know. Glad you made this video! I currently hand stitch with Ritza 1.0 thread. I like the look of the thicker thread. How thick can you sew with and what kind do you use? Rob
Thats awesome. To be completely honest, i would check out the Cowboy Outlaw. It is very similar in design but made with way higher quality materials. Right now my Tippman is down and im trying to diagnose what broke...again. i typically use either 138-277 bonded nylon which i get from Springfield Leather co
Thx for the great review on "the Boss". A very honest one at that. Lots of food for thought, as I'm researching different machines to purchase. It'll be my first leather sewing machine. I'm thinking about my needs, and really don't want to have to buy a second machine down the road. At this point in your career, if you were to buy one again, which sewing machine would it be? (Name one machine). Myself, so far in my research, it's between the Tippmann Boss and the Cobra 26. (I can't even name one). Thx again for your review. Much appreciated.
Ive never sewn denim, but i have sewn material to leather and it did fine. Id look into the Singer heavy duty sewing machines. I picked one up at Walmart for around $200. Works great for light leathers on down
Generally what I've seen is most beginners buy a Boss, and then within a matter of months realize that they really should just get a sewing machine for a few hundred dollars more. They sell the Boss and move on, and repeat to the next person. I don't really know anyone who has bought the Boss and not upgraded. The Boss lands in this weird area where its the same price as a sewing machine, with half the functionality, and a lot more pain and time.
You do realize there is some people use this to make saddles and other accessories for the horse industry, there used to be a man came to the bigger horse shows and Rodeos and fixed all sorts of saddles, bridles, chaps, etc..... with that lil machine. No matter what you choose to do or get they'll always be limitations.
Thats outstanding. I dont have any saddle or tack making experience so i wouldnt know the ins and outs of what it takes to stitch one up. The machine does a great job.
Thank you for video,i am is a new i leathercraft and very interest this mashie . I make walets but planing belts and holsters,could you give advise can i use this machine for sewing shoes and small project’s like wallets? Thank you.
Ok my man, I love my boss but vinyl I cannot figure out!!!! It literally knots up and will not do anything short of 4 layers of vinyl? Any recommendations on what to do. I have a 160 needle and thread to match and it still does not do well with it.....
Hello. I hear you on vinyl. It is more tricky. I went to a size 138 thread, lowered my presser foot tension, and also had to play around with my thread tension. Most of the time if im stitching vinyl i fold the edges on themselves to make it thicker and to also give it a nice edge
The tippmann boss comes with a bobbin winder that you put in a drill. You then put your thread in the bobbin winder and then place your bobbin on top. Activating the drill causes the thread to be wound around the bobbin
2:05 looks to be a broken gear tooth on gear. I’ve owned mine 10+ years, and because the gears are not steel this is common. If I was to buy again, they would have to have steel gears and rack, 9” throat, and still be made in the US. The customer service I have received has been second to none in any field, any questions are answered knowledgeably by a service tech.
About 18 to 20 years ago I purchased the aluminium Tippmann Boss, I broke the gears so many times I told myself NEVER TO BUY THE TIPPMANN AGAIN, NEVER to recommend it to anyone, the second time I broke the machine it could not be fixed so I had to send it to them from UK all the way to Indiana USA, when I got the machine back guess what I BROKE IT AGAIN, inferior parts. I had to sell it as a broken machine and accept the loss. You people at TIPPMANN cost me a bunch of money... I am buying the Cowboy Outlaw, Farid Mehr, knife maker
That really sucks. After making this video ive had many people comment on my social media platforms that they are also having issues. Maybe thats why Tandy switched over to the Cowboy Outlaw
Just MoonLight as a Arm Wrestler and make a few extra Hundred on the weekends LOL ... Anyone ask your secret, just say you "Crank It" :D ... Jokes aside, informative vid, and Yea I've been hand stitching odd end jobs for a few years now and people have started to notice my work, so i'm biting the bullet and see where it takes me, be nice to earn some extra cash on the side.
I bought a Tippman Boss and it's been nothing but trouble. The working parts are very cheap cast metal and the teeth on the gears break off all the time. The tolerances are so loose on the moving parts that it causes very fast wear which in turn causes gears to bind and eventually break. I'm now in the market for a machine that is quality made. This 'Boss' is not it. They may have been quality made in the past but cost cutting has now caused this machine to be very sub standard. Save your money, invest in a quality machine you'll be happy you did!
For this over priced machine to be paid for ten times over you would have to have made way over $150000 with that machine alone, I do not Belice you have, you are being to generous with your review
Thanks for the comment. Might need to check your math though. Yes it has its flaws, but its still workin like a champ. There are definitly better options out there.
@@dc-wp8oc i have not used one but the cowboy outlaw is said to rival the boss, both in design and quality. Im looking to purchase that one next. I also use a cowboy 3200 and love it
Very outdated sewing machine, who is going to waste their time to hold a material with one hand n pump with the other hand just to stitch a material...just make it with a wheel to work with a motor
It for sure has its pros and cons. One great thing is you could literally use it in the middle of the woods. No electricity needed. Ive stitched everything with it. Just takes practice.
I’ve had a Boss for 15 years, the machine definitely has a learning curve. Using this machine is a skill, which you will learn over time.
Absolutely
Is this Paul? NY?
@@jlowrie33 nope, sorry
Greatly appreciate this in-depth review. Just beginning leather work as a hobby and considering a sewing machine to save time and your insights were very useful. Thanks for sharing
I lucked out BIG TIME! The house right across the street was having a garage sale, they had a bunch if leather working supplies and among them was a tippmann boss, I asked how much they wanted for everything.
The lady told me $80!!!!
Clearly they didn't know what they had.
Super score!!!!
Good morning! Just saw this video and you have some good key points, pros and cons. I think everyone in leather craft gets to this point; hand sew or machine sew. I was right there! I, just like you, bought the Boss and went through everything you spoke about. It is a good machine even with the issues we had. I still use it from time to time however, buying a sewing machine solves many issues. I know this is an older video and I'm not shure if you have purchased another machine but, I went to Makers Leather in Waco to kick tires and to see one in action. They were very helpfull in letting me sew on the machine they use and sell. I would think about a road trip :) I'm setting mine up right now in my new shop, Her in Cleveland, Texas and can't wait to use it. Keep up the good work and the videos. I injoy every one.
I have since purchased a cowboy 3200 and also love it. From time to time I still use the Boss however. Its still workin hard.
If you end up deciding to get a motorized sewing machine, my advise is regardless of the brand, make sure you’re getting something with a d.c. servo motor and speed reducer. I’ve used clutch motor machines before. They cost less but are very difficult to control.
Yessir. I hear ya on that. I will definitely be looking to get a sewing machine with both.
I had a much different experience with mine. I bought one from the local Tandy’s several months ago. I’d been considering the purchase for about ten years. The tension was adjusted wrong out of the box. I went through 1/2 the provided thread spool and tinkered for about a month and it never was correct. I followed the instructions, RUclips videos, etc. Nothing worked. The Tandy staff knew next to nothing about the machine. I never got through directly to Tippman. I finally returned it to Tandy’s. Then, I purchased a Cobra Class 26 from Maker’s Leather Supply in Waco. It was worth the extra expense due to the lack of frustration! The Cobra works like a charm and the support is fantastic. It was a very disappointing experience.
Wow. Soo sorry you had to go through that. Must have had a lemon. Thanks for commenting about the cobra. Im really interesting in purchasing one
Great info great video.... I'm new to all this, I just a boss myself for 600.00 can't wait to start using it
Heck of a deal
I have found Mine to be finnicky to use . It has it's uses and limitations. I mounted Mine to a board and made My own 2 spool thread stand that incorporates a swing away 120-watt LED floodlight. I use My Boss stitcher equally as much for hole layout in thick assemblies that will be hand sewn with Tiger thread . I changed the tensioner nuts to Nylock nuts as vibration caused tons of trouble loosening the stock nuts.
I have heard this from several people whi have also purchased the Boss. It did take me a good minute to get everything dialed in. Im currently looking to transition to the cowboy outlaw
Very honest comments, thanks!
Did you ever upgrade? And if so, which machine did you choose?
I did. I got the Cowboy 3200. I really like it. Still use the Boss a ton though
I purchased one 16 months ago, but health issues prevented me from setting it up/learning until about 4 months ago.... and it has been nothing short of pure hell ever since. I have 30+ years under my belt as a Blacksmith/Bladesmith/Knifemaker, and know about "learning curves", but for 4 months and countless hours on the phone with Tippmann, this machine simply will not sew correctly nor reliably. Even the Tippmann support has told me "I don't know what's wrong". I'm done wasting time on a machine who's design is either significantly flawed, or the one I have is a lemon. If you must have a hand stitcher, look to the Cowboy Outlaw, and RUN from this one. At least the Cowboy has a cast iron body and steel internals! The Boss has a cast ALUMINUM body, and DIE CAST ZINC internals! Just today, I told Tippmann that I have a $1500 BOAT ANCHOR on my bench, and they need to make it right! The ball is in their court now.
Wow that sucks. You definitely have a lemon. I just upgraded to a cowboy 3200
All good points. Thanks.
Great video, thanks!
Really helpful. Thanks!
Great Video! I hand stitch cordovan leather wallets with a total combined layer thickness of 3-5mm. How close can one "safely" get to the edge of the leather and what is the shortest length of a one individual stitch? I want to have as fine ones as possible.
The tippman boss can use size threads 69-415 and can lay 4-16 stitches per inch. Ive gotten farely close to the edges of my smaller wallets and it gets the job done. The main thing is to have the propper needle size, thread size, and presser foot setting
@@AttackLineLeather 🚀
Would have never paid that kind of money for a hand operated sewing machine that's just crazy no matter who made it!
And now they say they have it better what do I have change 15 years ago how can I fix this. Michael
Hi about 15 yeats ago I purchased Tippmann sewing ,and over 15 yearsa
Love your videos man.good info
Thank you
Glad I came across this video. I am exactly where you are in leather work. I am a full time firefighter in AZ and just recently got back into leather work. Been doing it off and on since I was a kid and now its become a small business. Started off with small ID badge holders now I’m making all kind of wallets and such. Guys are asking for the bigger stuff like radio harness, axe sheaths etc. Hand stitching is killing my time and profits as you know. Glad you made this video! I currently hand stitch with Ritza 1.0 thread. I like the look of the thicker thread. How thick can you sew with and what kind do you use?
Rob
Thats awesome. To be completely honest, i would check out the Cowboy Outlaw. It is very similar in design but made with way higher quality materials. Right now my Tippman is down and im trying to diagnose what broke...again. i typically use either 138-277 bonded nylon which i get from Springfield Leather co
Cool video
Thx for the great review on "the Boss". A very honest one at that. Lots of food for thought, as I'm researching different machines to purchase. It'll be my first leather sewing machine. I'm thinking about my needs, and really don't want to have to buy a second machine down the road. At this point in your career, if you were to buy one again, which sewing machine would it be? (Name one machine). Myself, so far in my research, it's between the Tippmann Boss and the Cobra 26. (I can't even name one). Thx again for your review. Much appreciated.
Thank you the support and comment. If i were to get a machine knowing what i know now id probably pick up the cowboy 3200
What thread do you use for the fire service items? Where do you get it from?
I use bonded nylon thread and i get it from Springfield leather co
how does it sew denim? (since denim is thin does it matter or do well?
Ive never sewn denim, but i have sewn material to leather and it did fine. Id look into the Singer heavy duty sewing machines. I picked one up at Walmart for around $200. Works great for light leathers on down
What size thread and needle do you use for your fire helmet shields?
does it leave track marks on the back side?
Generally what I've seen is most beginners buy a Boss, and then within a matter of months realize that they really should just get a sewing machine for a few hundred dollars more. They sell the Boss and move on, and repeat to the next person.
I don't really know anyone who has bought the Boss and not upgraded. The Boss lands in this weird area where its the same price as a sewing machine, with half the functionality, and a lot more pain and time.
Very true. I did the exact same thing. Im probably going to do an update video with some of your points
You do realize there is some people use this to make saddles and other accessories for the horse industry, there used to be a man came to the bigger horse shows and Rodeos and fixed all sorts of saddles, bridles, chaps, etc..... with that lil machine.
No matter what you choose to do or get they'll always be limitations.
Thats outstanding. I dont have any saddle or tack making experience so i wouldnt know the ins and outs of what it takes to stitch one up. The machine does a great job.
Thank you for video,i am is a new i leathercraft and very interest this mashie .
I make walets but planing belts and holsters,could you give advise can i use this machine for sewing shoes and small project’s like wallets?
Thank you.
Thank you for the support. Yes this will sew wallets and belts very well
If it possible to adjust a stitch width too???
@@Arch1301 yes it adjusts stitch length
@@AttackLineLeather Thank you for answer ,subscribed 👍✋
Bendiciones buenas noches por favor cuánto cuesta $$ la venden y como la compro por favor información gracias
Ok my man, I love my boss but vinyl I cannot figure out!!!! It literally knots up and will not do anything short of 4 layers of vinyl? Any recommendations on what to do. I have a 160 needle and thread to match and it still does not do well with it.....
Hello. I hear you on vinyl. It is more tricky. I went to a size 138 thread, lowered my presser foot tension, and also had to play around with my thread tension. Most of the time if im stitching vinyl i fold the edges on themselves to make it thicker and to also give it a nice edge
Use a silicone spray or “camp dry” on the needle and feed area.
Also you can tub on a little beeswax for lubrication of the material.
Thanks for the helpful vid!:)
Glad it helped
How do you wind a bobbin?
The tippmann boss comes with a bobbin winder that you put in a drill. You then put your thread in the bobbin winder and then place your bobbin on top. Activating the drill causes the thread to be wound around the bobbin
2:05 looks to be a broken gear tooth on gear. I’ve owned mine 10+ years, and because the gears are not steel this is common. If I was to buy again, they would have to have steel gears and rack, 9” throat, and still be made in the US. The customer service I have received has been second to none in any field, any questions are answered knowledgeably by a service tech.
Yes ive already replaced 2 of them
Algún dato donde comprar esa máquina, saludos de Chile 🇨🇱
Price and how to buy
They go for around $1300 and can be found on the tippman boss website or at Tandy Leather
About 18 to 20 years ago I purchased the aluminium Tippmann Boss, I broke the gears so many times I told myself NEVER TO BUY THE TIPPMANN AGAIN, NEVER to recommend it to anyone, the second time I broke the machine it could not be fixed so I had to send it to them from UK all the way to Indiana USA, when I got the machine back guess what I BROKE IT AGAIN, inferior parts. I had to sell it as a broken machine and accept the loss. You people at TIPPMANN cost me a bunch of money...
I am buying the Cowboy Outlaw,
Farid Mehr, knife maker
That does suck. Im experiencing more issues as well.
@@AttackLineLeather The days of BOSS is numbered
@@fromtheedgeofdarkness thats probably why Tandy dropped them and picked up Cowboy
I bought one of these and is the worst pain in the ass I've ever went through it hasn't worked right from day one I have nothing but problems with it
That really sucks. After making this video ive had many people comment on my social media platforms that they are also having issues. Maybe thats why Tandy switched over to the Cowboy Outlaw
"Hand stitcher" is a hell of a name for a sewing machine... its both a lie and a warning 😅
I love RUclips comments. Ppl are so witty lol
Just MoonLight as a Arm Wrestler and make a few extra Hundred on the weekends LOL ... Anyone ask your secret, just say you "Crank It" :D ... Jokes aside, informative vid, and Yea I've been hand stitching odd end jobs for a few years now and people have started to notice my work, so i'm biting the bullet and see where it takes me, be nice to earn some extra cash on the side.
Hahaha be sure to also check out the Cowboy Outlaw. It is made way better and functions about the same
I bought a Tippman Boss and it's been nothing but trouble. The working parts are very cheap cast metal and the teeth on the gears break off all the time. The tolerances are so loose on the moving parts that it causes very fast wear which in turn causes gears to bind and eventually break. I'm now in the market for a machine that is quality made. This 'Boss' is not it. They may have been quality made in the past but cost cutting has now caused this machine to be very sub standard. Save your money, invest in a quality machine you'll be happy you did!
Thanks for the update comment. Check out the Cowboy Outlaw.
📝
He lost my attention from jump. I'm already focused on the shoe press in the back.
Way overpriced machine! Rather buy a cobra.
Get to the point , you on and on and on, and it take you for ever to get out what you try to say. Be efficient with information .
For this over priced machine to be paid for ten times over you would have to have made way over $150000 with that machine alone, I do not Belice you have, you are being to generous with your review
Thanks for the comment. Might need to check your math though. Yes it has its flaws, but its still workin like a champ. There are definitly better options out there.
@@AttackLineLeather Thanks for the review. Maybe I missed it, but what are some of the better options out there?
@@dc-wp8oc i have not used one but the cowboy outlaw is said to rival the boss, both in design and quality. Im looking to purchase that one next. I also use a cowboy 3200 and love it
Very outdated sewing machine, who is going to waste their time to hold a material with one hand n pump with the other hand just to stitch a material...just make it with a wheel to work with a motor
It for sure has its pros and cons. One great thing is you could literally use it in the middle of the woods. No electricity needed. Ive stitched everything with it. Just takes practice.