Ferg

Nice job. Isn't it great to do a refurb when it comes out so nice? You done well. ferg

Bobby, As always, your work is inspiration to everyone viewing. Must be busy, haven't seen any posts by you for awhile. ferg

I have bought from Tandy for many years but I have stopped. We have visited the Columbus,OH store twice in the last year, the quality of product is the worst I have ever seen it. Plus: very low stock on hand. Haven't even bothered with the Cincy store. The flyers from them are almost entirely "Junk". I don't get it. ferg

You didn't say what size your thread is. First, you should make sure the thread is the correct size for the needle or vice versa. ferg

This won't necessarily answer your question but, A Motorcycle jacket of best quality has 50 pieces to it. ferg

Wouldn't expect anything but "Pretty" and well done from you Tatyana. ferg

Very nice. ferg

I use the ready mades occasionally. They are useful even at some being high priced for a wallet etc. that does not meet my criteria for completely handmade by me. I believe you should make note to your potential customer when the interiors are not made by you. ferg

You and your countryman are some of the best Art Craftsman in the world. Great work. ferg

Firstly: The machine will handle 138 thread just fine. Do you have it threaded properly, double check even if you think it is okay. Tensions set wrong. Too small needle for thread you are using. ferg

Your stitching is nice except for corners. Just need a little more planning and practice. Your inside pieces are not the same size. Consider Kangaroo leather, it is normally much better thickness for interior work. ferg

BIGGUNDOCTORYour right it doesn't but it sure helps! ferg

I know what you are getting at and I concur with Dandton. My next comment may rile you and some others but anyway, your hand stitching isn't all that great. Back side isn't very good at all. Your awl holes are too big for the thread you are using. Mostly due to lack of experience. Experience at doing leatherwork is very important and that means many hours of practice. Keep at it. Machine sewing gets a bad rap some times. When done properly it has a fantastic look and can outlast hand stitching. Plus, when your hands are as arthritic as mine, you will learn how to do a lot of stitching with a machine. Take samples of your leather to machine dealers. Let them show you the stitches the machine is capable of. I am sure you would be able to find one to do what you wish with the proper needles and spacing. ferg

I know a little about skiving machines since I have one. If you have money to throw away, I would like to give you my address. LOL That is a piece of junk if I ever saw one. Must have a half pound of rust on it. Seriously, save your money and when you have $1500 to spare get a new one. ferg

I have a few comments: First of all, no one at Toledo Industrial put a quart of oil into your machine. I believe that may be your frustration talking. Also, If you are getting less than top notch service from Bob and/or Bobby, there is more to this story than you are telling. Did you say you had loosened some fasteners? Obviously you did not know what you were doing and may indicate somewhat, why you think you aren't getting service from Bob. If I am completely wrong, I will be the first to say I am sorry. Sit back and take a deep breath and ask Bob for help in the manner you should. ferg

Two things I notice: Needle too big for thread used making the holes too large. Increase the stitch length a bit. Having large holes and short stitch length makes the piece weaker on the edges. You done well for first time with the stitcher. ferg

Once you try the "roo" you will find how great a leather it is. Wish we had access to it as easily as you folks. ferg

I got a new iPhone 6 a couple weeks ago. Bought a "Holster" type case that is practically bullet proof, of course I don't like it. Would have made one to begin with but no time for fun this time of year. I am thinking of making one from Kangaroo. It is thin,supple, and wears like iron. I thought I would like the metal clip, doesn't appeal to me. Need to come up with some better ideas, it most likely will be made of kangaroo though. Machine stitched since my old hands won't let me do much hand stitching anymore. Will probably use either #92 or #138 bonded thread. ferg

Very nice. Asian folks have a knack for the fine arts, as you do. ferg

I bought one from Zamir, what an obnoxious BoZo. Okay I shouldn't have said it but believe me, if you can get screwed he will find a way to do it.

That's nice. !!!!!! Congratulations ferg

To me the obvious answer is to have a company who makes clicking dies, make you a hammer die. That small should be no problem. ferg

I suppose you know it is Chinese made. To get a current price you have to give them too much info for me. Alibaba lists the machine. ferg

This is going to be a bit different situation than most. Circa: 1953 I was stationed in Memphis Tenn. for a training school. (Navy) Saw a man making leather items and thought I could do that. Soon I found myself stationed in Key West, Florida attached to a Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron. So many people with nothing to do. I bought a few tools and some leather from Tandy store in Miami. To make a long story short, I eventually made leather items for almost everyone in my squadron and another in the same hangar. Spent most of the money I made on these items to buy more leather and many tools. Didn't have much free time then so I didn't need much money. First mistake most folks make? They think this is an easy way to make money. You will work your butt off, put up with some ignorant customers, etc. Tandy was my source for info and materials as well as tools. They "ain't" what they used to be but often get a bad name they don't deserve. Seldom buy from Tandy anymore. Sew most everything with machines and still enjoy doing this even if it has been sixty one years since I made that first wallet. Accept nothing from yourself but near perfection in everything. Never think "okay" is the way to go. ferg

I cannot see my interest in any of these without further explanation of purpose for each one. I know, you may have no idea either. LOL ferg