Cumberland Highpower

Well when you say "design" a new holster I'll answer from my experience. What I generally do, is make a couple samples without the stitching. Glued, dampened and worked/boned/formed etc. When it dries, I draw on the formed holster the stitch lines and make patterns to match the stitching. Either by working it out directly from the unstitched molded holster, or by cutting it apart on the stitch lines and making stitching templates/patterns from the pieces. After I have my patterns I work up a couple extra holsters and mark stitch lines from these patterns and give it a test as a prototype. If you plan to make multiples or big runs of holsters it's not much of an investment and you can place your stitching very elegantly on the finished products. Leather can stretch in odd ways when you bone it over a mold/gun. Sometimes it's hard to work out where the stitching would actually go, without actually molding it first.

I've had the 205-25 machines. They're for sewing moccasins like mentioned. They were unique in that the upper foot feed and the feed dog can be adjusted independently-and very easily, one having more or less than the other. Downside is that while you can do some leatherwork with it, they kinda suck. You need to hold the work just right to keep stitching consistent. There might be some feet to be had for it, but probably not the types you'd like to see. Maybe you can find something on Aliexpress or Ebay?

That's pretty tough. You're essentially going to have to find someone with a junk 17-30 that can supply you with parts. How handy are you with tools? If you have a drill press and belt sander/grinder you can made an adapter for it, something that can screw down with the large screws and then fit a needle plate from a different variant on top of it. For example, a needle plate from a Seiko TE series machine. (Chinese needle plates for the TE can be found fairly easily and not expensive). I've made/fit needle plates a few times over the years, it's not as hard as it sounds. You might also be able to change the shuttle race plate with one for a TE Series machine and then use a TE needle plate. But I don't know if they're fully interchangeable between a Singer and a Seiko? Of course that may not be something you may not be interested in, or maybe, I don't know. Then again, it may not be really worth any serious investment? I don't know what your machine is worth to you. I could see $200 worth of parts/labor on a $30 machine being a deal breaker.

Those are handy little books. I still have the one my Grandfather bought in San Diego, before shipping out to fight the Japanese. Used it many a times before I had internet.

Thanks Ryano for the suggestion. The spring number you referenced comes up for other Singer Models, such as the 111w. Do you think it's the same spring?

Maybe I read your post wrong, but just in case you were commenting on the belts in the photos, they're not my work. Just some random quick pictures cut/paste.

You could make the other type of mechanics belt for her. There's a type that has no buckle, but rather a metal hook hidden on the underside of where the buckle would normally be. It's all "leather" on the exterior. Allot of those qualify as a "2 prong" buckle as well, since many were made with 2 "prongs" on the backside.

Practically everyone I know has custom made dies. Some hobbyists do prefer pre made dies for simple projects. I'd say that split is like 30/70. (Hobbyist/more pro). Serves to reason really. If someone wants to make a wallet or 2 or a few keychains, etc. It's easier to just buy a premade die set on Etsy or whatnot. I've commissioned a couple hundred dies and maybe bought 5 or 6 premade. (I was lazy to draw up dies). If you're going to make custom/production dies for thicker leather you need to use real 1.25" die stock. The smaller 3/4" thin stock that's backed by plywood or plexiglass is ok for thin or soft leather, but not for the types most here like to use. The "precision" of the die is kind of a relative thing. More precision is usually desired on thin leathers for watch bands/wallets etc and you get that with 3/4 stock. (Especially if CNC bent). Heavier 1.25" steel stock is usually worked by hand and fit/welded up etc. If you're keeping 1/16" tolerance to pattern with it you've got a good die maker. On thick leathers you really DONT notice a lack of precision unless it's really bad.

I'm needing a lift lever spring for a Seiko TE-5. It's more or less a clone of the Old Singer 17. I can't seem to find one for a Seiko or Singer (in stock anyway). Curious if any other machines used the same spring? I'd like to find one on eBay/etc for a few bucks rather than full fledged Seiko pricing. Looks like such:

I like Hillside Harness Hardware in Millersburg. The owner is a great guy. There is (or was) An Amish Leather/hardware casting and supply house in Ontario. I think it was maybe Harness Hardware LTD? Try Googling.

That's a hard thing to ask, so generally. I used to have a Fenda splitter like yours that was factory setup with a motor. Really the best advice is to make sure your blade is razor sharp. Your blade is probably dull. After you sharpen it you'll just need to play with the setting of it (in and out). On a Fenda if the blade has been sharpened too many times you'll not be able to get the blade positioned correctly. (Wont adjust forward enough).

I think the standard method is just to bolt it to a piece of plywood and "suspend" it under a table on pieces of allthread. You'd need to make a cutout in the actual table that is compatible with the contours of the machine.

Amish do tend to migrate. I used to shoot allot. Not so much anymore though (Age/money). Younger brother made a living for 15 years shooting Service Rifle but even he's retired now. LOL

I'd say so. Years ago I read John Bianchi's book on holsters (1980's). In it he detailed a bit that they would treat molded and dried holsters with neatsfoot oil, then place in the California sun for that rich golden glow and then treat with hard wax. Resolene would have pretty much the same effect as using hard wax/mop and glo, etc. Bianchi was without doubt the expert on the subject. If such a thing worked for him, it will work for you. Just don't saturate the leather with Neatsfoot. I personally don't like Resolene. Your results may vary, so if it works for you, use it. I'd suggest Weaver tough Kote (or Tough Kote in BLACK) over resolene. It's similar, but slightly more matte than bright glossy. (Ok, may or may not be available in the EU?) I've used lots of Feibings Pro Dye (Oil Dye) and I never really had any stiffening or drying out to speak of. The cheaper Feibings dye is far worse for drying out your leather though. Are you sure you're not using it instead?

I think he moved? Two years ago I sent him a list of parts I wanted in writing to his long published Arthur IL address and I didnt hear back. A year ago I call his answering service and he called me back. Said he never received my order so I gave it to him then. When the parts came his invoice was overstamped McLeansboro. 6373 County Rd 400 N, McLeansboro, IL 62859.