Brian

Question for jacket makers on the board - does any one have patterns available for any military flight jackets, specifically the A-2? I have seen a number of MIL-J specifications and websites containing detailed pictures, but no patterns. I have also made requests in the past through the Defense Logistics Agency website for cutting patterns (but for the MA-1, G-1/WEP, and CWU/36 style jackets) but just can't find the A-2. I attached a link for the G-1 spec for reference (if anyone wants to look at it). http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-J/MIL-J-7823E_9437/ Thanks for any help you can provide. Brian

So far so good with the machine. One issue that popped alomost immediately is the tension adjuster for the presser foot seems to cause the shaft to stick. I've added plenty of oil, but when using the lifter arm, or the pedal foot, it seems to jam in the 'top dead center' position. The presser foot will not stick in the up position after taking the tension adjuster completely off. On the inside of the adjuster I found what appears to be some residual paint or corrosion (looks orange to me) inside the piece. I took a cordless drill fitted with a brass bore brush and tried polished it. I may have to use some valve compound to smooth it out. That seems to have helped. I also actuated the lift 50 or 60 times to make sure the two pieces slide freely. Other than that, the machine is working as it should. Brian www.nittanyleather.com

Hey Jeff - I got my Cobra yesterday, too. I upgraded from a BOSS. I lugged into the house, but havent set it up yet. Did you get all the attachments? Brian www.nittanyleather.com

Do you have a pic for this mod? Thanks Brian www.nittanyleather.com

I hear you on the regular K leg table. The one on my consew is already starting to bow. Thanks for the offer to see the machine. If I ever make it to Flint - I'll look you up. Thanks Brian

Thanks for the info. I know these are specialized machines, with specialized parts. As for the price, I was skeptical myself about it being so low, but maybe because its the 'head' only - that would be the reason. At least you gave a larger list of questions to ask. Thanks for the info. Brian www.nittanyleather.com

Question - I have an opportunity to purchase a Union needle and awl machine - the guy wants $1000 for the head only. This was a machine that was used by him, and has not been sitting, so without taking a look at in person (its on the west coast, and I'm on the east coast) is this a fair price? This is for the head only, plus parts (bobbins, thread, etc). I have a motor and base. Thanks for any input. Brian www.nittanyleather.com

Thanks for the advice - Something to work on - I know what you mean with the placement - I think the Randall sheaths are actually built that way. I wasn't sure if this would be easier if it every needed replaced, just pop is out and put in a new one, that way no need to removed stitiches. I'll have to order some pull-the-dot fasteners and see if that works, that way it will have less f a chance to open accidently. He's a pretty cool guy. I met him through Civil Air Patrol. His MOS is 18D - SF Medic - these guys are basically combat surgeons - amazing what they can do. Thanks for the tips - I making a few more so I'll have to post version 2.0 Brian www.nittanyleather.com

Thanks! I gathered a bunch of photos from other rigs. The hole punching took forever (well it seemed like forever). I think it turned out pretty slick. It is all 8oz veg tan, with 6oz straps. With my Air Force survival knife, it feels pretty good. The Randall knife is a beast, even with a 5.5" blade, but it seems stable enough. I can't wait to see pics in action. These SOF guys are professional warriors. He was estatic when he saw it, and put it right on when I saw him Sunday. I mean these guys are just like the guys you see on TV - full beards, ball caps, and loaded to the gills the armourment. I feel pretty good that he'll be wearing my rig. Brian ww.nittanyleather.com

Hi All I have been on the board for a while, but haven't really posted - I figured I post a pic of my first sheath/holster. I have been making billiard cues cases for about 3 years, but do other oddball stuff for the challenge and some extra cash. Anyway - here's a knife sheath I came up with Friday night for a friend of mine. He is currently training for deployment to Afghanistan with the 20th Special Forces Group - so this project had some special meaning. It simple, but its based on a shoulder handgun rig, but instead a sheath to carry a Randall 'Airman' knife. His request that the knife could be carried at all times, over a t-shirt, or body armour, adjustble, and with the possibility the sheath could be moved to the right side, but as is now a left side mount for a right-handed removal. The sheath points down at about 45 degrees. The rig is adjustable up and down for fit, and includes a snap for attachment to his waistbelt. I am in the process of making a holster for his service weapon, in the event he needs to go without a thigh rig for his handgun, but still needs to carry both a knife and pistol. Like I said, its simple, but it seems to work. We'll see what it looks like when he gets in country. What do you think? Simple veg tan tooling leather, oiled with neatsfoot oil only. I am cutting parts for 10-15 more, as he thinks once the other guys in his unit see it, they'll want one too! The edge dye job bled on this one, I know why. I reversed the leather so the smooth side faces inside, so when switched to the other side, it looks cleaner. Next time I am going to uses two layers of 4oz veg with the flesh sides in. Brian www.nittanyleather.com