raysouth

WOW !!! This is a topic that could go on forever. Try adding DEMOGRAPHICS, to the equation and it presents another situation. Something that sells in a chic shop in New York for big bucks, would probably be overpriced here in Alabama. There are many variables to take into consideration, ie; talent, market sought, location, method of making available to public, and the list goes on. Everybody has valid points and many more could be added. China ???? Whats to say ? I have seen some fairly nice items come out of China, but when examined closely, I cannot say that the quality is there. They are very adept at making products look good but they are "no comparison" when items produced by handcrafters are placed into the mix. This is a very difficult area for some folks to handle but most eventually come up with something that works. Everybody's formula may be a bit different but usually works for the individual crafter when they have done a bit of research or come up with a formula that keeps them going. God Bless. Ray

Thank you Snakebite, for the offer to buy individual bottles but will give it a shot on some of the other sales sites and see how it goes. Should I decide to sell individual bottles, I will be sure to let you know. God Bless. Ray

I have experienced a very similar problem with snaps of late. What I found was indeed, related to the post. Apparently, in my case the snap cap was a two piece affair when made and the center was collapsing when struck. My solution was to take a small punch and drive the interior section down, by tapping around the post gently,until it made contact with the cap and then install. Extra work but it performed as I hoped. Seems the post portion of the snap was weak and could not handle being struck while suspended. Hope this is clear enough. Could not see the underside of your snaps to determine if your problem was same as mine. God Bless. Ray

If anyone has an interest in one of Tandy's embossing machines, check the one listed at www.webstore.com in the store, goodthings1. It is as new and excellent price. God Bless. Ray

Hello Andy, I will look tomorrow when I go to the shop. May be one there but should be easy to find on eBay. Have seen several there as I searched around. God Bless. Ray

I have used Eco-Flo for a long time but no longer doing enough to maintain the stock I have. I know that some folks do not care for the products but I have had no real problems with them over the years. Following is a list at what I have and will sell as a single lot. 1. 2 MIDNIGHT BLACK--1 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. ALL IN ONE. 2. 3 CHERRY ALL IN ONE--2 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 3. 3 CACTUS (WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES) --2 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. ALL IN ONE. 4. 3 DESERT TAN ALL IN ONE--2 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 5. 1 PRIMROSE ALL IN ONE--1 NEAR FULL. 6. 2 RANGE TAN LEATHER DYE-- 2 NEAR FULL & 1 FULL. 7. 3 SUNSHINE YELLOW DYE--2 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 8. 1 SMOKE BLACK HI-LITE COLORANT--1 NEAR FULL. 9. 1 GOLDEN ROD HI-LITE COLOR STAIN-- 1 NEAR FULL. 10. 2 PERSIMMON HI-LITE COLOR STAIN--1 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 11. 1 COVA COLOR--ORANGE--NEAR FULL 12. 7 SCARLET LEATHER DYE-- 6 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 13. 3 BISON BROWN DYE-- 2 FULL & 1 NEAR FULL. 14. 1 COAL BLACK-- PARTIAL 15. 1 TIMBER BROWN DYE--1 FULL 16. 1 CANYON TAN DYE--1/3RD BOTTLE. 17. 1 EVENING BLUE DYE--NEAR FULL. 18. 1 COCOA BROWN--DYE--NEAR FULL 19. 1 JAVA BROWN DYE-- NEAR FULL 20. 1 LT. MAHOGANY DYE-- 2/3RDS FULL 21. 1 DK. MAHOGANY DYE-- 2/3RDS FULL 22. 1 CRANBERRY DYE--NEAR FULL 23. 1 EMERALD GREEN DYE-- 3/4 FULL 24. 1 FOREST GREEN DYE-- 2/3RDS FULL 25. 1 CANYON TAN DYE-- 1/3RD FULL. 26. 3 FIEBINGS WHITE DYE--2 FULL & 1 2/3RDS FULL. 27. 1 FIEBINGS GREY DYE-- 3/4+ FULL 28. 1 QT BOTTLE ECO-FLO SUPER SHENE-- @ 2/3RDS FULL Check the prices and you will see that this is a real bargain if you can use them. All for $125.00 plus shipping via Priority Mail . Will be well packed and shipped with delivery confirmation. Will list on other sites next week if not sold here. Thank you for looking and hope it is something for you. God Bless. Ray

EXTRA NICE !!! You will go far if this is indeed, your first crack at tooling. God Bless. Ray

Try Bob Kovar, Toledo Sewing Machine. He has a banner ad running on this site. Very helpful. God Bless. Ray

Hello Marko, Another person you might be wise to contact is Bob Kovar at www.toledosewingmachineco.com . I hope I have the link right. If it does not work, type in Toledo Sewing Machine in the Google or Bing search and you should find him there. He is very eager to assist and has many different machines, new and used, that will handle the chores you wish to do. God Bless. Ray

Hello Azur, Welcome to the site and hope you find much information here. Folks here will be able to answer nearly any question you may have so be sure to ask questions when you need assistance. Hope to see some of your projects in the future. God Bless. Ray

I have no idea what this is but if you contact Walter Roth on this site, I bet he could tell you what it is. Good luck. God Bless. Ray

With the non-flammable, I have cleaned them with water. Same for clean up. With the other contact cements, I do as others have said, "trash can". God Bless. Ray

I have used Barge and others and now trying to use the Weldwood non-flammable, no fumes product. Have not used it enough to know how it will perform over extended period. Was surprised that is is white and very thin, compared to other I have used. Hope it holds up as the no fumes thing is great. Time will tell, along with a few self developed stress tests. God Bless. Ray

Hey Spud, Bet I know a happy camper, after receiving this great birthday present. Beautiful work. God Bless. Ray 3rd attempt to get this listed.

Folks experience different issues now and then. One person loves a particular supplier and another hates the same supplier. I suppose it is all about personal experiences with individual suppliers but remember, in this world today, there is usually something that will present a problem now and then, regardless of which supplier you use. Try a little from anyone that appeals to you and give folks a shot at pleasing you with your order. Been there and done that, so to speak, and found that patience is required at times but has always worked out in the end. Most folks in business want to please their customers and those that don't will soon go by the wayside and lose their customer base. Knowing that problems can appear after an order is placed, ie; something gets lost in the fray between order taker and packer, I accept the fact and make my judgement as to how the situation is handled when correction is required. Usually works out well, even though a bit of frustration slips in. When dealing with folks, remember, they are only human and experience frustrations and screw-ups, in their life, just as we do. May God Bless us all. Ray

For those of you interested in the Baird book, there was a couple of copies at very reasonable pricing, listed in the tool sale at www.proleptic.net . God Bless. Ray

Hey Scott and Pablo. Glad you found some goodies at the annual tool sale. I receive their monthly publication and have picked up a good bit of information and suppliers over the years. I understand that they are now going to publish the issues online. Must look at that in the future. God Bless. Ray

Looking forward to seeing your work. Welcome to the site and may you find many interesting things here. God Bless. Ray

Looks great and sure you will cherish, being self made. Very creative work. God Bless. Ray

Bracelets look great. Very nice burnished edges and those who wear them should be proud. God Bless. Ray

For all of you tool lovers, there is a great sale now taking place at www.proleptic.net . They have many very nice items and very decent prices. CAUTION !!!! May make you drool----lol. God Bless. Ray

Take a look at the tool sale at www.proleptic.net . I saw 2 copies of this at a very reasonable price. God Bless. Ray

Great creativity. Adds some additional class to the bike. God Bless. Ray 2nd attempt to get this to post.

Pyrography can be used on many different surfaces. I did gourds for a spell, basswood as so many use, other specialty woods, which by the way, one must use caution with due to the toxicity of the fumes from some woods. I really enjoyed burning on cypress knees and making displays with them. Beautiful medium and shape is always different. Veg Tan Leather is the greatest. Have done few items on chrome tan and others, but fumes can be a problem with the chemicals used during tanning process. I enjoy doing folk art on basswood and leather as well as a bit of political satire on wood. Couldn't use leather for that. lol. I use pens from Colwood, Optima, Detailmaster and more. I love the power supplies I use, Burnmasters from www.woodcarverssupply.com . With proper tools and learning a few tricks, it is possible to work designs as you would with the swivel knife. Not meant to replace the swivel knife but something I taught myself and enjoy doing it. I feel that there must be quite a few folks using pyrography on leather. Always something new and interesting to tackle. God Bless. Ray

Very Nice. I feel sure that it was appreciated. God Bless. Ray