1894leverguy

I’ve been looking for a good stainless steel belt buckle for some time You can buy any type of specialty buckle but a plain SS buckle seems to be rare Something somewhat robust for a 1 ½ gun belt Anybody know of a good maker or place to buy?

I would certainly be interested in a system that could peen rivets There doesn’t seem to be much equipment available for this type of work

Thanks for the replies Kevin That sounds like a good idea and a good place to start. It might be a bit difficult to build. A bracket system that holds the hammer drill could be devised or an existing system modified. Elton This is what I had originally planned for. Would tube rivets with caps be strong enough? Would this system work with ¼” material and handle variable thickness.? The short distance is what had me worried and leaning more toward a rivet/burr system

I have the opportunity to make a number of leather tool bags for a local company. The sewing part will be relatively simple. Two pieces of leather with a total thickness of ¼” or slightly thicker. What is needed and would look the best is to have the corners riveted. While splash rivets would be OK to use, A rivet and burr would have a better finished look on both sides I was planning on using copper rivets for rust prevention and aesthetic appeal Is there a pneumatic machine that would that will work instead of the usual method of a hammer and punch? Is there another rivet system that would work better than the rivet-burr system? This job may lead to others if everything works out

When sewing with a machine such as the CB 3500, is it better to make sharp turns with the needle up or down? Thanks in advance

The machine is a Cowboy 3500. When sewing two 1/8 in pieces of leather, should the top and bottom stitches look the same? On my machine, the top stitch looks good but the bottom isn’t near as tight The top stitch has a distinctive gap between each stitch but the bottom isn’t tight enough to have a distinctive stitch. While the bottom isn’t a bad stitch, it seems as though it could be improved a bit Thread tension appears good to me Are there any other adjustments?

I would like to thank all that have responded. It would appear that Chinese sewing machines are better than what I was expecting them to be It would also appear there aren’t too many other new machines available 　 Wizcraft quote "Now, if the OP wants to ask about Chinese built machines, I'll be glad to discuss them." Since it looks as though my machine will be Chinese built, what would be a good machine for a beginner? Something without a big learning curve. The work will only be what I described but I would like a machine that can easily handle it. Overbuilt for the work Thread size I have no idea what would be good. Actually, I was going to ask what would be a good thread and needle size Lock stitch I’ve seen this in the specs of the Artisan 618-1 D2. I would think a lock stitch would be necessary for sewing holsters but really don’t know. Back tacking Is this important on leather?

Kinda wanted to stay away from the Chinese and used machines(a good , rebuilt machine would be great). I already have an old Brother. Parts, adjustments, etc.. are a concern Starting with a good machine, either new or rebuilt, is what I would like to do $2,250 for the Artisan 618-1 D2 sounds like a good deal but only if the machine works well and if it will hold up Just as important as 100 SPM, I need a machine that will make a consistent, tight stitch Will the 618 do this?

First, I would like to say reading this forum has been the best sewing help I’ve ever gotten. There are some real professionals here that don’t mind helping beginners like myself get started 　 I need a machine that can sew two 1/8 pieces of leather. Total of ¼ inch. The projects will be simple pancake/slide holsters, belts and slings. All three projects will use the same thickness leather and stitches per inch. The pancake and slide holster will be simple, two piece designs. They will be wet formed, burnished and dyed but this is all after sewing All sewing projects will be flat 　 It seems as though the best machine will be the Adler 205-374. My questions are; Is this a good machine for this leather thickness and will it leave a lot of tool marks? Is there any special attachment(s) needed to sew leather that does not come with the machine? I don’t think I will need as guide for the belts or slings as the stitch distance will be short Can the machine stitch as low as 100 SPM? Is there any shop near Louisiana where I can see and buy one of these machines? Are there any shops that specialize in reconditioned Adler 205 machines? Is there better choice than the Adler 205? If so, why. Is a jump foot such as the Campbell really that much better?