John at Byson

>1.What would be the best beginner leather sewing machine for me?..From what i've read I need a walking foot >machine, right?my budget is about $450-500...I was thinking about getting the Yamata or Feiyue FS288 from >Unbeatableprice(about $300) and get the monster wheel from Sailrite( i read about this machine in the forums >here)..I need to go as slow as i can for some small applique work on some jackets.. If you can find an old Singer, go for it. I'd avoid the 29K machines though unless you are mechanically minded as they tend to have lead a very hard life. But walking foot is essential if you are doing this seriously. >2.What kind of leather to use?...I do not want to use very light leather..i want the jackets to be somehow >heavy but also comfortable... kinda like the old leather motorcycle or flight jackets with the grain surface...What >thickness and temper of leather would be good?Buffalo or cowhide? Cowhide, at least 1.3mm thick. There are some musings here that may help... http://www.bysonleat...outLeathers.htm >3.What type of thread and needles?again think of the well made vintage motorcycle jackets. We use Coats Nylbond 40T70. We DON'T use leather point needles. Use the finest needle you can get away with. It does less damage to the leather. >4.If you know any links or forums that would be good for me to check out about leather clothing.>

Have had an enquiry from a customer about re-making the saddle on his 1924 Douglas. http://www.kynoch-douglas-parts.com/html/your%20douglas/1924%20TS%202-3-4HP%20Douglas%20motorcycle.htm (mind the wrap) My rapidly fading memory suggests that there was a really detailed article out there on the net laying out EXACTLY hoe to do this, but my Google-Fu is a poor as my memory and I can't find it. Anyone done this and care to share ? Anyone remember the article I mentioned ? Anyone in the UK want the job ? We would be happy to have a crack ourselves given some instructions, but if someone already does this you could save me the trouble :-)

Racing sidecar passengers often have trouble getting the mix of flexibility and protection they need. This is especially true for women as most suits are simply adapted from men's designs. Gwen designed this for a friend of ours to her specifications. We also discovered a rule of thumb for testing flexibility. If you put the suit on, body armor and all, and do it up, you should still be able to plat your hair. If you still have hair :-)

Anyone in the UK make leather (biker style) waistcoats ? We have had a couple of requests to make these but (especially at this time of year) we simply don't have the time.

Yup, it is a one or two thread chain stitch machine. As far as I can see, the needle runs through the fabric, the looper picks up the thread and brings it back over the seam, and the wheels move the seam forward an amount governed by a ratchet wheel; the needle then runs through the loop and through the fabric again making the stitch and so on. (In one thread mode). Not _exactly_ certain how it works in two thread mode but an alternative looper is also threaded. The Singer 176 furrier's machine is similar. And I want one of those to :-)

A customer has a belt which has great sentimental value. The buckle is broken & she would like it replaced. I believe the maker is "STALLION" and the pattern number 925. Any suggestions as to where I can get a replacement ? No one local fancies trying to repair it.

Picked up another old Singer machine to play with. Its a Singer 46K30 heavy duty glover's machine. It SEEMS to work, at least in single thread mode, but if anyone has any experience with these and pictures of one set up to work, Id like to hear from you :-)

Many thanks. That is an improvement. Not exactly what I need but better than I had :-)

Anyone know where I can get hold of a SERVICE manual for a Mitsubishi LU 4400 BOB walking foot machine (single needle) ? The "user handbook" that comes with the machine is about as much use as a chocolate awl.

As I said in my introduction, we don't actually make stuff, just alter or repair. So here is one of the things we don't make. :-) Made over a kayaking helmet, this is a copy of a WW1 US flying helmet made for a friend with a vintage New Hudson bike.

Hi all. My name is John Warr, and my wife Gwen & I run Byson Leather in Hertfordshire UK. We repair , alter and customize clothing, specializing in motorcycle leathers. Much as we would like to, we don't make much - there isn't the time to do everything, but we have a set of ladies sidecar passenger race leathers on the bench at the moment we are making for a friend. I am wrestling with an old Singer 29K58 currently, and one of the members here recommended this forum (Hi Al !) More information on our web site http://www.bysonleather.co.uk