Ferg

You can buy tape measures, some are nylon, that begin with "0" in the middle. I am thinking of centering the "0" on the tool center. Pressure? That is a relative thing I believe. I simply hold the handle down firmly. Makes great impressions. Used it with Basket Weave. Takes a little practice but the impressions are very even. Largest pieces I have used to press an image is about 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" . That takes some pretty good pressure. ferg Tree, Nice thing about the "rig", I can get more distance from the tools simply by moving the table back and tighten the clamps. ferg

"Amazing Grace" was my first thought but "The Old Rugged Cross" was definitely my grandmother and her daughter, my mom, favorite of all hymns. I carved the music and words to "Stardust" into a wallet for a Band Leader years ago. ferg

One ton Arbor press from Harbor Freight, $45.00 Steel, aluminum, screws etc. $10 - $15. Fully adjustable and very accurate. Half inch hole drilled in arbor ram with thumb screw in front to hold tool in hole. Aluminum blocks are bolted to table, have thumb screws through them to anchor table to arbor base. Adjustable brackets on back of vertical are Bi-Fold Door hardware. Any questions, I will try to answer. ferg

Visit this web site to see what is possible with "Spirit Dyes" (alcohol based). This gentleman does some of the finest work on this planet, carving and coloring. Hope his gallery gives you inspiration, I did not intend it to be over powering.) http://petermain.com/ ferg

Helda, Your work is excellent. You have the touch, I don't say that often. Your design is exquisite and fine in features and layout. I cannot think of any other adjectives that do it justice. Curious: Did you intend your stitching holes to be large with only a small amount of thread?

I have been a fan of great Barber Shop Singing since the "Buffalo Bills". Not many that could match their expertise. This group, everyone will enjoy. ferg

I think that most of the machine dealers on here will agree with me, under certain conditions, every doggone sewing machine out there will make marks. IMHO that would not be a test for buying a certain machine, you need to look a lot closer at what the machine you are considering is capable of. ferg

I concur with all you said except for your first statement about Priority Mail. We ship 15,000 parcels between September and January every year. Quit using UPS because of the cost. Priority Mail will get a package from OHIO to California in 3 to 4 days some times less. First class mail will take from 7 to 10 days. We even ship to Canada via Priority, takes about three weeks via First Class, a week via Priority. From Ohio to the East Coast is two days Priority. Just my .02 ferg

I seen that on one of the supplier sites some time ago. Thought about trying it. I will try anything at least once. ferg

Greg, That IS a great animation. Slow enough you can see what is going on. Thanks, ferg

Forgive me if this has been asked before. Anyone used the Pro Crafters Series stamps. They have some very interesting patterns. How were the impressions? ferg

One of my many interests is aircraft. I think some of you might enjoy this. http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1103012503001 ferg

This is a little off topic to this thread. I have visited Bob Beards's site numerous times. I know this man does fantastic work and I can only imagine what his schedule is. IMHO his site is horrible in it's construction. Date for build is 2006. Only part of the time can you figure out where an image is for tools. I have yet to find what is meant by #1 thru #6 size. Can't we have a size given in inches or millimeters ? I know a lot about being so busy you have no time to do important things such as updating a web site, get someone to do it, please. ferg

Robert, Do a search on this site for Basket Weave or Basket Weave Tutorials. There is some great info. I have also downloaded some free info from Tandy's new web site. ferg

May have to tweak it a bit. ferg

Ryan, That is beautiful. Sterling silver pieces? ferg

You done a great job. You may want to practice "fading" the Basket Weave into your border. Great job on the Basket Weave stamp. ferg

Bob Douglas has the best Awls I know of. Find them here: http://leatherworker.net/pmd/sheridan-leather-outfitters-prm.html ferg

I believe you should only go one size smaller in the bobbin. In other words, #69 in the bobbin with #92 in the needle. ferg

Did you realize that is a post over two years old? ferg

That is a very nice piece of work. Simplistic and fancy at the same time. Someone will be proud to own that. ferg

I will begin by welcoming you to the greatest leather work forum in the world. Then, I will say, you do some fabulous work. Your stitching is beautiful and your leather work is likewise. I have to say I love those guns also. Would like to have the first in my home. ferg

Mark, There are better than some available. Bob Kovar probably has some of the better ones. Mine has a "Grease Cup" at the end of the shaft, a very small grease cup BTW. My machine started squeaking one day, I traced it to that fitting. I actually removed the cap from the grease cup, inserted the grease gun as tight as I could and placed grease that way. As soon as I can remember to unscrew the cup I will attempt to get a "Zerk" grease fitting to fit. Probably metric. I see no reason for not having the combination of speed reducer and the servo. ferg

I have the Consew 206RB5 with a 3/4 HP Servo. Servo doesn't happen to be from Bob Kovar but it is definitely similar. I also have a speed reducer. As Wiz says, it is possible to slow the machine to one stitch per one or two seconds. I have stacked leather as high as the amount of lift, 9/16". It will work hard but it will sew it. I find that when sewing thicker leather. stitch length is affected. You won't get 10 or 12 spi. A note: Do Not attempt to sew 1/2" of leather with the machine other than to show off. LOL ferg

I have three daughters and a son. We have laughed heartily over the years about things they said or done. Needed to share this with you.