TimKleffner

Tom I got all caught up at one time about sanding edges. I box a box of 220 sanding drums. I found that not only was it over kill ... it was a waste of my time. Leather is leather .. and there's only so much you can do to it. Leather is not like metal or wood. both , sand and apply another coat, and you get a lustrous deep finish. I could never get anything close. I found that Rubbing the edges out after a couple applications of lacquer will do wonders. Happy tooling Tim

Tom Your on the right track. I do some what the same on my edges. After I use the 100 grit [you use 80], I use lacquer to tighten up the edges. I have a dauber that I've burned down to a small head, then put the lacquer on the edge, let it dry for about 4 hrs, then come back with the 220 grit and lightly sand it all down. After that I apply my color and re-apply my lacquer. After that dries, I use a hard wood wheel that smooths the edges. then buff everything with a piece of heavy canvas. see if this works for you. Happy tooling Tim

Josh Nice work . I'm glad for you that you got a sewing machine! Sure makes life better with a heavy duty sewing machine. I look forward to see other things you make Happy Tooling Tim

Wonderful! Nice work ! Thank you for posting your pics. ... Where are you located? Happy Tooling Tim

Schno How about something like this... I got this one from a Chan Geer swivel knife class It's pretty simple just trace it out on some damp leather and cut cut cut! Happy tooling Tim scan 091309.bmp scan 091309.bmp

I just reset my scanner settings from 200 to 75 , let me give this a try scan 091309.bmp scan 091309.bmp

Steve WOW.. that's real nice. I'm glad you posted the pics . Your lines are clean . NICE job Happy tooling Tim

Mark Real nice ...... Good looking everything Tim

Denise or Johanna, I have a problem uploading scanned items. The last one I tried to up load was a black and white drawing of a bird for swivel knife practice. I tried several times and I was unable to upload. I keep getting ERROR file was to big to upload I took a picture of it and was able to upload it. Any suggestions??? Am I able to turn down the scanner? Tim

Cowboy I think this one took.. Happy swivel knifing Tim

see if it uploads

Cowboy See if these came thru Tim

Howdy Cord How are you liking south TX ... getting enough rain. Ain't had none since Nov 08. Where you living Kingsville or Corpus? I'm in the center part of Corpus ... give me a holler, we can get a cup of coffee and a taco Happy tooling Tim

Howdy Ya'll I go to my local glass/ Plexiglass dealer and am able to buy scrap large enough to do what I need to in 1/4 or 3/8 . My dealer sells me his scrap by the pound. He's willing to sell it and get out of his shop and I'm happy as a lark to get what I need. I take it home, get my orbital sander out with 120 grit and scuff both sides. Also I knock off all the sharp edges while I'm sanding. By scuffing both sides, I found that the plexiglass doesn't move around as much. Hope this helps Happy tooling Tim

Tim How wet are you getting your leather when you case it? What I do, I use packing tape on the back of the leather, then rubber cement my leather to Plexiglass. I dampen my leather very damp but not wet. I case my leather case in a plastic trash bag or large 2 gallon zip lock bag depending on the size of the piece. I let my leather case for about 40 minutes, then pull it out , dampen it again then use a piece of glass to rub it out. I put it back in the bag and let it case again for about 15 minutes, pull it out.. and GIT AFTER IT! You may be applying too much water after you glue it down. Rubber cement will turn loose after it gets too wet Happy tooling Tim

HI Josh I started out hand sewing everything in sight! I bought my first sewing machine ... it's been down hill from there. I now have 4 sewing machines Pro 2000, Ferdco 1245, Singer 31-15 and 78-8. I'm like you .. I can't do this half as*. I also own all Barry King and Bob Beard. Professional tools make all the difference. AND .. none of this stuff has been cheep! Happy tooling Tim

Howdy Cord After I tool a piece , I dye my back ground with either Fiebings mahogany dark brown or chocolate spirit dye. After that, I lacquer the project, after 8-10 hrs cure time, I antique with med brown or Sheridan brown or mahogany Fiebings antique. work fast, wipe most of it off, then apply Tan Kote. ... Dying the back ground.. good brushes .. practice practice practice. Really it's not rocket science, but it does take practice to keep from smudging onto a leaf or flower. Happy tooling Tim

Barra God Bless the free world and those who give all for freedom Tim Sec Police SAC, PAC-AF, USAF 73-78

Ross Those chinks are NICE! Good clean lines and pleasing to look at. Keep up the good work Happy tooling Tim

Hey Storm Good work. It's got nice balance. Thanks for the post Happy tooling Tim

K X Where did you find these pics? I NEED SEVERAL OF THEM FOR MY WALL.... they're great... Good Post Happy tooling Tim

Steve, Pat yourself on the back... that's a nice purse. Your stitch line is great. Simplicity at its highest. Thanks for the post Happy tooling Tim

Randy I googled the LU-562 and there are several sites that have used machines for sale. With it being broken, I wouldn't give him more that $150 and take your chances getting it fixed. I have several Singers that, run great, 31-15 and a 78-8. They are bullet proof machines, but due to the age ... each are only worth $100 and I throw in the table. Needless to say ... they're still here and running in the corner. Retirement is GREAT , I should have done it years ago. Happy Trails Tim

Craftsman Sounds like you figured out what you need to do with those slotted conchos. Most conchos that I have ever used on belts and most all the other leather projects I've put out, I have always used screw back [chicago screw type]. You may end up having to return those and replace them with the screw backs. Happy tooling Tim

Hi David, I would use at least 6-7 oz for a wallet of any type. Anything heavier would make it bulky. Don't be afraid to contact your local leather dealer or a company like Springfield leather, they'll give you some ideas also. Happy tooling Tim