gdonovan

Greetings good people. I have a request for a strap that requires a quality 2" center heel antique brass buckle. Any ideas as to where I can find one or two of these in North America or anywhere for that matter? Tried the Buckle Guy, no can do. Tandy's is out because I need a 'quality' buckle. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Cheers!

Thanks Daryl. Much appreciated.

I buy sheets of flimsy cardboard, draw out half my pattern using a center line (if the pattern is symmetrical) and dividers to mark out my holes. Start on your center line using half the distance (for your first hole only) you want your stitch spacing to be then lightly work your way up to your finishing point. Once you have worked out the correct spacing press the dividers through the cardboard. Careful that the dividers don't move by going back from time to time to make sure the spacing hasn't changed, this will screw up your pattern. Once you have established the stitch spacing, use an awl to punch through the cardboard. When I have half the project cut with holes marked I very lightly score the cardboard center line and fold it over to trace out the other half, mark the holes and cut it. The gusset length can be determined by counting the amount of holes and using the dividers again (with the same stitch length). Again I use a center line (length ways and if you like width ways as well) to assure symmetry on the gusset. Triple check your hole count. The length of your stitching may take some head scratching but try it on a scrap piece first to see how the stitch looks. I always mark my patterns front and back so I am reminded to flip the pattern over when tracing it onto the hide. I can understand why most people would not do things this way because there is a lot of hole punching and it takes time but it's the small hole on the punch and an easy squeeze. Invest in a good hole punch if you don't already have one where the hole punches can be unscrewed (you may eventually want to unscrew the small hole on the punch to replace it with an even smaller diameter one)....many of my bag patterns have over 600 holes! lol I hope this helps. Cheers

Hi. This may or may not be useful to you but when I was making sandals I had a small hand cranked tin cuter bolted to my work bench. It had two circular blades that cut simultaneously (one blade above and one below) and a gap within the tool (approx 14" long) so you could cut the round parts (toe and heel) all in one pass. It worked really well. After gluing and nailing the two soles together I ran the sandals through a grinding wheel to even up the edges then edged them to round out the edges. Of course if your cutting the pieces by hand always use a sharp blade (dull blades are dangerous) and watch your fingers. Never tried a jig saw or a scroll saw but you may want to try it on a scrap piece first, to see how it goes. Hope this helps. Cheers.

Good Day, Embarking to make a large leather flight carry-on type bag. Will make it using natural cow hide. Been wanting to do this for awhile but the cost of the leather has held me back. I live in a rainy climate and waterproofing is a must. Would anyone have tried and true experience regarding 1) a long lasting waterproofing technique that 2) stays on the bag and doesn't transfer onto clothing 3) is not sticky and 4) won't need to be reapplied regularly or, ideally, ever again. I don't so much care if it darkens the leather (I like that look actually) as long as it does so consistently, throughout the piece and will not rot wax thread. Not asking for much hey? Thanks for your feedback in advance, I really really appreciate it. Greg

Really nice job Mike. The character is very well done! Not to distract from that, I too was wondering about the background.I googled Bob Beard and came up with a website that is not yet developed. Any ideas as too where else I can see some of his tools? The background you created, how well do you think it would stand up on a handbag or belt...with the wear and tear I mean. Do you think it would flatten out fairly quickly? I am anxious to see more of Bob Beard's creations. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!

Hi Nate. Found myself in same predicament ended up ordering from Buckleguy. Good quality buckles. All the best.

Thanks to you both for taking the time to help me out. The tri fold wallet with shearling looks like it would do quite nicely.

Hello! Looking to find fly fish hooks case ideas. I will be hand sewing it and hope to use as few rivets as possible, if any. The size will kind of be an educated guess as it's a gift and the hooks are not accessible, however, any ideas on size would also be appreciated. Fly fishing hooks are generally small right? Like 1" long typically? Thanks in advance for ideas!

Hi Eric. I'm basically doing the same thing except have been doing Farmers Markets for last ten or so years every Saturday. Educated as a draftsperson with drafting board and machine then worked in a municipality using AutoCAD and a civil 3d package for road and sewer design. As time went on my employer was hell bent on contracting work out and our engineering department was eventually going to be no more. From there I bid on an internal posting so I would not lose my future pension and ended up working in sewer lift stations and eventually the city's wastewater treatment plant. I'm now very happy that I put in time doing the farmers market as now I have tools, ideas, and the 'love' for leather work. We just moved to Vancouver Island from Prince George and my wife and I are LOVING it. I mean really loving it. I was actually born in Chatam NB and raised in Montreal. One summer I travelled with Bill Lynch Shows through the Maritimes making leather belts which was an interesting experience lol. I believe you said you were in Moncton, do you still have a pink bridge there? lol Sorry that's all I remember. I'm sure it's a great town and a wonderful place to live. All the best to you in your new enjoyable occupation. I'm very happy doing leather work and I wish the same for you! Greg

Thanks everyone. When I log into this website I can spend hours and hours here and not get any of my work done! I have to spend more time here looking around...I do yup yup. Greg

Thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts! I'll go get one I like, to use as a template.

I've been asked to make a fanny pack- pouch around the waste. I hand sew so zippers are well... out of the question. Snaps are good but the real problem I'm struggling with is the design and sizing. I don't want to have to make the pack with belt attached because of all the different sizes and colour combinations. I'd rather not make them at all if I have to use nylon belting with those plastic quick connect buckle thingamabobbers. So ya...any thoughts or ideas or available patterns I could use out there? Cheers and thanks, Greg

Greetings, I am looking to buy quality custom made stamps not only for my own use (to stamp my company name right into my stuff) but also to cater to tourist towns. Tourists like momentos to take home with them. The name of the place they visit is great so...I would like to buy a few custom made stamps. Ideas on who I can contact to get top quality stamps? Thank you in advance to those who reply. Cheers, Greg

The vinegaroon process sounds worth a try and so does predying with dark brown or navy blue. I have tried with limited success, using Kiwi (has to be Kiwi) gloss polish over oil based black dye. I will try predying (as you suggest), adding oil based black dye, Kiwi polish, buffing, then topping it off with saddle soap. Gonna throw out my saddle soap it's probably getting old. Please- the more ideas the better so if others have feedback feel free to respond. Thank you so much for taking the time to help! Greg

Everything I dye black gets this cakey finish on it. How can I get a good black finish on belts and purses that doesn't cake or rub off? What step by step process should I be using and what are the best dyes (specifically black) should I use? An answer would be greatly appreciated! Kind Regards.