bootsmt

I was unaware that Mr. Leary had posted and was told by someone about his posts, the one above and I think there is another somewhere about me. I discontinued Mr. Leary's boot class because of certain behavior problems. He also has received his tools that were ordered. If someone is going to take my class then he should conduct himself in a professional manner. I am not hiding from anyone . I removed my information because I have not made a donation to this site and also because of certain persons allowed to acuse me of things that are not true or backed up by facts. I can be found if someone wants to find me. Still in Montana at my original shop in Bozeman.

Type in bulldog pliers in your rearch. You can call Hale and Comoany or Carl Chappell.

The reason why Barnsley tools are higher priced is because the materials used to make the grade of steel they use have increased quite a bit and are not always readily available at previous prices. There are only a couple mills still producing the metal the tools require. You want quality reliable tools? No matter what product you buy today if it is well made it will cost more. If you want to buy cheap then eventially the quality items will no longer be available. As far as Hale and Company's web site : It is taking Mr. Hale a Long time to get his site complete since he had to learn code and such on his own to get his site the way he wants it to make it easy for people to go through. You want tools just call him and ask. The quality of the tools are the same as the old stock. Frank

NO I can't make out the name. It is Probably the makers company name. The tool is called a glazing Iron. It is used to put a finishing wax on just built boots on the soles between the ball and heel, also on the exposed heel edges.You can also refinish used boots. You don't use it on upper leathers. Frank

The picture you call no.1 is used for rubbing finishing wax into the leather soles, heels and edges on shoes and boots. It is heated to the point it will melt the wax and you rub it over and over until the wax is no longer a liquid and is is now in the leather. You would then buff it with you finishing wheels. If you want to know more about the tools anf their purpose there is a book you can buy that has the information. The author last name is Solomon and the book is called Leather Tools from the 1700"s to 1950 ? Can't remember the exact name right now. Glue must be catching up with me. You can find it at your finders or at Hale and Company 805-680-8002. Can't tell what the other tool is because the picture is out of focus. Frank

I have bought from them and had no problems. I have their number. 312-823-9056, this is Eric Frank's number-- he is a sales rep. Frank English c

Sorry I don't have a camera handy. If you drew a staight line on paper and at the point where you would have a corner, round or 90 degrees, etc., you would draw an arc and then you would would continue to the next point you have a corner. I will make these arcs a little longer than I want, If you make them exact as you sew the edges together you could come up short or long , and just with my fingers hold it to the edge of the bag working my way to and around the corners to adjust my arcs( length or height). Thiese arcs relieve some stress of shaping the gusset to the bag's corners. Try using some scrap to sew together and you will see what I am trying to describe. If I can get a camera I will post a picture. Frank

Has anyone ever tried contouring the edge of the gusset where it meets the curve or corner of the bag? It worked for me. It is like a curved bump out. You would still glue and perforate your holes. Frank

I am no longer offering 12 week classes, 4 week and for a very good reason 2 week classes only. Students do not have to have the tools, they will be provided except for a couple items.

You can try Hale and Co. their web page is up. Frank

Call Horween Leather in Chicago. They have what they call water proof leather and in different colors and probably in different thicknesses. Sorry I dont have their info with me. Frank

You can back the leather with some lining leather cow( veg tan or chrome) or pig. Pig skin, doesn't have much stretch to it . Using thin pig, 2 oz. or less in thickness will not stiffen you leather very much. Frank

If just making a replica of the feet was what is required to make shoes and boots then why would there be last? It doesn't work. Take a shoe or boot making class and you will find out why. I am not trying to be smart ass about this but You will not understand untill you try to make some footwear. Frank English Frank English custom Boots

Hale and co is no longer on ebay, he has his site up( still tweeking it) he sells Barnsley leather tools. His site is www.haleandco.com and the site to view all his tools is www.bonanza.com under sellr name haleandco. His bussiness phone number is on both sites, suggest you speak to him in person, he very knowledgable and old school about leather work. Frank

Sheridan Leather in Sheridan, Wyoming. Don't have their number with me, they have a site. Frank

Hale and co has quality tools from England. You can find some of them on ebay in the store section under haleandco. If you have a problem call me at 406-260-1179 or email me at frankenglishcustomboots@yahoo.com. I don't have his bussiness number with me at the moment. Don't buy from the ebay site you want to call him directly. He is working on his web site. You just have to type in your search on ebay to see the tools. Frank

GH Leather in Texas 713-670-9800 Garlin Neuman in Mass. 603-595-6319 You could search the web under wholesale leather suppliers or something like that Frank

I use to use a certain rubber cent on my boots untill they changed the formula and it smells terrible. The oder never went away. If you want to save your pieces take them apart, use a blow dryer to warm the glue and pull the pieces apart. You can get a grit cleaning stick, this is rubber crepe used to clean sanding belts, at the hardware store and rub off the glue. If there is still some smell left try a light sanding. Try rubbing the crepe one way on the leather, it may take some time but it will come off. Frank

I have made some changes to the boot classes. I will no longer offer 2 week classes except for an exceptional reason. Classes available - 2 weeks and 12 weeks. Cost of 4weeks is the same that I charged for the 2 week class. I have been accepted as a Montana Eligible Training Provider. This is through the Workforce Investment Act. Montana has reciprocity with other states providing funds to participants in training classes. Frank English New email - frankenglishcustomboots@yahoo.com new phone - 406-260-1179 new location - 115 Anchor Way Polson, Mt.

I would certainly like to make a donation but unfortunately it is impossible due to the economic situation at my end right now. I am sure others may be in the same situation. I appreciate this site and use it often. When times get better there will be a donation from me. Frank

That is a must have card! Just fantastic! Frank