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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Nick, Quality 12–14 oz belt blanks are a great choice for durable belts — that weight hits the sweet spot between strength and flexibility for everyday carry. Herman Oak is definitely one of the go-to options, but there are a few other U.S. vendors and leathers worth considering: • Wicket & Craig — similar veg-tanned weight, excellent for belts and heavy leather projects. • Schneider’s Veg-Tan — reliable 12–14 oz veg tan with consistent thickness and great tooling surface. • Tandy’s 12–14 oz veg tan can work well for belts if you’re okay with a slightly softer feel to start with. A quick tip when sourcing blanks is to check whether the hide is from the shoulder/neck area versus the belly — shoulder cuts tend to be tighter and stronger, which is ideal for belts. Also, getting them from U.S. suppliers usually keeps out nasty shipping surprises and supports faster restocking if you work through blanks regularly. What will you be using the belts for (E-DC, western carry, dress)? That can help fine-tune the leather choice.

I'll try that too 👍

Hi guys…recently got back into making my hand made leather tankards after about 20 years….trying to find a quicker and easier way of lining the tankards primarily…looking forward to chatting and learning more about leatherwork here on the forum. just thought I would add a couple of pics of my hand made tankards, just gotta clean up the base of these tankards, and they are done. hope u like them.🙂

don´t know for sure but could be a heating device for warming the waxed thread. But its just guessing. EDIT: Rapid E 317 is the same machine AFAIK - see manual page page 8. Rapid E 317.pdf

Where are you located and how much if it's still available?

I am doing some heavy maintenance on this Pedersen 309 outsole stitcher I got for cheap. What are these wires going into the bobbin case? Are they for some kind of heater for the bobbin thread wax, or am I way off? Thank you for your assistance.

Could be related to sheet metal cutting, but don't those usually have thicker blades? The top blade is only a couple mm thick and has that pointy bend at the front. Also, 20 mm throw seems a lot if cutting 1 mm or so thick sheet metal.

Just read this. Good job but I would just add an alternative to the backboard. I cut it a little bigger than needed. This enables the use of clips/clamps which are a little more forgiving and easier to move than the nails. Also holds in place if you want to glue before sewing.

I have never seen such a machine in the shoe industry . However i have seen similar machines in the sheet metal fabrication trade. Its basically a type of scissor or shear made for trimming and cutting external circles . How did it end up at a cobbler shop ? My guess is based on my experience as both a shoe maker and metal fabricator . All my machines are under the same roof although in different sections and corners so too someone not in the know they would assume they are all related to the same trade . I would assume the cobbler saw a machine for sale that looked handy and added it this collection only to find it isn't very handy to a cobbler after all . Still a cool machine and worth hanging on to .

Still on the search for a leather tooling artist!

Some are in 2026 and the rest of us will soon be May you live long and prosper. May you have happiness and contentment in all you do. May you stay healthy, or regain good health. I'll be back next year,

Usually the smallest you can use for 138 is size140

Very interesting, I never thought much about that the need for the shoulders to be able to move freely. I see a potential future harness build for my wife's labradoodle. My Newfoundland uses one of those Julius K9 harnesses, and I think it fits her pretty good. Though I am tempted to check according to your description of measurements. Brgds and Prost Silvester Jonas

FLAT BLACK COLOR CALF SKIN 5 3/4 sq ft x .7mm thick This piece is unique in the fact it has a suede finish on backside front is smooth. I think it could be used either side as finish side. $75.00 plus shipping

DEEP GREEN COLOR KANGAROO HIDE. 2 1/2 sq ft x .6mm thickness. Admittedly odd color best suited for that one very special item. Top quality $75.00 plus shipping

YAPA CALF SKIN, Cordovan color .6mm thickness x 5.0 sq ft This is top quality skin I special ordered to be used for expensive pieces. $125.00 plus shipping

YAPA CALF SKIN, LIGHT BROWN .6mm thickness x 5.0 sq ft This is a top quality skin I special ordered to be used for expensive pieces. $125.00 plus shipping

the second spring might be for the P in your clpmn coding. that stands for. Four-motion drop feed but i think we have the same base model machine for the rest.

thanks everybody for your knowledge. ill go see what the problem is with the needles in the coming days. im curious now 😆 these came with the machine. and i think the left ones are these ones so im figuring its set up with the 134-35 needles as you guys been telling me. and the 100/16 size is that right for the threads i wanna sew with it ? sorry if my questions are stupid. the internet teaches me allot but gotta say not all the info is always right it seems 😂

That's some good looking work . . . Most of us would like to see them being "modeled" . . . I for sure would May God bless, Dwight

thanks for the info. i havent been to my storage unit to compare the needles that are in it and with it. the ones in the picture came with the machine. and the ones i mentioned i bought online according to the specs of the machine. so wil see whats what.

thanks. any info is always welcome. and yeah they have a great reputation in the upholstery world so im happy with this machine. the stamping is wonky for sure XD

Nice work!

I believe not, according to user manual, but I can be wrong That makes sens. I intend to use 20 (tex 135) top and 30 (tex 90) bobbin, with a 120 needle. I suppose I'll have to get a new bobbin case for it... I'll give that a try !