eglideride

AGREE!! > printing out! > dedicating a spray bottle to alcohol! Outstanding information.... Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nVyPiPvR2g

sign me up too please.

Welcome to a very addictive hobby Brahmus! Very good advice given by others above. Books ( in my opinion and for me, are essential) Libraries can be very helpful. Check with your local library, I have checked out books via " inter-library" loan. Amazing titles available for two weeks at a time (typical loan period) from all over the country. Can't be in a hurry, and sometimes there is a waiting list. I have held books that I could never afford to own. And others that I am glad I didn't spend my money on. Also, used book stores. I have had some very interesting finds. Leather work books from the 60's and 70's. Fun (although mostly in black and white) dated material, but some techniques never go out of style. Tools- always ask at flea markets, yard sales and auctions. One of my best all time buys was at an auction, I was the only bidder. No one else knew what they were or had any interest. A huge amount of fun can be had just hunting for books and tools. Craig's list is always a good place for tools too. Buy the Tandy or Springfield Leather key fob kits when they are on sale. Practical practice items for tooling and finish testing that friends, family and coworkers can actually use. BTW- I still have one of my very first practice pieces from the early 80's. I look at it from time to time. Makes me smile...I REALLY sucked at tooling! (compared most I still do, ha ha, but I have FUN)....My 2 cents. Best David

If I may Olfart, I have been in leather work and woodcarving in one form or another for the last 30 years, as a "hobbyist" also. I started signing my work years ago after a fellow woodcarver pointed out that the items that I "made" as gifts for family and friends, were my legacy of sorts. I know that might sound presumptuous. But if you think about it, most people (especially family) appreciate your work (deserved or not in my case!). I believe my friend was correct. Signing and dating gives your work relevance. Besides, how many artists and craftspersons over the decades have become famous posthumously? Just my 2 cents.

This a great idea! Also, here in corn and bean farming country- some grain elevators have rubber(ish) belting. Also, my weight machine sits on a rubber mat that is thick and wasn't expensive- i don't recall the original intended use...may have to look into that again...great ideas! Thanks!

Its true!

Here is my "new one" monster weighs over 200 lbs- I have some ideas for leather work...

Here is mine ( well, one of them), drilled a hole in the end of the shaft- have a $10.00 Harbor Freight drill chuck mounted on a bolt- which is held in the shaft with a set screw (drilled and tapped on the side). Yes, that is a finish nail in the chuck- not one of my finest moments.

Love the railroad track anvil. I have one similar that is over 30 years old...wouldn't trade it for anything. ( I miss Copenhagen- quit about 5 years ago...<sigh>) Yes it is! about 30 inches tall. Would love to know who had it and where it came from. Love old tools.

Thanks! The clam is an antique I picked up 2 years ago. Has a cool "cam" lever on the side for opening and closing. Works very well for its age! Has a hole in the bottom- I suspect it was mounted on a "horse" sometime earlier in its history. I have only seen one other for sale over the years....I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough this time.

west view- Cowboy 3200...also a student woodworking bench I bought at an auction 25 years ago. use that for pounding on.

Long view-