The Tippmann Boss and the Cowboy Outlaw are both hand-lever lockstitch leather stitchers built for thick leather. The Outlaw follows the Boss-style design at a lower price. Before you choose between them, check the thickness limit, the thread sizes and the parts for your own work. Some of the Outlaw’s figures need confirming with the seller.
What these hand-lever stitchers do
Both machines are hand-lever, non-electric lockstitch stitchers. Each pull of the lever makes one stitch. An operator typically sews about 15 to 30 stitches a minute, depending on skill.
They are built for thick, firm leather, such as holsters, sheaths, belts, saddlery and tack. They are not designed for garment-weight leather.
Lockstitch, not saddle stitch
These machines make a lockstitch, not a saddle stitch. A lockstitch interlocks a needle thread with a bobbin thread in the leather. The saddle stitch is a different, hand-sewn stitch that uses two needles on one thread (see our hand sewing leather guide).
The difference matters if a stitch breaks. A saddle stitch largely holds, while a machine lockstitch can unravel along the seam.
Tippmann Boss at a glance
The Boss is made by Tippmann Industrial Products in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA.
- Maximum leather thickness: about 3/4 in (19 mm).
- Thread: up to about #277 (Tex 270). Sizes #138 to #207 are the most common.
- Price: roughly $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the package. Prices change, so check current listings.
Cowboy Outlaw at a glance
The Outlaw is a Boss-style hand-lever stitcher from Leather Machine Co.’s Cowboy brand, sold at a lower price than the Boss.
- Price: roughly half to two-thirds of a Boss. This is uncertain, so check current listings.
- Maximum leather thickness: about 3/4 in (19 mm), according to the manufacturer. Verify this before you buy.
Boss vs Outlaw side by side
| Tippmann Boss | Cowboy Outlaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hand-lever lockstitch | Hand-lever lockstitch, Boss-style design |
| Maximum leather | About 3/4 in (19 mm) | About 3/4 in (manufacturer claim; verify) |
| Thread | Up to about #277 (Tex 270); #138 to #207 most common | Check with the seller |
| Needle system | Commonly system 794 (verify per model) | Commonly system 794 (verify per model) |
| Price | Roughly $1,500 to $2,500 by package | Roughly half to two-thirds of a Boss (uncertain) |
| Parts | Check with the seller | Check with the seller; don’t assume Boss parts fit |
The figures come from manufacturer claims and rough market prices. Confirm them for the exact model you’re considering.
Thread and needles
Both machines commonly use system 794 needles, but check the needle system for your model. The needle has to match the thread, so check the needle chart before you choose a thread size.
Bobbin thread is often one size smaller than the top thread.
If you’re sewing with heavy thread, see why regular thread doesn’t suit leather work for the thread-strength comparison.
Parts and accessories
It is uncertain whether Boss parts fit the Outlaw, so don’t assume they are interchangeable. Ask the seller to confirm before you buy a replacement part or accessory for either machine.
Which projects suit them
Both machines suit thick, firm leather for holsters, sheaths, belts, saddlery and tack. They are a poor fit for garment leather. For thin leather, a home machine with a leather needle is the usual route. See can you sew leather with a sewing machine for the limits of home machines.
Don’t confuse these with other Cowboy machines
Cowboy sells several machines, and they are not the same thing as the Outlaw.
- Cowboy 797: a servo walking-foot industrial machine with a flatbed arm. Its product page lists a leather limit of 20 oz (about 5/16 in or 8 mm).
- Cowboy CB4500 and Cobra Class 4: electric heavy stitchers in the same thickness class as the Boss, with capacities of about 3/4 to 7/8 in.
Check the model number before you compare specs.
Buying checklist
- The maximum thickness of the leather you plan to sew, with some margin.
- The thread sizes you need, and whether the needle chart covers them.
- The needle system for the specific model.
- Whether replacement parts and accessories are available, and whether the seller confirms they fit.
- The current price and what the package includes.
- The warranty and the seller’s support.
Safety
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and presser foot when you pull the lever.