Ferg

Mike, I didn't have a problem with that. It may have been slightly off center but the file trued the space just fine.. ferg

For a cheapy. Check this out: http://www.namepuzzles4kids.com/burnishing.html ferg

This little tool would be easy for anyone to make that has a drill press. Please do not try to hold a Hand Drill and use this. Tool is primarily to show how most anyone on this site can make a Burnisher to let them see how easy any of the fine wooden burnishers several of you are making can be used. Feel free to add any and all additions/comments. Oak is a good wood to burnish most any soft material since it is relatively abrasive. You could apply paraffin or beeswax to the spindle I suppose, I didn't try that yet. Lowe's has a bin with dowels and a few finials. This little guy was really expensive, two for $1.88. I used a rat tail file measuring 3/16" to 5/16" in the fat part to increase/round the already turned areas of the finial. You could make the groove whatever size you need. DO NOT press real hard, you might break the screw bolt chucked into the drill. Since I haven't figured out how to get my images into this site as yet I simply done a little web page with the photos. I am sure someone will have questions, maybe about my sanity but fire away. Site Address: http://www.namepuzzles4kids.com/burnishing.html The attachment doesn't work either so just access the web page above. ferg burnishing.html

I have had less than stellar results with several companies listed on this site. Lady at Springfield didn't have a clue as to what a Pricking Chisel was. After asking if they had them she came back to phone, still no idea. Siegle has chosen to ignore my e-mail query of several days ago I guess. ABBEY hasn't responded for two days with a log-in for me. (They did accept my registration). Quite a number of Company web sites are old as the hills, one has not been updated since 2006. Many are missing photo images of most of their tools. I am sorry for the rant but if we conducted our business this way there wouldn't be any. I understand a lot of folks were at a leather show, isn't there anyone left behind to take care of the store? I understand that Bob Douglas makes some excellent tools. I ordered awls and a haft last week knowing they would not return until sometime this week, hope I get those items soon. You cannot contact Bob via telephone except for one hour two different days of the week. I know what being busy means, evidently there isn't anyone left behind for him that can answer many questions. The awl order was taken by a very sweet lady that appeared to know what she was talking about however. BTW: Lonnie answered my query when returning from a show. ALSO: I have learned a lot from just browsing the forum, thanks to everyone. ferg

We use a CNC in our wood shop, Vacuum pump for the table has a ten horse three phase motor, it will maintain 15 to 25 inches of vacuum on a 2' x 4' table. I am dying to try forming some leather on this. LOL My understanding is that you must leave it in the vacuum for at least over night or about 24 hours so the leather can dry completely. ferg

My only problem with these punches? My hand got insanely sore when punching a lot:) ferg

Gary, Thanks for the info. I have done quite a bit of research the last couple days. i did know about the stitches etc. The metric configuration some sites give do not make much sense:) There are several companies in England that have the tools and I don't think they are overpriced if they are good tools, 23 to 43 pounds ($35 to $50 USD plus VAT and shipping) depending on width. Problem? Some evidently do not ship to US. If anyone knows if Bob Douglas makes these I would like to know any information you may have. They are at a show until sometime next week. I seldom buy the cheapest tools, much to my wife's chagrin, but I normally do not buy the most expensive either. ferg

I have a combination of problems with my hand stitching. First of all, I love to do hand stitching. When correct it is beautiful. My old eyes are so full of "floaters" plus the normal aging, I need every help I can get. I never had heard of Pricking Irons or wheels until by happenstance the other day. Personally I think it would speed my stitching and improve the ability to keep the stitches at the proper angle etc. There is a Japanese company that these tools keep appearing in from many links, I have no intention of ordering from somewhere that requires a month and a half to receive tools. Have no idea what the quality is either. I understand that the good irons are actually made in England at $150.00, have seen them for as much as $300.00 if you buy left and right, seems a little redundant to me. Seems I read somewhere that Bob Douglas makes these also but do not know that for sure. My primary question is in regard to their usefulness. Would they make it easier for an old guy that has less than good eye sight or should I stick with practicing? Would also like to know if the C S Osborne that is available for about $45 is any good and why it is only shown in one size/spacing? Some are listed as: 6 x 2.5mm. Is that prong length of 6mm and spacing of 2.5mm? If the spacing is only 2.5mm, that is very close stitches. Appreciate any and all information. ferg

I have not seen every post about this company but what I did find were posted in '07. Is there nothing new on them? As in-Have they ever gotten a Web-Site On-Line?