ktoddmc

I have a Chandler leather sewing machine for sale. It has had approx. 3 hours use, so it is like brand new. I bought it to sew dog leashes and collars and this is just too much machine for sewing 1" squares. I paid $1300.00 for the machine and am asking $900.00. Includes table, extra large bobbins, 4 large spools of thread, etc.. It would have to be local pick-up unless you want to pay $127.00 in freight charges (at least that is what I paid in addition to the $1300.00). I live in Illinois. You can view the machine at the Chandler website which I think is www.chandlermachineco.com .

Do you think you would be interested along with this other gal in getting together and sharing ideas, tips, etc.?

Are there any leatherworkers in east centralI llinois that might be interested in getting together to share ideas and help others learn the craft. I've been in the hobby for 14 months now and have yet to run across anyone from Champaign County or Vermilion County that does leatherworking. Needless to say, most of what I do or learn is self taught through books or DVD's. That's not all bad, but when you consider we have a active wood cat=rving community in this area, there has got to be some leatherworkers out there like me. If you are interested in advancing the art in this area, please let me know. Thanks, Todd McIntyre

Do you mind if I ask where you bought the glazed latigo?

Yes. I just didn't know if there was something that would shine it up a bit more. I have a tag made up explaining the leather qualities, but it is going to be hanging on racks next to cheaper dyed and polished leathers.

Ok I'll give it a try thank you!

By manually you mean hand operate it with the wheel when I get close to the end? Thanks

I am looking for a product that will give my Latigo leather a semi-gloss look to it. I don't want high gloss. I sell leashes and collars to mom and pop pet stores, kennels and groomers. The Latigo has the dull (flat) finish and I just wanted it to look nice on the racks. Of course, I dont want anything that will damage the leather or peel off and turn white. I tried atom balm and Super Sheen by Tandy and easn't real happy with the results. ANY help or advice would be appreciated.

I bought a sewing machine finally and it is working great. The problem I have is the operator. How do you know when to stop stitching? I cant see under the presser foot because I am sewing thick leather. All I am wanting to do is sew a square at the end of my dog leashes. I know this sounds stupid, but I have not sewed a "perfect " square in 30 leashes and have tryed tape, measuring, marking, etc. Is the an accessorie out there that I'm not aware of that will stop you from going over you perpendicular line? I've even chalked the outside but because of the tightness of the leatheer and the presser foot, that sisn't work. I just can't see where I'm at. Anybodies help is appreciated

Thanks Dink, Weaver requires a business license and I am currently a hobbyist with business aspirations. I have been selling to individuals who ask for items, but the profit line is low due to having to purchase retail. I have several businesses that are willing to sell my leashes and collars so I am going to have to get a license. One kennel I went to buys leather Amish leashes for resale, 6 ' x 5/8 for $5.00!! (must be using their own cows) Do you really save that much money dealing with Weaver as opposed to other retailers? How do you find good wholesalers to deal with? Thanks Todd

Thank You!!!

I am looking for swivel snaps for dog leashes, etc. They need to be heavy duty. The hard part I am finding is I want the bottom to be a rectangular shape not round. I need them in various sizes. Does anyone know of a good suplier of this type of snap. There are plenty of round bottom snaps out there, but I haven't seen a good selection of the rectangular snap. Thanks in advance for any help

Call Bob Kovar at Toledo Sewing Machine. I understand your frustration, it is almost identical to mine. If I could have lifted that machine it would have literally went out the window. Bob is very patient and can walk through problems in his sleep. He also deals with some really nice machines. Tell him Todd from Illinois told you to call. Good Luck

Call

I am new to the art of leathercrafting and am looking for others from my area that are involved in the hobby. I live on the Illinois/Indiana border right in the middle of the east side of the state. If there are any others in this area that would be willing to work together or start a guild, please let me know. The closest I can find is Indy and that is over an hour away. Thanks

Hi I was just curious about others crafters opinions of the best leather sewing machines before I "make the plunge". I would like to sew leather from 1/2" to 3/4". Does anyone have any favorites and why the machine is their favorite? I am interested in a "electrical" powered machine, not the Tippmann Boss. Thanks for any shared opinoins. I have researched "types" of machines fairly well (industrial, heavy duty, etc.) so I know what type of machine to stay away from. Thought I would get better opinions from actual crafters than all the salepeople I have talked to.

I went to this website to look at their DVD's and they do have quite a few. I ordered one and was SHOCKED at the $15.00 shipping charge. This is just for your info so you don't feel as shocked as I was.

Thanks and you are right I need to sell a bunch of collars and leashes to justify that. Thanks again

I have seen a few posts that talks about laser engraving on leather. I've spent considerable time looking for a machine that will do this. Does anyone know about these machines? Where to get them? What not to get, etc.? I am interested in something that will personalize latigo leather. I am just a hobbyist and I know these machine will be very high priced, but am still interested. As my experience grows along with my knowledge, I would like to know what is available in this hobby. One day someone might even buy something I make!?? I have posted similar questions dealing with dog collars and leashes. A few folks told me to use brass plates. The dilemma there is "how do you get the engraving to look professional on the brass tag"? Seems to take me back to the beginning. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Charlie I'll give it a go.

Hi I wanted to thank you for the dog harness pattern. I made 3 for my Giants a while back. I din't get back with you because I wanted to go for a few trial runs before I let you know how it worked out. After about 20 good, long walks, the harnesses performed and continue to perform beautifully! I was concerned about chafing behind the legs but, that has not happened. There has been many occasions were one of them could have backed out of the harness but could not. Thank you for helping a newbie with a great design so I could get a good product the first time without wasting my limited funds on trial and error. Thanks again, Todd Ps I know the other guy gave you some static about giving me the design. I know you did not say that you published the design and I also did not care who gets the credit, however you were the one that put forth the effort to help me and that is more important than who came up with the idea first. I didn't see him offering to help.

I work a lot with latigo leather for dog collars, leashes, etc.. I continue to get request to personalize the items with the names of the dogs. I have read that you can not stamp latigo. Is there a cost effective way to personalize latigo. This is what I have come across so far: Laser Engraving- high cost and may not lend to long term results Branding- If I have to buy numerous irons, this will not be cost effective Woodburning- Tried this once. My freehand is not that great and I won't make an item for someone if I don't like it and I feel I have high standards. (if I make it- I would be proud to have it) I even experimented with a Dremel Tool and woodcarving knives and the results were not good. I am just completing a 4 hour search for an answer and that is about all the patience I have at this point. ANYBODY HAVE ANY ECONOMICAL IDEAS THAT WORK????? Your help would be GREATLY appreciated!

This is nice. How long did it take you to make it? I would be interested in the strap measurements. Giant Schnauzers are about the same size as German Sheperds

Can you order those with custom info? Thanks