TomG

I was a Tandy today and the label said it was Ethylene Acetate or something like that. Is smelled like Toulene/Xylene and Lemon Has anyone ever tried MEK? Anything to that? Tom

I don't think I'd have a problem making a guide similar to the one on the Tandy machine. I'm not sure how that ram foot connects though. I may stop by Tandy next week and take a look. On the guide, a while back, I was playing around with an adjustable guide that would allow me to put a collar or belt in it and use one of the hand embossing wheels to make an impression the length of the strap, and keep it straight. Never got it off the paper stage. As for pricing, I guess the high price is a demand thing. They probably don't sell a whole bunch of those....so the price is cranked up. Tom

Hi Dwight, I wondered how that would work. How do you attach the stamps or posts? I would think you would have to in order to line stuff up Tom

I'm interested in picking one of these up Thanks Tom

Thanks for the reply. The alignment issue is one of the main reasons I was asking about them. I do the 4-point tipping with the heavy handle when I stamp and occasionally have to restrike a few to get them even depth. But lining them up can be a chore. Is Tandy the only one who makes or sells these? Tom

Hi all, Got a few questions. Do any of you use the Tandy Imprinter machine for stamping? How well does it work? Does anyone make one besides Tandy, or can I use an arbor press instead? Thanks Tom Legacy Leathercraft

Check Harbor Freight Tools. they have inexpensive airbrushes and compressors that work well... at least the compressor does. After you master the airbrush, you might want to buy a more expensive one.

Beggars can't be choosers <g>. What do you have and how much are they? ********************************************************************** Hi Donna, I'm looking for used if possible. Trying to keep the costs down since I don't know how often I'll be using this tool. So far about the best I've found is around $50. I'd like to find a #43 or #44 since they will handle up to 1/4" tools. Do you have any spares to sell? Thanks Tom

Well, I only found a couple of places that carry the 43/44 model and all are new. Any tips on where to find used? Tom

Hi Donna, I'm looking for used if possible. Trying to keep the costs down since I don't know how often I'll be using this tool. So far about the best I've found is around $50. I'd like to find a #43 or #44 since they will handle up to 1/4" tools. Do you have any spares to sell? Thanks Tom

Thanks. I put a Wanted ad on the forum a while ago, so maybe one will turn up. If not, I'll just buy a new one I suppose. I was using a Dremel but is went south and only runs at max speed now. NOT good for burnishing <g>... tends to burn the leather. Later, Tom

I was given a Foredom Flexshaft grinder but it does not have the handpiece. Since I have to buy one and my research shows more than I wanted to consider, I figured I'd ask those who have them and use them. So, for leather work,m what handpice would be best? #30, #44, #43 or some other. Is there an economy model that wil work as well for less cost than what I am seeing on-line? Thanks Tom

Looking for a handpiece that will fit the Foredom Flexshaft. Thanks TOm

Glad it worked out for you Tom

I'm looking for one of the adjustable hand punches for punching the holes for spots. Weaver has them new for about $9.50 but needs a $200 min. first order, which we are not ready to do yet. So if you have an extra you'd sell, please let me know and how much you'd want for it. Thanks Tom

Did you ever find one of these? I may have one that I could loan you but I would need it back Tom

Anyone have an adjustable spot punch tool they would like to sell? Thanks Tom

Thanks again for the info. I definately don't want to burn the machine up. We mainly have used it in our embroidery business for sewing up things like chair backs, heavy canvas items that we have to open up to embroider. Being new at this, I am trying to explore our options. I had picked up the #277 by mistake. With the way the machine handled it, I would never try to sew an actual job with it. Just because it worked does not mean that it worked well. <g>... If we ever get to the point that we are sewing more than the occasional piece, I'll certainly buy a dedicated machine. I'm big on "the right tool for the right job". Later, Tom

Thanks for the in-depth info. It was greatly appreciated and helped a bunch. I went over the SE Sewing Saturday and picked up some #23 leather needles, a few feet of 138 thead and tried again. SUCCESS!!! Plus - I found out I had been trying to use 277 thread and not 207. I loaded the 277 back into bobbin and top and with the #23 leather needles, I was able to actually sew the 1/4+" leather. The machine definately struggled, but I think a smaller pulley on the motor will likely fix that....and maybe going back to the #24 needle once I do the pulley conversion. Is the pulley anything special? Thanks for all the help. Tom

I have this machine also and am just starting to try and use it for leather. I picked up a small test bundle of 207 thread and some 135x17, size 24 needles. I don't know how to tell if they are Leather needles or not. labeled SY3355 and DPx17 I loaded some of the thread onto a bobbin, put it in, and tried a number if upper tensios but got shaft lockouts, jams, and all sorts of issues. Am I trying to use too large a thread with this machine, or did I use too large a needle? I was trying to sew through a piece of slightly under 1/4" veg-tan with a thin piece of upholstery leather glued to the back. Thanks Tom

Thanks.

Similar, but a little larger. Thanks

What size leather do I use to make stirrup straps? TOm

Have any of you had any luck dying upholstery leather. I tried using spirit dye (Feibings) allowed to dry overnight, topped it with leather balm w/ atom wax. a week later, I am getting some rub off. Any ideas? Tom

Cool... So it looks like a strap with an folded end strap all tied together with what, rawhide, latigo strips? I've done some web surfing and found a bunch of pix of split reins abnd some I can see how they are built and some are not so clear. I think I'll stop by a tack store tomorrow and browse. Thanks