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Mike Craw

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Posts posted by Mike Craw

  3. Posted · Report reply

    Sorry, I never sold anything on here before, and I didn't even think about the possibility of interest from out of the country.  I have no idea how much it would be to ship to Canada, but it if's steep I would split the cost if you'd like.

     

    Mike

  4. Posted · Report reply

    These books are long out of print and selling for hundreds on Ebay.  I think the Design Artistry is up over $200, the Leather Secrets over $250 and Griffin's is close to $200.  The F.O. Baird books are original condition with no missing pages or marks.  They are over 70 years old, so the paper is dry but not tattered and the fold-out patterns in the Secrets book are all intact.  Ken Griffins book came to me with tattered edges and no binding or envelope, so I had it laminated at a local printing shop to preserve and protect it.  That's why it appears so shiny in the photo of the corners.  I listed them here rather than Ebay because I would prefer that they go to a leather worker who would value and use them.  I would take $400 for all three. 

     

     

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  5. Posted · Report reply

    Good Morning!

    If you search the topics, I think you will find some guidance on suspenders that will help.  As for your radio strap, a couple of snap swivels from Tandy or one of the saddle supply places on either end and a belt buckle adjustment in the front will get you fixed up.  The radio holster can be worked out with some cardboard and your issue radio.  I don't think a template would be easily found because of the number of different makes/models used by different departments.

    Like most of us, screwing something up will teach you longer lasting lessons then any of us could provided.  I hope you have as much fun learning as I have over the past 37 years!

     

    Mike 

  9. Posted · Report reply

    I just got a snap setter from Barry King.  I got the one for a line 20 but he has other sizes.  It's not on his website, but you can call and talk to him.  It's a machined cylinder with a recess machined at either end, one for the male half of the snap and one for the female.  It is center-bored for the punch and it holds down the snap on its base while you smack the punch without getting the fingers of your other hand involved.  I think it works better than my lever press because none of the components can move while being set!

     

    Mike

  11. Posted · Edited by Mike Craw · Report reply

    Check out Barry King, Clay Miller, or Lonnie Height at Hackbarth.  All make excellent stamps, and both Clay and Lonnie have been fantastic in making several stamps and tools to my personal specifications.

     

    Hope this helps,

     

    Mike

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Hey Company6!

    I agree with Ron on his advice to purchase DVD's and I especially agree with the order he recommends Jeremiah Watt and then Dale Harwood.  Watt's video is fantastic and very detailed step-by-step with excellent camera work.  Harwood is probably the dean of Western saddle builders, but I found that his video assumed some knowledge on the viewer's part that a beginner may not have.

    I would also strongly recommend repairing as many saddles as you can get your hands on.  Seeing how they failed is an invaluable lesson in keeping yours from failing. 

     

    Hope this helps and that you have a successful build.

     

    Mike

  14. Posted · Report reply

    I believe that if you search "Rope Edge" belts or saddles, you will find a technique of using light weight cording and wrapping it through every-other hole along the edge,  Then cover tightly with lightweight leather and then tightly lace the open holes with your lace on top of the leather  and slick down between the cord and you will have a crazy good rope edge.

    Hope this helps,

    Mike

  15. Posted · Report reply

    Hey Julie!

    You didn't specify price, so here goes!  Jeremiah Watt (ranch2arena.com) has, in my opinion, the best DVD set on carving.  It's $179.95, but before you faint you should know that it is a 3-DVD set, each DVD is 2 hours long!  The videos are clear and concise with excellent camera angles and crystal clear explanations.  I also happen to think Jeremiah is a hoot, but that's pretty subjective.

    Cary Schwarz has two excellent videos, Floral Design ($45.00) and Floral Carving ($45.00).  They are both outstanding.  Cary's design style differs from Jeremiah's but both are excellent instructors and all the DVD's are beautifully shot, lighted, and presented.

    I don't have any personal relationship with either man, and I don't get any kick-back for the recommendations.  I just wish either resources was available when Al Stholman and I taught me to tool 38 years ago.  Well, nobody knew what the hell a DVD was 38 years ago, but you get the idea.

    Hope this helps,

    Mike

  20. Posted · Report reply

    My Cobra 4 decided to stick in the up position today, exactly as you described.  Wiz, what are ribber covers?  I can't find any reference to them in the parts list that came with my machine.  Also, when you say remove the faceplate, are you talking about taking all the parts off so you can completely remove it, or just the plate screws so you can see inside?  Thanks!

     

    Mike

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