Ferg

Peter, You are foremost an excellent artist and I really do not know how to explain how great your tooling is. Merry Christmas to you. ferg

If the reverse side isn't a problem with marks you need to use smooth feet. You can also use smooth feed dogs but on some leathers it doesn't feed real well. With smooth feet you have to readjust the pressure since the feet will mark some soft leathers. Takes a little "tweaking". ferg

Clay, This little tool is bolted to my work bench. Everything I have tried to do or done with it has worked almost perfectly. ferg

Some place on the forums I posted pics of the arbor press I modified. I can set rivets, snaps, use stamping tools, etc. Access this: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=34570&st=0&p=214265&hl=+arbor%20+press&fromsearch=1entry214265 ferg

Contact HorWeen in Chicago. They are the only Stateside company tanning the shell cordovan. ferg

Strictly an observation: Do the folks using the Tippman have problems keeping the stitch length exactly the same? Your designs and workmanship is excellent. ferg

Sorry, You need to read my post again and understand what I said. There is nothing for either of you to get your shorts in a twist. I wasn't criticizing, simply pointing out that perhaps the content wasn't something very many folks would make comment on. The original poster was getting all up in the air because no one was apparently looking at or wishing to comment on his photo of his work. I didn't say anything negative about the person's work. BTW: Folks on this forum either work at leather as a hobby with a full time job or leather is a full time job. Under those circumstances there may not be as much time to "hang out" on a forum as in a lot of other forums that you and others may frequent. Whatever floats your boat. ferg

Call it what you like. You wondered why no one was commenting on your work. I simply said, "Maybe it is the content that no one is interested in." You stated, "actually i get almost no responses, comments, even LOOKS on here.....not too sure anybody actually uses this site....." Now that is what I call rude. ferg

Do you suppose it could be YOUR content? Haven't you read any of the archives etc.? ferg

Sorry, I don't think I ever get that bored! LOL ferg

The shell is very tight grain so it takes a little more work. I don't think you are going to get much finish with a hand burnisher on this leather.. Please access Bob Park/hidepounder in the archives for Burnishing edges. It is the most comprehensive information anyone can get. ferg

I have a Landis 5 in 1 for sale if this is not available. Excellent condition. New parts, completely reconditioned. PM me if interested. ferg

Are the feet on your machine smooth or ribbed? Feed dog ribbed? If the underside/back of your project won't be seen you can use the ribbed feed dog. You will need to do a little tweaking to it's height. Smooth feet on your machine will help to alleviate the marking. Adjust the foot pressure so the leather does not lift with the needle. You may need to "rub" any small marks out with a modeling tool. ferg

I don't think you are going to find that. I may be wrong but it seems most shops are likely to carry one of these two, not both. ferg

Try sewing the curves/corners by hand (turn the wheel by hand). You can often control the machine a lot easier doing this. ferg

Terry, You are eloquent in your writing/information as well as making some fabulous knives. I will be ordering as soon as Christmas slows down. ferg

I don't know anything about your timing but it looks like you have your needle in wrong. The long slot or "scarff" should be to your left when you are sitting at the machine. ferg

Welcome to the USA and Leatherworker, Zafer. We all enjoy folks from all over the world. It isn't every day we have a venture that can connect with thousands of folks in a benevolent way. Your articles are very interesting and nice workmanship. Make sure you show us more photos of your items. BTW: You have excellent English, congratulations to you and your family. ferg

We have a two head CNC Router in our wood shop with a vacuum table connected to a 10 horse vacuum pump. I have cut almost everything imaginable with this machine but leather is a problem. You must have some type of "Hold down". The vacuum appeared to be the way until I realized the vacuum pressure is pulled through the leather at a high rate making filigree or cutting parts from a skin almost impossible. The parts just move around on the table plus the edges were never going to be good. Tried several types of cutters to no avail. That is my experience. ferg

I would bend it about half of what you would do with a book cover. You don't want the glued bend to interfere with opening the purse. ferg

Try wearing your suspenders without the belt, more comfortable. ferg

I have sprayed and removed lacquer for over 50 years, use the lacquer thinner and save yourself a lot of grief. ferg

I cheat a little, have a printer that prints 13 x 18. Most of the patterns will print on 11 x 17 vellum, which I use most. Hate taping the sheets together. ferg