fitabull

Thanks so much guys, You've really made my decision that much easier, glad I posted. I'll be picking her up on Sat!

Good to know! Thank you!!! I think I have made my decsion then Ive been in contact with the seller (longtime leatherworker) and he has offered to give me lessons on it as well and show me everything there is to know re oiling, servicing etc. Bonus is, if I have any questions or help, he's just down the road!

I'm needing a new machine that can handle the heavier work I'd like to get into. I'm currently operating with a JUKI LU563, and she's one heck of a workhorse for what Ive been doing over the past 4 years (3 plys of polyester webbing) but I want to start making thick leather collars/agitation collars etc...and I fear I'm maxing her out at 1 ply of 9-10oz veg tan with a thin pigskin lining. I'm looking for a machine that will still allow me to make my webbing collars but also allow me to do thicker leather projects as well. Could this be my upgrade machine? It is used and the seller is asking $2000 CAD, firm. Good price? It's also convenient for me, as the seller is literally 2 km's from my house, so there would be no shipping costs involved. I have posted a pic of the actual machine that is for sale. Any info from people experienced with this machine would be greatly appreciated!

I can quote now! So I think you may have been right, me being a newbie to posting on the forum. Ive only been able to quote as of this sign in today.

Thank you! There is so much info on here and I have so many questions, I almost don't even know where to start! I will definitely be stopping by the chat room in the near future!

Hi Bob! I just learned about the Leatherworkers guild from another post on here. Going to check them out. Thanks

Thank you! I'm actually from good 'ol Gravenhurst! Nice to meet you!

Hi! Sounds like we have a lot in common! Getting together and comparing notes sounds like a great idea! Although, I'll have way more questions than notes for you! What area of the Tdot are you in? I'm in South Etob...PM me and we can discuss any future meet ups!

Look Ray! I can quote now! Thank you! ...and yes, I do like to line my collars. I think it adds a nice finish BUT I do wish that I could find a thicker pigskin for it. The PS I currently use is very thin. I do love the look of the conchos - but are they ever hard to line up/space out evenly. Any tricks to make that any easier? Thanks! I have since purchased some Gum Trag to use for burnishing and it makes a huge difference!

New to the forum, and posted in new members and would really like to reply to a few posts but cant seem to. I go to the post to which Id like to quote, hit the quote button...then it just puts me down to my reply window...but doesn't quote anything. Im so frustrated! Its got to be something simple, but I'm just not getting it!! Help?!

Thanks Ray! I have been lining them so far with really thin pig skin...I like the contrast but I wouldn't mind finding some thicker stuff...and re the conchos, man - are they hard to line up and get straight!

Hello Leatherworker community and greetings from Toronto, ON! I'm very new to the world of leatherwork and looking forward to learn all I can! I opened my own dog collar bizz "Fitabull Industries" in 2010, which caters to large breed dogs specifically. All my dogs are large and I could never find any suitable gear for them - so with my experience in industrial sewing (currently running an old JUKI LU563), I figure I'd just solve the problem by making what I wanted, myself. So, I turned my guest bedroom into a "sweatshop" of sorts and started Fitabull (my poor overnight guests now have to fight my dogs for couch space!) Until recently, my medium has been just webbing (polyester, nylon, seatbelt) and Ive done quite well, but I'm bored so it's time to broaden my horizons! I've seen some amazing leather dog collars, and figure, why not learn to do them myself as well?! I recently enrolled myself in a "Leather Fundamentals" class, which I found immensely useful, taught me the basics...cutting, dyeing, skiving, burnishing, use of some basic tools and some hand stitching techniques. I've also had a visit to Tundra Leather - great guy there! ..and had my first hide (veg tan 9-10oz) delivered...in between my regular orders, Ive been working on a few leather collars - they are pretty basic but I'm hoping, as I hone my skills, my collars will go from plain to superfantastical! Looking forward to picking everyone's brain!!! Here's a few collars I've done so far... Michelle - head honcho @ Fitabull Industries.