KY23

Thank you guys. I normally stamp right to left with my light on my right. I read the link and here is my attempt after. Better for sure.

No matter how much I try and practice I don't get those nice straight lines when I'm using my basketweave at an angle. I start out good but seems to just start curving. Here is an example. What am I doing wrong?

The instructions and the YouTube videos are not showing the correct way to thread the machine. Ryan walked me through each step. Great customer service from Neel's. I'm a photographer too so I'm going to write up some instructions with good pictures on how to thread. Stitched up my first belt with my new machine.

So far so good. Assembled the CB4500. Instructions are better than I originally thought. I've been sewing on some scrap leather and almost ready to sew my first belt with it. Love the adjust ability of the servo motor. You can go really slow or really fast. I installed the edge guide and not sure if I like it or not.

Took delivery of my CB4500 today. Shipping company made the delivery issue into a problem when there was none. Only one box was heavy and I was still able to get it into the truck by myself. I did need some help getting it from my truck down to the ground and into my house. Setting up was a diferent story. Still working on it but the directions for assembly are not good. Some writing on the bottom of the table that was obviously written by a Chinese person that can't spell English unless you spell machine "machene". This is my first machine and its not simple for sure. Going to watch some youtube videos and use some common sense and figure it out. There are some usage instructions but not the best.

I have told the dealer. If the truck gets here and it's to much for me I will refuse delivery and buy a different sewing machine.

Thanks everyone. They are supposed to be delivering from a 40' semi trailer and its my responsibility to get it from the truck to the curb. Not what I expected from residential delivery. I have some help now. I have a truck and a dolly. My basement is a walk in and that is where I'm doing my leather work so easy. I just need to get it down in one piece. Delivery company was not friendly about it at all. Very clear that its my responsibility. I just found it funny that they were surprised I didn't have a fork lift at my house. I guess they are used to delivering to businesses. I have hay and other farm equipment all the time. Much bigger, much more heavy and shipped further distance and $250 for residential delivery and $175 for a lift gate just seemed a bit much. Not Ryan's fault but you are right that he needs to find a new delivery company.

Thanks. But if I get them to load it in my pickup I'm in the same boat getting it out of my truck. Just gives me more time to get it out and with friends to help.

I have farm equipment and horse related items delivered all the time. Residential delivery usually means some type of lift gate. Delivery company seemed pretty surprised I didn't have a fork lift I will get it figured out. With a lift gate $425 delivery fee is way high in my opinion. If this is my only problem with this project I will be happy. Not a huge issue to get worked out. I'm a disabled vet with bad knees and back I just can't lift stuff like this anymore and I don't like to ask for help.

I have a Polaris Ranger and Pickup truck. I can go to the end of my 500 ft long drive way and meet the truck. Its getting it from the semi truck to the bed of my pickup truck or the bed of my Polaris thats the problem. The delivery company needs a five our delivery window in the middle of the day. 8am - noon or noon to 5pm. Hard to get standby help for five hours. I'll get it worked out and be stitching belts by next weekend.

$175 extra for the liftgate option. $250 delivery already from Dayton, OH area to Louisville, KY area.

Finally broke down and bought a sewing machine to do belts. So far I've just been making belts for family and friends but thinking about offering belts, gun belts, spur straps, halters, etc for sale. Purchased through Ryan Neel with Neel's Saddlery and Harness. So far so good. Haven't gotten the machine yet but ordering wasn't that difficult. Only thing that wasn't clear was when Ryan said "Residential" deliver was $250 I figured like all other residential deliveries it would include some help getting it unloaded. The shipping company is going to pull up to my mailbox and its my responsibility to get the 350 lbs sewing machine off the truck and into my garage/house. They are delivering next Wednesday so wish me luck. After two back surgeries I'm hoping that I can handle it. $250 delivery fee you would expect some help or at least a lift gate to lower it to the ground. I will continue this threat to give my experience of my new machine.

Well. Spent about 10 hours tooling a sheridan style belt. I was very happy with the results. I followed the instructions in the Sheridan Style Carving book. Light coat of Neatsfeet oil, Wyo sheen, waited 24 hours and applied saddle tan Eco-Flo antique and the belt is ruined. Lots of bright red streaks all through the design. Is it the Eco-Flo? In some sections it looks like the Wyo Sheen didn't resist the antique. I put the Wyo Sheen on making sure to every inch was covered and let it dry for 24 hours.

Tried again by making a dog collar for my Giant Schnauzer Sam. Used properly cased leather this time. Much better I think. Still practicing the details.

Thank you Bob. I wasn't properly casing my leather. I've just started more practice on a properly cased piece of leather that is much more dry and I can really tell the difference. Easier to tool and much better results.

Started my first Sheridan style belt. I can tell I'm improving. This first attempt looks kind of sloppy. I used non-sheridan style tools. Still happy with the outcome. Waiting on my Wyo Sheen to antique. I started a new section using sheridan style tools and it does look better. More detailed. I am also playing with a craftool pedal lifter. I like the effect but still learning how to use it. Not much documentation on how to use it correctly that I can find.

botach tactical is probably one of the worst companies on the Internet. They will take your money and then not send your order. Then you will have to fight to get your refund. They have some cheap prices and I have had successful orders through them but when it goes bad it goes really really bad. I'll never give them a single dollar of mine again. Midway is a few dollars more but you are going to get your quick and correct: http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#blue%20guns____-_1-2-4_8-16-32

I saw a company called High Noon Holsters that uses rubber stitched in sight channels. Does anyone here use a similar method? It looks like it would be effective: http://highnoonholsters.com/_Questions/Molding_on_front_of_holster/Foward_Cant/0__Cant/_Lining/sight_track.html Eric

Did you use the Speedy Stitcher to sew this holster? I've been thinking about getting one and would like to hear your opinion before I drop the whole $13 for it.

Hey guys. New member. I've been doing leather work off and on as the need arises for around 5 years. I've made a few motorcycle seats and some other bike related items. I got the idea for these Whiskey bottle holsters from Anvil Customs. His looks great and I wanted to try to make one. Its going to be great for bike rallys where I need to keep a Whiskey bottle close at hand. Let me know what you think.