JET4

Hey all, I tried to search the forums before asking this question, so forgive me if my questions have been asked before. I'm in the process of researching my first machine and have about decided that a 441 or clone will meet my needs. The local shop sells the sewpro 441 for $3500. From what I've researched so far, it looks like other clones on the 441are less expensive. So why would I shell out $3500, if I can get a different 441 machine for less? Am I missing something here? So, who makes clones of the 441 machine and who made the original 441? It seems that the more I research, the more confused I get. If it wasn't for this forum, I would still have no idea what I was looking for. And while we are at it, I work a lot with 12-14 Latigo, as well as sewing double and triple layers of 8-9 oz, so I need something that will sew pretty thick stuff. I would also like to be able to dial it down for thinner projects, which is why I like what I have read about the 441. What are other comparable, do it all or most of it, machines I should be looking at? Thanks

Here is copy and paste of the email from Sprenger.

Aaron, not sure those would work. I think I may have found a suitable alternative though. Art, you are correct. With Oldtimer's post above I found them on the Sprenger website. I emailed Sprenger directly and they gave me a contact for a US distributer. The US distributer does not stock them, but can get them. The smaller 17 mm is a little over 9 dollar a piece and the next size is over 10 a piece. That's not bad, but I would be required to buy a whole box of 50. Thanks for the help guys:You_Rock_Emoticon:

I use this one every day with great results. I mainly work with latigo in the 13-14 oz range. My most recent hides I'm cutting on is closer to 16 which is a lot heavier than I usually use. I've never used a draw gauge so I can't comment on those.

Hey all, I originally posted this over in "suppliers" but thought I'd post it here too. I have a customer who wants a blood tracking collar with a swivel attachment like the one in the picture. I have looked in the Weaver and Ohio Travel Bag catalog but didn't see this one. Does anyone have an idea where to find this? Thanks

Hey all, I have a customer who wants a blood tracking collar with a swivel attachment like the one in the picture. I have looked in the Weaver and Ohio Travel Bag catalog but didn't see this one. Does anyone have an idea where to find this? Thanks

Hey Chris, Got my second order from you today. Awesome stuff man. I originally ordered a set for the Dremel which are awesome. So awesome, that I had to order another one to replace the one that took a header off of the workbench the day I got it Anyway, got the drill press burnisher and replacement Dremel one today and promptly made a trip to Harbor Freight for a drill press! Your burnishers have saved me a TON of work in the last few weeks. Kudos to you for taking the time for your daughter. Mine will turn 3 in December and I cannot believe how fast that has gone. Enjoy every moment you can! Thanks, John

Hey everyone, As we speak, the UPS man is on his way with my first set of dies made by Texas Custom Dies. With this advancement, I can cut my labor on my most popular item in half (at least). To say I am excited is an understatement! While I hope to someday have my own clicker press, I have to rely on outsourcing the clicking for now. I have been quoted a wide variety of prices while getting bids to do the work. The rough dimensions of the pieces are 16"x2" and 14 1/2 x 1 1/2. For a completed product, I need 1 of the 16" pieces and 2 of the 14 1/2 " pieces. These are being clicked out of 12-13 oz latigo. I have been quoted $1 a click by the place I get my leather from, $.50 a click at one local shop if I buy the leather there (at $9+ a sq ft that ain't happening), and "maybe $.25 a click" by another local shop but she would have to see the dies. Obviously, the last one would be the way to go if she really sticks with that price. I was just curious if $1 a click is in line with what others are paying. Thanks, JET

Where do you find these? I just use bubble wrap and tape to package my products, but would like to have something a little more elegant to send my stuff out in.

My limited experience with W&C has be pleasent. Glen is who I dealt with also and was pretty good at communicating what was gong on with my order. For the last 2 years though, I have been ordering from a supplier who is about 90 miles form me. Panhandle Leather has been very good to me. When I ask, they will hand select a hide for me and ship it the same day most of the time. They carry HO veg tan too. BTW....got a flier from W&C today saying that starting May 1 they will start charging a $.30 / sq ft surcharge on all orders.

I have a Weaver account. PM what you want and I'll see what I can do for you

Also check out Panhandle Leather. They stock HO and are super to deal with

Ok, I have a question about discounting pricing for certain organizations. I make dog leather and gear for hunting. I, at times, have requests from groups and clubs for donations for raffles and auctions. I got my start from donating leashes and other stuff I made to the retriever club I belonged to. I always did this for free (I wasn't in business then) and always had people asking me to make them something so I know there is some potential there as far as advertising. What methods to you use to come up with any discount pricing for non profit clubs and organizations. Most of the groups I plan to market to hold raffles and auctions to raise money for their club or organization, so the less they have to pay the better their fund raising will be. I obviously can't donate for free anymore, but would like to give them a little of a break. My benefit would be obviously advertising to a group of my target customer base (hunters and dog handlers). I know this is a loaded question because of so many variables. My first instinct would be for 1/2 price for most items, but I feel this may be too low. There are a few of my items that absolutely not be discounted very much because they are a pain to make. Thanks in advance, JET

I solve that problem by punching holes independently in each piece of leather. If you do it right, the holes match up and sewing is a breeze. I may be doing a lot more work than I need to, but it works for me. Man, I need a machine.

I think there is alittle confusion between a lacing chisel and a diamond hole punch or "fork" made for punching holes for saddle stitching. This tool punches diamond holes specifically for saddle stitching. I use one of these a lot to punch holes with good success. For consistant spacing, I punch 4 holes, then put the first prong in the last hole I made, so basically I get 3 new holes. This may net be the best way to do it, but it works great for me. I think it's too much trouble to use a dremel, or drill press. I am waaaaay to clumsey to use an awl exclusively, although I do use one ocassionally based on the kind of material I'm sewing. Anyway, hope this helps. Oh...and when I first started messing with leather I was a super poor college student. My first hole maker was a finishing nail and hammer:lol: JET

Hey Wyvern, I assume you have the gun, right? For the holsters I have made, I wipe the gun down well inside and out with something like Breakfree and wet mold with the actual gun. Just make sure you clean the gun really well afterwards.If it makes you more comfortable, some people put the gun in a plastic bag instead. I am far from an expert, but I have found a straight edge and the back end of a sharpie marker work best for me. Don't get the leather sopping wet either. Best of luck JET

Well, there's always Wickett and Craig. I have ordered from them with success. Weaver sells a lot of leather including Hermann Oak, which I know many consider some of the best there is. Another option that you might consider is Panhandle Leather in Amarillo, TX. They are great to deal with and ship all over the country. They are only 100 miles from me so I get to take day trips when I need leather:yes:. Give them a call and see what they can do for you.

Jason, I got mine from Brenda at Laser Gift Creations. She was awesome to work with. There are several stamp makers who use steel, but they are expensive. For $35 bucks, you can't go wrong. JET

Ok....I'll bite. How big a piece of leather do you want this on? No need to send me a SASE or leather unless you are trying to keep a standard size or shape of leather. Send me a PM with your address John Otis Leather Company

I know it's a loaded question,but what do they charge (ballpark wise). Having dies would make my life A LOT easier when big orders roll in. JET

deleted

See if you can find someone in your area who does laser engraving. I bet that they can do what you are thinking of. I outsource laser engraving on some of my products and the reception has been great from customers.

My last order was placed on friday around noon and I recieved it on Wednesday morning. You do have to call them if you want a tracking number and total after shipping was calculated. My shipping cost have been around 11-12 dollars, but I am ordering solid brass hardware.

Since I made this post, I have ordered 3 or 4 times from Weaver. I did have to send in my Texas sales tax exemption form before they would send me my order. I have had noting but a great experience from them. By having my sales tax number, I have cut my production cost in half. Just as an example, I was paying 3.50 for a halter snap at a local shop, I now pay 1.39 for the same snap. The retail markup for hardware is unbelieveable. I understand it, but am glad I don't have to pay it anymore.

sent you a PM