Ferg

I am communicating with Cowboy Bob as we speak. Thanks again "Wiz" ferg

Don't give up on carving and stamping, you will miss out on a lot of fun! Primarily you just need practice. You have the general ideas. You know what isn't correct I assume but a trip through some Al Stohlman books would do you a world of good. ferg

I want to buy a sewing machine for leather. With information gotten from "Wiz" I want the Consew 206 RB-5. Again with the info received so far the machine is available on e-bay for $1290.00 including Head, 3/4 HP Servo Motor, and K frame stand with plywood top. FREE SHIPPING, I like that part a lot since it is coming from CA to Ohio. I assume the stand/pole or whatever you call the holder for the thread is included and I have seen in some instances where a Bobbin Winder is included, don't know if that is so on this item or if it is a necessity. I am a "Greenie" on the sewing machines so I don't want to get cleaned right off. There seems to be literally hundreds of gizmos/attachments available. What about a lube pot for the thread? Do they come with the machine? For the time being I want to sew flat leather items probably no more than 3/8" in total thickness. Some items would be "Art" so I think I would want thread and needles that can be used for up to 10 spi as well as 7 or 8 spi, you get the idea. What do I need to look at for these items? Do I need any other feet than what is standard with the machine? Doesn't look as though much comes with the package. With the walking foot machine can I sew "Decorative" stitching? Top surface probably. Should I buy one size of the thread to begin or try to get a deal on more than one size with more than one color? I seem to prefer white for my hand stitching but of course that could change also. I am using Linen and waxing myself for hand stitching. Better thread material? I am sure many folks have their favorites. Sorry for all the questions. The more I know about this the more I realize I don't know. LOL ferg

I just visited the site and everything was okay for me. ferg

You have too much speed on the spindle. With your set-up you cannot change that. I used motor, pulley to pulley with burnishing mechanism on a shaft. That way you can slow that motor speed by changing pulley diameter. ferg

I believe you may be doing damage to the edges with the leather burnisher. I am sure someone with a lot more first hand experience than I will chime in. ferg

Nice job Scott and welcome to LW. Next time burnish the edges of your belt. Cannot quite see what kind of leather you used, may not be able to burnish the edges on it. ferg

I have never heard of Galoshes Hooks but how about the fasteners on "Artic Boots". I have Two Buckle Artics, they rise just above your ankle, you can get Three buckle and Four Buckle at any Farm Store. Maybe that is the fastener you are looking for. If I find them I will let you know. ferg Guess what? Ninety nine percent of the shoe hardware is made in China!!!!! Isn't that a surprise? Ohio Travel Bag has a few things that might work. Since I don't know exactly what you are wishing to do this is a little tough. Check page 16 Boot Hooks.

If you have a Tandy store near you by all means visit. The managers and clerks are normally knowledgeable and you can get scrap bags plus smaller skins of 8 or 9 square feet. I have very little to no problem with their leather. When visiting the store you can select whatever you want. ferg

How do u mean when u say that I use the veiner to close to the edge of the scroll, outside of the edge? //Henrik Yes. ferg

You didn't ask for a critique but..... You are using your veiner too close to the edge of the scroll IMHO. I cannot tell for sure about the beveling next to the un-carved area but, something doesn't look quite right. Did you lighten up on your swivel knife on those edges? Your stitching is great. Hand sewn or machine? Cute kid ferg

My first thought is a grumpy dog. LOL Second thought would be, "How would you feel if your neck was tied to your ribs?" ferg

Thanks, Exactly what I wanted to know. ferg

Can anyone tell me what this old machine is worth? No table and no treadle. Probably needs work, Duh! Has knob on wheel to use as a manual machine. Casting looks to be good shape. ferg

I was in the US Navy and served on board about half dozen flight carriers. We wore flight deck shoes with a sole that resembled suction cups, so you didn't slide off into the ocean Unfortunately, the shoes/six inch boots, were a suede finish. During down times I polished the toes of many boots. Only polished back to the first stitching. I used brown KIWI shoe polish and spit. Soon I was being asked by everyone to do their boots. Finally just showed them how to do it. The finish could eventually become a good 1/32 to 1/16 inch thick. If you didn't kick any bulkheads with them you could expect several weeks of use from them before re-polishing. I used an old T-shirt to apply the wax. ferg

Welcome to the world of leather craft on LW, OZ! Does that bridle in your image have a "Bit"? The design reminds me of my younger days when we farmed with horses. Haven't felt the excitement of my first effort at driving a team for a long time. ferg

Name is Keith Brown. Known pretty well in the S&W community. There are a lot of posts in this forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php concerning his grips. Keith's new web site: http://www.keithbrowngrips.com/ ferg

I had done a web site for him couple years ago. He has a son that works for Hasbro who decided Dad needed a more modern "viewing" than I gave him, I guess. Don't know what the URL is for the new site at this time, will post it later. I have attached a photo of a set of grips he done, you may enjoy seeing the quality of his work.

My Son-in-law hand carves wooden grips for some of the elite owners of S&W, many of us ordinary folks also ferg

Update to my experience. I am still feeling the same way. I do not like people to talk down to me, even if they are taller. I get that feeling with every communication with them, I don't need the hassle. ferg

You can buy "Buckram" at Fabric stores. Works great. ferg

I am going to assume that you wish to "Emboss" into the finished leather. I used to do that kind of work. You can buy gold foil that is affixed to a thin paper back. You will need a metal "Stamp" with the design similar to a leather stamp. Place the foil on the item, then the stamp, and with quite a bit of pressure you will have a beautiful Gold Inlay. Takes a little practice. I used to use this method to imprint names into Shell Cordovan wallets that were Cordovan Color. Adds much pizzaz to item. ferg

Do not know a thing about the machines you are asking about. Just needed to tell you, "Your English is fine, just wish some of the (Residents ???) of the USA could speak as well." ferg

Just another coat or seven of hand rubbed oil and she's good to go! It's amazing how a little thought can become a reality when you have the desire to create. (A little knowledge and the right tools helps a lot too though). Hobbies are fun... aren't they? Njoy Life... Having worked in construction and then having my own company plus manufacturing business I have built many of our machines. My wife asks me where I am going when I go out the door. Well founded question. It is usually to get some items I need to build another "Idea". Yeah! I love hobbies. LOL ferg

Do you think you might want to "roll" that top edge at the ankle? The raw edge may wear pretty fast. ferg