MonkeyBusiness

I know a lot of people are looking for a sewing machine but can't shell out $3,000 - I'm one of those people myself! So I thought I'd share my experience buying a used machine in hopes that it may help those of you who are still searching. I bought a used Juki from Keystone Sewing in Pennsylvania a few months ago. I paid $950 for the machine head, new servo motor, and a new power stand with thread holder, bobbin winder and knee lift. The machine showed up in excellent condition and had been very nicely refurbished with several new parts. It smelled like the engine on my 350 Nova, but at least it was well greased The service at Keystone is friendly, fast and knowledgeable. They shipped my machine within a day or two after purchase and even threw in a few packs of needles, several metal bobbins and some extra screws and washers. Oh, and the machine was very well packed. Keystone also offers a warranty (I believe it's 6 months) on their refurbished machines. The only catch is that they have to do the repairs themselves. Pretty useless to me since I'm on the West Coast, but it can be difficult to find a used machine with any kind of warranty at all... So check them out if you're looking for a decent used machine! http://www.keysew.com/AboutUs.htm

I'm eyeballing a used machine at Keystone Sewing Machine Co. and was wondering if anyone here has ever dealt with them. They're based out of Philadelphia and *look* like good people to deal with, but you never know! Thanks! -Rilee

Okay, so I received the Bee Naturals Leather Finish yesterday and have run a couple of tests with Eco-Flo dye in Black and Canyon Tan. The verdict so far? This stuff is great! I followed Kate's instructions and it left a nice shine on the leather with minimal effort. It took quite a bit of elbow grease to achieve a similar effect with the Skidmore's. It also lent a nice depth to the dye, which Skidmore's didn't seem to do. Fingers crossed that the finish holds up under reasonable conditions -Rilee

Thanks so much, guys! -Rilee

Thank you so much, Kate & Aaron! I've ordered the Bee Natural Leather Finish to try. It says on the item description that it leaves a bit of a shine on the leather. I'm hoping this is true because the Skidmore's left a dull, waxy finish - which isn't too shocking considering it's mostly Beeswax I'll definitely keep the Sno-Seal in mind if the Bee Natural Finish doesn't work out. Thank you guys so much for your time and expertise! -Rilee

Hello to all you fine people on Leatherworker.net! I've been poking around this forum for awhile now and there are some seriously knowledgeable people here, so I figured this was the place to ask a finishing question. Does anyone have experience with using only a natural Beeswax based product as the final finish on dyed tooling leather? I make dog collars and am trying to use the most natural, eco-friendly products I can find on them. So far I've used the Skidmore's conditioner and waterproofer on a couple of collars after dying them. They look, feel and smell great, but will this finish last? My concern is that the dye might rub off with use. I've used Eco-Flo Satin Sheen in the past, but I'd really rather not use it anymore. I'm hoping to stick as close to nature as possible!