Ferg

Mutt, Two very good suggestions. I wrote that description before I decided to include a blog. I worked and argued with Web software folks so much this week I didn't finish some of my editing today. Paragraphs: That isn't the way I laid it out. Not sure what is going to happen with that piece. I am dismayed by the lack of basic writing, reading, understanding, knowing our history, etc. of so many folks these days. When I write something I try to use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Thanks for your comments. They are well taken. And, Thank you to those who have visited my post. Ferg

It actually has the best themes etc. Chat is better than most. Oh, I'm sorry, you asked about the software didn't you? One of the most aggravating things I have ever decided to do. I fought with them for three days. Went looking for another, they were just as bad if not worse so I returned to GODADDY. Will probably start fighting again since they don't have any note whatsoever saying I paid for the blasted thing. Ferg

I have been doing leather so long it seems I would be better at it than I feel I am. In the Autumn of my years I try to be better than when I was young. Having one or two other full time businesses to handle restricts the time to practice and "Fiddle" with whatever I doggone well want to do. We decided to do a Web Site. Actually, I have so much leather in the closet that I need to get rid of,,,,,,seems maybe I could sell a few things. I have THREE ITEMS in the inventory at this moment. I have been fighting and fussing with people from a half dozen companies who supposedly have the easiest and most comprehensive software to build a site in "ten minutes" !!!!!! Yay Have done a number of Web Pages for us and other folks. I wrote the code for those. Decided I would do it the easy way. What a joke! All of them have their sites written so you can get hooked into a hundred things you don't want nor need if you don't watch very carefully. I can do a fairly decent job of photography, don't have much equipment to make that better and don't intend to buy any more. My wife almost fainted when I bought two cameras that exceeded $1000 each, you can imagine what she said when I ordered a lens that cost twice what the camera cost. I am working on photos of some of the items I have made to get them onto the site. The couple Vintage Items I have on the site have interiors I bought at least 50 years ago. I dug them out of a drawer full of "stuff". They were in their original plastic bags with the Tandy tags on them. Take a look and don't be too hard on me, I am OLD! LOL "fergsleatheronline.com" Ferg

Ryan, It is good you started this thread. I love to read what others have done and become. This is normally a very humble craft. Reading through some of the old "How-To" books will jerk us back to what folks have become. You keep up the good work. I can tell you have been raised "right" and know at least some of what you want in life. Ferg

I certainly don't have any photos of my first attempts since they were sixty four years ago. I was in the Navy and stationed in Key West, Florida. Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-1. Made wallets and purses for members of our squadron and others on the base. I got $5.00 each for the wallets. My brothers still have theirs I made for them. Tandy store in Miami told me one time, "You pay our rent every month, don't stop!" That was a long time ago and I am still working with Leather. Ferg

Very Nice! I like to see young "Whipper-Snappers" doing great leather work. BTW: A number of years ago we made Black Walnut cases for a company who made Pens and Pencils. I kept one set for myself, haven't been able to find them in years. LOL Ferg

Beautiful work. Take physical photos and put them in a safe deposit box.Your grandkids won't believe it 10 years down the road. LOL Ferg

Said better than I. KingsCountyLeath Ferg

Well, you ask what we think. I think you need to do a lot of internal training before you try to teach someone to make the afore said "Card Holder". It is good that you are working on the craft. Your expertise simply isn't there yet. Don't wish to hear from anyone thinking I am "Mean". No one will ever learn if they aren't criticized as well as praised for their work. Ferg

First off: I have absolutely no connection with the company in the address I am going to give you. This is an excellent article for just what you are wanting to know. https://www.sailrite.com/Selecting-the-Right-Thread-Material Ferg

My guess under the circumstances would be $1000 to $1200. Depends a lot on what you may be including with it. Ferg

I am not sure Bob Kovar keeps any parts for these machines. Mine is a CowBoy, exactly like yours. Check with him at Toledo Industrial Sewing Ferg

Picture is nice, you need to give the make and model of your skiver. Ferg

I use "Min-Wax" for wood. Have used it on wood for years. Tried it on leather coasters, it turns water. Product is a solid wax, don't use liquid. Buff after applying. Ferg

Buy one of Uwe's Ferg

It's German! Sorry, I couldn't resist. LOL Ferg

First of all, I think you should use a thin layer of calf skin, goat, etc. for the back of your belts. The faux material is going to wear immaturely I think. I believe Matt is suggesting you make a rolled edge on your fabric then gluing it to your leather with the rolled edge at the edge of your leather. That would help the painted edge maybe while making it more difficult to make the belt. Ferg

I am always a bit skeptical when something looks so good with such a good price. Can you visit where this machine is located? I wouldn't touch it if I couldn't. Take some leather with you to see how it performs. If it does well, slide into your truck or trailer and head for home before the present owner decides against selling it. Ferg

FROM MY EXPERIENCE with sewing machines, it is almost as easy to over oil some spots as it is to under oil. The wicks shouldn't be "soppy wet" with oil. If you could squeeze one it should look about like one of McDonalds french fries when you squeeze the oil out of them. LOL Ferg

I saw that also. I didn't think it sounded like something I would use. I an sure there are folks who would like to have one though. Ferg

Try this! Google: "Falconry Glove Pattern" Ferg

Joe, Bob supplies that little magnetic light with the machine. I had the machine turned longways behind my flatbed Consew. When I began attaching the drop down I turned it the way it is in the photo. Liked the natural light coming in that window. Sure helped my tired ole' eyes. I need all the light I can get. Notice the other light I have turned toward the machine, it is on the Consew table. I can use it with both machines. lol My wife was even impressed with the stitching. Folks seem to have a lot of heartburn with the back-side stitches on numerous machines. They look extra nice on this one. Ferg

My first experience with a sewing machine was before I started grade school, almost 80 years ago. It was my mom's peddle Singer. I sewed some of her quilt patches together if I remember correctly, that didn't go over real well. Have used several home machines and just brought home my newest Leather machine yesterday. Had made arrangements with Bob Kovar ( Toledo Industrial) to have them set-up a new Cowboy 3200 for me. Bob asked if I wanted them to run through the operation, I said no. "Do you want to sew with it?" No. Bobby put the head in a box for me while we carried the remainder out to the truck. Looked it over when we got home with it. This afternoon I put my new drop down roller guide from Uwe on it, oiled and threaded it. Set the Servo to Slowwww, turned the table perpendicular to my big window in the sewing room, sunlight washing over the machine, Placed two pieces of Bridle scrap together and sewed several different length stitches. Other than needing to loosen the foot pressure a little more, it sewed perfectly. I had to sit back and admire my stitching for a few minutes. Nice machine!!!!! Anyone wishing to attach the drop down roller guide from uwe, The one he has in stock right now is a little long. I had to cut about 1/4" off one piece. Attaching the accessory bracket to the machine worked fine. The wall of the machine is only about 1/2" thick so I was a little surprised when the drill bit broke through before I got to 3/4" as suggested. Easily threaded the hole and attached the bracket. Notice I said, Hole as in one hole. Didn't drill the other hole since I have attached them before with just one bolt. Also attached the extension from Uwe for the hand lift for the foot. The machine couldn't be anymore of what I wanted. Thanks Bob and Bobby for getting it adjusted perfectly for me. I have only one gripe and it doesn't concern the machine. Suppliers on the Web advertise they have every needle ever made by so and so for the 441 clones. Not so. You will be lucky to find a half dozen different. They supply all these fancy charts with all the "Point" configurations and only have maybe four. If you are looking for a machine of this size and abilities, buy a 3200, you will never regret it. Ferg

Twenty six of the dull finished plus twenty five of the shiny. The dull will buff brighter. Shiny tools have metal handles, others have wooden handles I made for each one. Wooden handled items will work in an Arbor press for the impressions. Two stamps missing in this photo-two Mushroom. Want to sell the entire collection for $150.00 Ferg

These are from mid fifties. Bought them from Tandy. Barely used, sharp imprints. $25.00 Shipping = $8.00 anywhere within USA Priority Mail Ferg