Beaverslayer

Welcome SScott, The best thing to do is buy a book on lacing, for all the diferent styles and ways to do them. Ken

Roger, This company is in Canada, which doesn't conform to California's stupidity about strange and unusuat things. Caledon Sales Ken

Here's the link that works. Al Stohlman Art Ken

Wlecome Kevin, Good to have another Canadian, where abouts are you? As the others said, we're looking forward to seeing your work. Any questions you have, feel free to ask, someone here will be more than happy to help out. Ken

Welcome Larry, You will find that everyone here is more than happy to answer your questions. Anything you need to know, someone here has tried it and will know the correct way to do it. And we just love pics too....hint...hint Ken

Jim, If you PM me your snail mail address, I can send you a pattern or two of the hats I make, along with instructions. I don't have a scanner so I can't do it that way. Also, if anyone else is interested in hat patterns, and instructions...just PM me with your snail mail address, and I'll send them out. Ken

Extremely AMAZING work...WOW Ken

Jim, If you have some that has an un-even edge, it is most likely only on the one edge, and one edge is straight. What I have done is re-pull the lace through with the un-even edge the one that gets cut by the razor. You will need a bit of practice on this as well, as you have to put index finger pressure on the lace so it follows the even cut side. When you pull the lace through, pull it so that you are putting pressure on the lace cutter core. Basically away from the razor edge. I hope that you get the drift of what I'm saying. As to projects....Where ya want to start???? I myself, lace everything, never use a sewing machine. My hats, belts, purses, vests, you name it, I lace it. Ken

A warm welcome to you Bobby. We're all glad to have you. Any questions about pretty much anything, there is someone here that is more than happy to help out. And like Alex said...pics are always welcome. Ken

Welcome Nick, Thanks for posting the pic, it looks real good. What type of leather is it done on? And how well can it be dyed or stained once lasered? Ken

Yes Clay, they look very clean. I especially like the roses also. Ken

Ald, I cut it with scissors. I know it can be hard to cut that direction, if you flip the leather over, you can cut it to the right, but be sure you flip it back to run through the lace cutter. Ken

Looks real good there Wolven, what did you use to dye it with? Is that the new Eco-Flo dyes? Ken

Kathrynn, Welcome to the forum. Your husband has found you a place that is teaming with friendship, knowledge and lots of helping people. There are a few people here that are into the armor making. It's to bad about the pictures, we always love to see pics. Ken

Jim, It takes a bit of practice to get it right, but once you do get the hang of it you can save a ton of money by making your own lace. The inportant thing is to make sure you don't have any scars on the piece you are trying to make lace with. They can drive you crazy and then it just ends up in the draw or in the garbage. Ken

No Johanna, you can do that.

Ald, The lace maker your talking about, is it the black plastic one with the adjustable razor blade? If so, you have to put the blade in the closest to the center slot....Ah...I'll get my camera and take pics for you, it will be way easier if you see rather than read. Ken Okay, here goes. First you have to cut a piece of leather into a circle with a circle cut out of the center as well. I make my circles 13" wide with a 2" cut out in the center. The one pictured is smaller for demo purposes. Then Cut a small tail, going from left to right, with the grain side of the leather facing up. Make the tail about 3" to 4" long for ease of handling. Determine the size you want by the space between the razor blade and the center hub of the lace cutter. For the smallest lace use the last slot with the blade placed closest to the center of the hub. Thread the tail into the slot, you may have to use a small pin to push it through...being careful as to not touch the razor with the pin. This will put a nick an the blade and make it very dificult to cut the lace. Once you have the tail through the slot, place your index finger against the back of the hub, using a slight pressure to push the leather up from the cutting slot. Pull slowly and evenly on the tail until it starts to move freely. This will take a few pulls, as once the inner circle gets bigger you can pull on the lace much faster. The more pressure you apply to the leather on the back of the hub while pulling will actually help to stretch the leather a bit, and the finished lace will be a bit smaller. The finished lace. This lace measures 3/16". To make such a small lace, you have to start with thin leather, this was made with 1.5oz garment hide. You also have to check the hair side of the leather for scars or viens that you can't really see on the grain side. Cut your circle from a clean un-scarred srea, as the scars will rip apart when you are pulling the lace through, and it gets very annoying, and your lace length will only be about a foot long. A 13" circle will make about 140' of 1/8" or 75' or 1/4" lace, and is WAY WAY cheaper than buying a premade roll from the local leather supplier. Hope this helps, any questions...please ask. Ken

Roger, Thanks for the walkthrough, it's great that you took the time to do this. If I may, could I inquire about a few things I saw in the pics? 1. The rasp you use for shaping. What size of holes or grit shall we say is it? 2. You don't use a plastic liner before you lay the leather on? (I have an ongoing (discussion) with someone about the advantages and dis-advantages of a plastic cover before the leather. 3. Have you ever tried an air riveter? I'm telling you I'll never use a hand one again. Ken

What has come to my mind, is if we had a section such as the "Show Off" section, but called "For Sale", we could post what we have for sale along with pictures and descriptions. I'm not sure exactly, but I do believe we could also include the PayPAl button such as the one that Johanna has on her thread replies that is linked to our own PayPal accounts. This way when people are wandering through the site, reading all the posts and seeing all the "World Class" work that is available here, they may and most likely will see something that catches thier eye, and on impulse, click that PayPal button. I know myself, I am a sucker for impulse buying. If I'm in a store and see something that really catches my eye...I buy it. I would imagine that a lot of people that stop by this site and look at all the fantastic work that we show each other, wonder whether or not they can purchase something. I have also noticed that a lot of the members on here are just a bit shy about listing what it is they do in the "Leatherwork Specialty" section of thier Bio, and also listing thier website, should they have one, and also thier location as to city and state/province. This would give them the added ability of making contact with you to actually come see your work in person. I myself have a few vests that were made for customers, that for one reason or another when it came time to pay, decided that they didn't want to spend the money, that I would like to list for sale on just more than my website. Where, here on this forum, they could see pictures and descriptions of what it is they would be buying, and also have the ability to research the artist that created it. By doing a search on say "Beaverslayer" they would get to look at all the other projects I have posted and be able to see what kind of work I do, and such. A bit long winded here for 2 cents...so I'll throw in a nickle...lol Sorry, but this just came to me after I finished typing...If Johanna does set something up such as this or some other sales section, I would think that a percentage of each sale should be payed to Leatherworker.net as a commision for providing the service....just another 1 cent's worth. Ken

Myriam, Wishing you a GREAT and WONDERFUL day today....Happy Birthday....and many more to come. Ken

Darc, That leaver on the bottom rung, is that the clamping mechanism? If so, how exactly does it work? It looks by the picture to have a leather strap attached, and that strap goes up and through the seat and clamp. I would be interested in seeing a picture of that detail. Ken

D.M. Welcome to the forum. As to stupid newbie questions, you don't have to worry, we all were newbie's once. Ask whatever you want...short of a cash loan....and there is someone here that will be more than happy to help out. Everyone here is extremely friendly, and full of helping answers. Good luck with your leatherwork, and I know you will enjoy it. Ken

Welcome Mark, Great to you you here. You'll find we're all happy to help you learn, just ask and so many great people will guive you advise. Pics are always nice too... Ken

That's ther great thing about having grown kids...I just send them back to thier own house. Ken

David, I would like to wish you a very HAPPY birthday. Just think...a few more to go...RETIREMENT. Have a GREAT and WONDERFUL day today, and god willing many more. Ken