Ferg

I believe some folks think you have to grind heck out of the bell knife to sharpen it. You only need a slight grinding as in, touch the stone to the grinder for about 2 or 3 seconds, unless the edge is pitted or in bad shape altogether. I know it is recommended to use the "rod" to get the burrs off the knife at same time you are grinding. I do not do that. If for no other reason it is very unhandy. Carefully use the rod as near straight with the sides of the bell. You only need to touch the rod slightly to the bell knife. I have never tried to hone or embellish the grind. I simply have never had to. After skiving any Chrome Tanned leather for a project I touch the bell knife with the grinder and rod. With Veg Tanned I may do the same because it is easier to remember to just do a "touch up" after each session. Distance from and angle of the drive wheel from the knife is one of the most important things when adjusting any of the Skiving Machines. There is a learning curve to this machine. If you do not wish to put forth the effort to learn how to use them, please do not complain about how you cannot use them. Machines setting idle until they rust is no good. ferg

tboyce Has a pattern for a Dopp Bag. Search: "tboyce" on this forum. ferg

You may or may not have read my previous posts on the Skiving machines. Search: "skiving machines-ferg" ferg

You are obviously a great artist with the air brush. I am an old man by many standards and come from much more subtle times than you. That said, How about using some art that refers to Patriotism, wounded soldiers, doesn't matter what country you wish to aim your product. I realize your jackets are more to the liking of Motor Cycle enthusiasts and modern music aficionados. Doesn't mean you couldn't waiver from that. You are an excellent artist. You need to widen your interests. I think your pricing is about right. Just my .02 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