Ferg

You are doing a relatively good job. The beveling is much better in second photo than first so we can assume you are getting better Cut your finger nails very short. Use a modeling tool to rub out the scratches while the leather is still pliable. Practice, practice, practice. Words we bandy about constantly. ferg

Welcome to the forum. You will find thousands of help notes in the Archives, may take several hours to read them all but.... Better get started. ferg

As always, welcome to the best leather forum in the world. You will find this site has members that share their knowledge willingly. Also many of the most talented leather carvers etc. anywhere. ferg

Dilute 4 to 1, water to vinegar. Stubborn stains increase vinegar. Yes, it does need to be washed with clean water to neutralize the vinegar. Make sure your leather has dried thoroughly before applying finishes and/or dye. ferg

Oxalic Acid has never been a problem for me. White vinegar diluted in water will obtain the same results as lemon juice. Vinegar seems to be a little stronger solution. ferg

Nice job. Your design is clean and well done. The more I see of the lined, geometric work, as you have done on the back, the more I like it. ferg

Bob, That is excellent. I have done some but not as many words as yours. The Arbor Press will imprint the lettering also. 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