Northmount

Can't use 277 in the bobbin on a 227 or Techsew 2700. 138 is the largest size that will work in the bobbin. Anything larger won't fit through the slot leaving the bobbin. Too much drag, even if you reduce the bobbin tension. Can use larger thread in the needle. I'm using 207 on top with no problems. Haven't tried anything larger. Tom

There are wallet patterns around that don't stitch the bridge piece to the side pockets. It has tabs that fit into slots in an extra layer in the side pockets. It adjusts or moves automatically to adjust for the difference in inside length when the wallet is closed and fully open. I saw one of the patterns here, so maybe you can find it with a search for wallet pattern. I'm another guy that would sure like a power skiver, but too expensive for the amount of work I do. There is a paring skiver used by bookbinders that you pull the leather through. Adjustable taper, height, etc. around $400. http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catalog/product_specific.cfm?ClientID=15&ProductID=17482 And a link here on LW http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=1216&st=15 Tom

You can edit your own posts for a short time period, about 15 minutes, after you make the post. If you go back to your post during this time period, there is a light grey "edit" just to the left of the quote buttons. Beyond this time period, click the light grey "report" left of the quote buttons. The moderators will be notified of the contents of your report and will act on it. They aren't just sitting around monitoring everybodys' posts. They volunteer their time and mostly have full time jobs. I think you owe them all an apology. Tom

There are banner ads at the top of the page unless you are using an ad-block in your browser. If so, disable the ad-block for LW. Each time you refresh the page, a new set comes up, so refresh until you see all the sewing machine ads that you want to see. Tom

Check the dealers at the top of the page for used machines. Some might even have leads you can follow up on. Tom

Waited 30 seconds and nothing just now. Using Waterfox. Enabled cookies, and it loaded right away. Don't think it is a good idea to require cookies enabled in order to load a page. But cookies may be required for handling direct web sales if you are going to go down that road eventually. At that point, you can tell people they need to enable cookies if your test finds them disabled.. Site looks quite nice (once I got to it!). Tom

I get a blank screen/page

Most new sewing machine users have trouble with controlling speed on a clutch motor, so yes, a servo, and for their cost is the way to go. A VFD on a clutch motor does give you a range of speed control, but not nearly as convenient as a servo with speed control from the pedal. A VFD on an induction motor losses a lot of torque at low speeds, and tends to increase the running temperature of the motor. It's not a fix all! If you need low speed torque, get a servo with internal 3:1 gear reduction. You'll be much happier than with a clutch motor on a VFD for similar amount of money, or less. Toledo Industrial has servo with gear reduction. Tom

If you see the knot on the top side, you need to reduce the top tension a little so the knot is hidden between the top and bottom. (A little hard to do sometimes with thin material.) Tom

OK, who built it? Rod or Denise or both of you? I can only dream of doing such work! Tom

The right way to do business, respect for the customer, straight forward information and discussion, honesty, and the customer developed respect for you. This is what we should all be striving for. I'm impressed. Tom

Always keep your awl at the same angle, in two planes, the angle of the slit and perpendicular to the surface of the leather. If not always perpendicular, the backside will wander. Tom

WOW! That is a huge amount of work, awesome, Tom

Yup! That is the principle of a rotary converter. Good job. Tom

Great work, really nice. Tom

Really great job! Gives me an idea too about making something smaller than a 20 ton hydraulic press ... Gearbox, eccentric, ... Tom

Some so called carpal tunnel is actually nerve problems starting in the shoulder. I know people that have had the surgery a couple times, with no relief. There are clinics that can evaluate the causes and provide exercise and relief for those that are not truly carpal tunnel. Many repetitive strain injuries can be helped with proper exercise, and for those that aren't suffering from RSI yet, do some research to find the exercises and prevention methods to keep your arms and hands healthy. Tom

All this discussion below is with respect to AC induction motors. In a 3 phase electrical circuit, each of the phases is 120 degrees offset from the others. If 220 (normally 208) VAC is the phase to phase to phase voltage, and the circuit is "Y" connected, the centre point of the "Y" (which may or may not be grounded) is 120 VAC from the centre point to any phase terminal. Take the phase to phase voltage and divide by the square root of 3 (which is 1.732) to determine phase to neutral voltage. Delta connected 3 phase equipment has no neutral; "Y" connected has a neutral centre terminal, though it might not be visible or connected externally. Wikipedia probably has diagrams showing circuits and electrical wave forms if you want to delve further into 3 phase circuits. Normal North American 220 VAC household or residential circuits are single phase. The centre tap in the transformer is grounded neutral, so you have 110 to 0 to 110 VAC, or 220 VAC across the outside terminals. For single and three phase circuits, you should try to balance the loads across the system. And by the way, if power is lost on 1 phase of a 3 phase circuit, motors may continue to run, low on output power, and overheating. This is called single phasing. Not a good circumstance to be in. 3 phase motors will not start when single phased. But if you spin the shaft, it may continue to run, whichever direction you had spun it. 3 phase motors do not have a starting winding. Single phase motors require a starting winding. Tom

Ever try Skype to do some one on one? Might be worth a try. Tom

You can get aluminum foil tape, just pull off the backing and stick it on. I don't think bending is a problem. Foil just needs to be on both sides of the card. Cover the inside with thin lining leather. Should be able to do much the same as card slots, but deeper with just a small thumb notch. Tell the owner to always slide the card into the pocket chip end first. Tom

Saddle stitching threads keep alternating sides. Only on machines or sewing awls do you have a thread that's only on top and one that is only on the bottom. (Lock-stitch) On thin leather, just barely snug up the thread else it will cause wrinkles along the stitch line. Tom

Nice! Do you build your own trees too? Tom

Makes me think of Charlie Russel paintings. Very good to see. Tom

Nice job. Unique Tom

Yup! Use stationery store type rubber cement. Barges rubber cement won't pull off! Have to cut it off. Don't ask me how I know! Tom