Ferg

I believe you should consider a leather with a "suede like" backside. I have several. I realize you probably couldn't wet form it. Suede lining may be your cheapest and best interior. Ferg

Our items weigh from 8 or 9 oz. through maybe 10 pounds. It is really tricky to figure our costs since we drop ship our products direct to buyer. We really have no input on what the eventual retailer charges for mailing/shipping. Ferg

I can appreciate your creativity. Unfortunately, I would not buy it since that is very rough and it would scratch my eye glasses. Ferg

It seems I had a problem with the shipping cost from them . I questioned it and I believe they told me that is an estimate, won't be the final amount. That was disconcerting for me. I like to know what I am getting for what I need to pay. Since we ship thousands of items every year I know the shipping cost just keeps going up. Seems it needs to stop somewhere but never does. Ferg

I am older than most of you and have problems with knees and lower back. I tried one machine at standing height. Advantage I found with standing, you can see over all the work area a little better than when you sit. My back and legs simply will not withstand standing at any of my machines for more than ten or fifteen minutes at a time. Ferg

I cannot answer for the 4500, I have a 3200 and I am going to assume that since the operation is very similar in the two models.... I find the thin leather falls into the feed dog space/hole and distorts the leather you are sewing. I have a small slot needle plate which has another problem. Thin leather doesn't slide over the plate easily without more than normal foot adjustment pressure thus making marks in the leather face. Bob Kovar suggested placing a piece of silicon tape on the needle plate so the leather would slide more easily. I haven't done that as yet. I just don't stitch thin leather on the 3200. Ferg

Anyone who likes machinery of any kind, visit this company web site for some truly interesting work. http://www.merrow.com/ Ferg

Now that is a neat little machine. How much do they cost? Ferg

I refer to them as beautiful animals, which they definitely are. I have photos of wild horses among many others that I consider beautiful also. Our draft horses we had during my years at home were beautiful also. About the only animal I can honestly say I can barely watch is a Possum. Ferg

Couldn't find my old TOPIC to file my idiosyncrasies. Has God ever placed a more beautiful animal than a Jet Black ARABIAN horse on this earth? I know, they are all stunning. This one makes a tear come to my old eyes. Ferg

Are you using a "Leather Needle" for the leather? Ferg

Next question: Do you not care how much you make, monetarily, while making these zippers? Or, is this just something you want to try? I am guilty of trying all kinds of way out manufacturing ideas. Zippers require exceptional accuracy. Probably why they are made on rather sophisticated machinery. I too have most of the hand tools, using them for repairs, not manufacture. BTW: You can buy certain parts easily. I have never even thought of buying "teeth" separately. If I need teeth for a repair, I take them from a piece of zipper I have cut from another. Ferg

I am curious. Do you mean that you wish to buy each part of a complete zipper and manufacture your own zippers? If this is true, Check the web for a few of the many videos on how they are made and what machinery is involved. Ferg

JANE, Congratulations on your new digs. I have "stuff" in a shed that was to house only my glass business to begin with. Now it includes some of my sublimation equipment plus leather equipment. You have seen my "Leather Room". That will give you an idea what the room in the shed looks like. LOL Ferg

You need a spanner wrench. The shaft has a centering hole in the end. Is that what you are referring to? Ferg

Ohio Bag Ferg

PhillyRock. Not quite! Ferg

I have very little "spill" over the edges anymore, took awhile. Lol The manner you hold the tool alleviates most of that. I like my paint to be a little on the thick side and try to only make one swipe without going back over what I done previously. This stuff dries very fast so I find it best to correct any little spots on another application of the paint after it dries. I use an old toothbrush to clean the roller after use with cold water running over it. Warm or hot water sets the paint in the grooves. I have tried three different brands of the paint. Giardini is the best in my humble opinion. Ferg

Of course I have a comment. If you wish to sell a product it is usually a good idea to show photos when it was used properly. Ferg

It was meant as a compliment. "Cute" idea. Ferg

I have never had marks left behind with my brass rollers. Perhaps you aren't putting enough paint on the roller or the paint is too thin. Like everything else worthwhile, it takes a "Little Learning". Ferg

Your carving looks like a stamp. Ferg

Unless you intend to do high numbers I would get the roller first. Appears to me that you rounded your leather edge before applying the paint. Plus you didn't continue completely to the end leaving a portion square. I tried the spatula at first thinking it was okay until I got the tapered roller. I leave all my edges square/flat. I then seal with a clear sealer sanding after every application with nothing rougher than 600 grit sanding cloth. Number of applications of color depends largely on how heavy you apply and how smooth and non-absorbent your choice of leather. BTW: I think the design of the rollers gives the rounded effect to the flat edge without the actual round shaping. Ferg

GENGADO, I am right here!!!!! Your staining isn't bad. Practice different ways of application. If you don't have an airbrush you can use try different materials. Stitching is something that can go "wonkie" after doing it for years. Concentrate on your stitch line which I imagine you have free handed. A makeshift tool to mark that line before stitching will do wonders. I like your idea for the pocket shapes, they just need some refinement. Don't try to be too fancy with the shapes and cuts. Simple is beautiful also. Keep at it you are doing fine. Ferg

VERY NICE! Ferg