Trox

Thank you for that information and the nice video. If you look at this video from Weaver they explain why you need to split a Little at the time. Thanks and Happy New Year.

All those fine American machines are not available in Europe and they cost a fortune to ship. I know one Norwegian saddler who has two Union lockstitch machines. He have only good things to tell about them. He went to USA and bought them there and brought them back himself on a horse carriage. He is a Horse wagon instructor and hold classes in the US. Thank you Wiz.

Never sewen on one, I guess it must be an Amerrican machine. Maybe a Luberto or something. Some of your needle and awl machine has needle feed and jumpfoot maybe. I see it would be an improvement on a regular needle feed with a jumpfoot. And nothing surprices me when it comes to the Ferdco company, I know they had a lot of patented new improvments. That was what they did, so I belive you when you tell me it has a jumpfoot. Why would I not. I only asked a question about those machines because I have never seen them. Since the person who started this topic is offline and we do not know what kind of machine he has, there is no point in discussing one of several Bull machines. Thanks and happy new year all. Tor I did not see those last three posts before I posted, I am a slow writer.

If I would want to buy a # 84 splitter the Osborne company redirects me to their German Agent. The German agents double the price from 600 to 1200 $ and add put tax on it. I do not even live in Germany, why do I have to be cheated in this way, I wonder. I live in Norway and buy most of my tools from the Internet anyway. Shipping is about 20 $ more from the US than it is from Germany. I wonder how they can justify the double price? The 600 $ the machine cost in the US is for material, salaries and so on, they struggle to keep the price down in a difficult time for all American businesses. Then they allow their German European agent to double the price, do that helps them sell more splitters? I do not think so. I will not feed the fat and greedy, I will buy my tools elsewhere until the Osborn company starts with international shipping. Like both Dixon and Vergez Blanchard offers. Their older tools are of better quality anyway, I buy from Bruce Johnson He has been very good to me. He always sell good tool to a nice price, both my #86 comes from him. And he gave me a very good deal on the ten inch machine; Thank you Bruce. And Happy New Year all. Thanks

Hi Ken, I believe you. I do not want to start an argument, no need for the bold text. It is possible Ferdco used other versions of the Consew machine; it comes in four different feeds. http://www.westchestersewing.com/consew/754r/ Consew 751R Has lower feed only (a feed dog does all the feeding like a Ga 5-1 machine) Consew 752 RDF Has an upper and lower feed. A feed dog and a feeding foot. The upper and lower feed can be separately adjusted like on the Adler 105-25. The upper feeding foot is often mistaken for a jump foot. However, a jump foot is not a feeding foot; it is only a spring-loaded foot that follows the material backwards as explained earlier. Consew 754R Has lower and needle feed, like the machine in the video. 　 Consew 756R Has triple feed. Lower, upper and needle feed. Like Juki TSC 441 and Adler 205-370 Consew 756 RFS Same as above with a synchronized binder. The machine in the video is based on a 754R and has lower and needle feed. I have machines with all these feeds myself. An Adler 204-64 (like the 754R), an Adler 105-25 (like the 752RDF) and a 441 clone that has triple feed (like the 756R) I also have an Adler class 5-27 with lower feed and a jump foot; it is the forerunner of the Adler 105-8. A spring-loaded upper jump foot that does not feed, but allows less foot pressure on leatherwork. It is a common mistake to mix these two feeds; a jump foot and an upper feeding foot. They both walks (jumps), but only the driven upper foot does any feeding. In addition, they look very similar too. There are so many term and different descriptions of feed types that these mistakes are made every day. Thanks Tor

Thanks Logan, I have seen this nice article before, very informative. Each tool has it own catalog number, however the tool can have different sizes. Like the edgers, they come in several sizes and has one number for each style. I found a new (to me) Osborn site https://www.osborneleathertools.com/index.php The one I knew from before was this ; http://www.csosborne.com/. There been some discussions about the # 84, who I believe is the finest pull true splitter available. It was not listed in the "old" web page and it could only be found at some foreign dealers, like in Germany where its been available for a long time. OK here it is in the new page https://www.osborneleathertools.com/category.php?cid=12. It is a fine machine from the original Newark NJ pattern, it is also stamped Newark NJ instead of New Jersey because of that same reason. Nobody is making the Krebs splitter anymore, however the 86-A has the same adjusting leverage. However the similarity stops there. I have heard the Chase splitter is a good machine, it is one 12 inch available for 450 $ from Bruce Johnson leather; http://brucejohnsonleather.com/content/index.php/leather_tools_for_sale/leather-bench-machines-leather-splitters-and-skivers/ If I should limit my self to one splitter I would choose the # 84 because of it versatility. Thanks Tor

Was If this answer was intended for me I know that Steve will. However, I do not have a six inch version, I have a eight inch and a ten inch #86 version (the eight inch need a new blade). According to Bruce Johnson (who knows his splitters) the Osborn # 86 was made in 6,7,8,9,10 and 12 inch versions. Now only in a six inch version. However, in Germany they sell the Osb.# 86 (new) in a eight inch version too. Thanks

I do not know, the video was listed as a 900b Bull on youtube. And it has a built in bobbin winder. It is possible they made different versions, I know they customized many different machines included Adler 105 and 205-64. On their old web page you could find a complete lit of all machines they "pimped", I cannot find this info anymore.

Yes, I thought about the same too, thanks for reminding me of this. When I was a student in the mechanical School (many years ago) we did a lot of projects for customers, I do not know if they still do this. It is only one way to find out, if they do I have a lot of jobs for them. I wonder if the blade is made of one piece of steel or has a inlaid softer edge like a good knife has. I have read something about it here before, I do not remember what it was anymore.

Thanks, If you knew the prices for such custom work here you would not suggest this. About European prices; when I asked the Osborne company for some parts they redirected to their German agent. I have their 2012 price list here; a # 86 (six inch) splitter costs 850 $ and that`s before tax. A # 86 b; replacement blade costs 455 $ (before any tax), thats 5 $ more than a complete machine costs in your country (prices from Osborn and Cobra sewing machines) The shipping from USA cost about 10 to 20 $ more than from Germany. Norway again has much higher prices, about 30 to 40 % more than Germany. However, this German company do not have any eight inch blades, the company who has them is http://www.kappey.de/ http://server3.gs-shop.de/200/cgi-bin/shop.dll?SESSIONID=0760690710274503&AnbieterID=15105 Here the # 86 costs 761 Euro (included tax) 1008 $, I do not remember how much the blade costs. About the same as a new # 84 costs in the USA. For this price you can buy nice powered fixed blade splitter like the Landis 30 or American. It is Insane that they can double the price on US tools like this, today when we all shop on the web anyway. We are not getting rich by doing leather works, we all do it because we love it and we have to save everywhere we can to survive. I prefer buying US tools in the US and rather pay more for shipping than feeding the fat and greedy ones. US companies are struggling to survive, and they wonder why they do not sell anything in Europe. Osborne do not need any European dealers, they should start shipping international instead. If you know of any who makes blades for less than the price of a new machine, please let me know. Thanks Tor

Hi, I have an old Adler class 5 with jump foot, it has one adjustment for the height of the "jump" (clearing the material) and an other for the foot pressure. Like Ken mentions it has to be adjusted to clear the material in order for the needle (and feed dog) to feed the material true. It is spring loaded; it lifts, follows the material feed backward and then the springs returns it to its initial position again. It must be something similar on this machine too, a picture would help. Hi Ken, are you sure the Ferdinand 900 Bull has a jump foot? I saw a video of it on youtube and it looked like it had needle and drop feed only. Like the Adler 205-64. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mu10WlpVWE There might be other versions of this machine, however this one has no jump foot. The foot stay down on the material all the time and the needle and feed dog do the feeding. I have a flatbed Adler 204-64 (for sale) with identical feed, it works better on leather if you change the foot for a roller foot. Tony, in order to help you we must know what kind of feed your machine has, the best thing is some pictures of it. Some shots of the feed, front and backside of the head. Thanks Tor

Thank you Bruce and Merry Christmas to you. Bruce was the one who sold me the 10 inch model for a very good price, Thank you. (I guess he felt sorry for me) Nevertheless, I cannot just look at the nice eight inch frame sitting there idle, I have to try fixing it up. Bruce is the man to ask about splitters, he is a walking encyclopedia on the subject. I will not give up complaining to the company who ruinded the blade, I hate to do that kind of stuff... however I have to it is a lot of money to me. I am off walking my dogs, I will return to this topic later to night. Thanks Tor Hi Mijo, I guess the above posts answered your question. Tor

I wish I had had tried to sharpen this blade myself instead of sending it to the Norwegian saw blade sharpening company TROMAS AS. One side was perfect when I got it back, but the other was untouched. I sent it back to them and told them the importance of a straight blade for precision splitting, both sides had to be sharpened. They could not use the normal machine because of the blades screw hole tabs, they had to use a band grinder. I use a band grinder myself for sharpening knifes and feel I have pretty good control with it. I was not aafraid to send it back because the work was very good ..SO FAR. See how the blade looked like when I got it back, they sharpened it like a lawn cutter blade. I ccried when got it back, it is a hundred year old splitter. I still have not got them to pay for a new blade, nevertheless I will not give up trying yet. I have to take it to the head of the company, the department who made the mistake will not return my emails. However, first I need to find a new blade. I have contacted Dan Naegle in Campbell Randall, they cannot help me, neither can Osborn. The # 84 has a totally different blade. About the #86 it was also made by other companies. Osborn made the # 86 in 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 inch versions. Now they only sell the six inch version. I also have a newly aquired 10 inch CS Osborne version. I think eight inches are maximum width for this construction pull true splitter, any wider splits will be hard to pull true. I have a Heritage # 84 copy I am using for lap skives, and I too only strop the blade now and then. I try to use it on different places on the blade to keep it level. Both the eight and the ten inch are recently bought from USA, the blades had to be leveled on the eight inch model. Otherwise I will only strop with a angry type polishing compound. I guess I have to buy the German blade or charge them for a new six inch machine. Thats a pitty, because the my eight inch version (who has no maker stamp on it) is a improved construction over the Osborn model. It has a sturdier frame (you cannot see this from these pictures) and it has better joints. I have posted a ad in the wanted section and I am going to make a call to the Tromas AS head director first thing 2013. I am sure we will come to a agreement, it is a big company and they cannot risk any bad publicity. Thank you for the help so far, I will keep on looking. By the way 70 years is no age now a days, I hope you will have your hands and eyes in good conditions for many more years to come. Keep it up. A still peacful Christmas and a happy Nwe year to you all. Thanks Tor (pic "model 86 is the 8 inch model before sharpening. The other is the 10 inch Osborne splitter, the picture is not any good9)

I off to to bed, I will answer your email tomorrow. Thanks Tor

Thank you Shooter, yes of course I will pay the shipping. I am used to order stuff from your country. It is important to keep the total under 35 $ to avoid Norwegian tax on it. Could you please calculate how many you can send me for that amount (included shipping) I better send you an email. Email sent. Thanks Tor

Osborn mod. 86 eight inch splitter blade new or in good condition wanted. My splitter needs a replacement blade, all of interest. In advance thanks Merry Christmas to you all. Tor

Hi, do you still have these for sale? could you ship some to Norway, I like to try them out please. Tor

Hi, Thank you. I always try google before anything else. I have tried the Osborn company, Campbell Randall, Bruce Johnson and many more with no luck. I sent my old blade for sharpening and the company ruined it. I have found one place in Germany that has a new blade for it. However, they charge more for a blade than a new # 86 six inch splitter will cost me in the USA. I checked out the Montana leather company web site and they do not sell any splitters, except the cheap Tandy (toy) splitter. I doubt they have blades for a splitter they do not sell. Thank you anyway, my search continuous

All you need is some leather and you are good to go

Hi, this is a bit of topic; you mention the Osborn # 86 eight inch blades was commercially available. Do you know where they are? I need one for my 8 " splitter and I cannot get hold of any. In advance thanks Tor

Very nice machine and setup, I wish I could afford one. What is the weight of this splitter head, I guess the the shipping will be a killer alone. (I am based in Norway) Should you not be splitting only two ounces a split, not to compress the roller springs to much?. I see in the video you split more than that and it preforms well even so. I think you it will work even better if you split of only two ounces at the time.

Hi, It sounds like a timing issue. The timing of the needle and the hook is ether to early or too late, the distance between the needle and hook tip can be wrong too. Check if the needle hits in the center of the feed dog and if the feed dog is in the center of the needle plate. The feet's can also be adjusted if the needle hits it, thats something you can do your self (and start with this matter). The other adjustments are not something a beginner can do himself, you better leave them to a mechanic . A 180 needle is the largest needle this machine takes (or 200 is, I am not sure, and you are not telling its subclass number), this is a upholstery class machine designed for lighter thread sizes. Although this is a very fine machine, you might consider a heavier rating machine if you are using those heavy threads. If you are going to use this machine at it top limit it has to be properly adjusted. These kinds of error are common when you use a machine at its top limits. This machine is made for use with a size 130 needle, even if its should be able to handle the 180, it is not in its comfort zone. Trox It will be a smart move if you are going to sew with heavy threads.

Look for a Mayan doomsday cracker...you still got some hours left.

I guess Bob got this one right.