raysouth

Thank you for your input. Gives me a bit more to think about. At this point, I am about to give in and stay with my hand stones and perhaps develop some techniques that will work for my problematic hands. This site and the folks on it are always able to provide suggestions and valuable input. Great place to meet folks like you. Best wishes for a superb Christmas and God Bless.

You are correct about the cost. I had hoped to find something that would cut down on the time I spend sharpening my tools as I am not the best "sharpener" and my hands are not functioning as normal these days. I have a power strop wheel which I have yet to use and a cabinet full of stones of many types that are capable of doing the job. Think I will have to continue as I am and attempt to improve along the way. I appreciate the response as ther is always something to learn from others. Have a wonderful Christmas and God Bless.

Has anyone used a Tormek 7 tool sharpening system to get initial edges on their tool used on leather? Wondering if this type unit would produce a fine edge, prior to stropping blades.

Just wanted to tell you that your information about the burnisher/s was great help for me. Was deciding which power unit to go with and you saved me from making a costly mistake. Scotts burnishers look great and I have the tool here in which to use them.

Great to find a new challenge. I have enjoyed every moment since becoming involved in the craft and wish that I had realized many years ago that my initial attempt at leatherwork would again peak my interest at a ripe old age. It is pure "pleasure" for me and don't know when to quit. Your work is great and you can only get better in days ahead. Enjoy to the max and anything you need to learn is available on this site. Great site and great folks. We are extremely fortunate to have such a great place to go for assistance. God Bless. Helmut aka Ray

Hey Richard, Take time to visit the real "LA". Lower Alabama, that is. Plenty of space, great weather, easygoing lifestyle (ask any redneck and they will agree), plenty of city life in most directions, great coastal area, suppliers all directions (other states, of course), and good old boys abound. Wife and I have moved around and landed here by accident and soon found this a great place to park the car and stay awhile, now over 30 years. We have wanderlust at least once each year but never seem to be able to pull up and leave this place. So comfortable for these "old folks" that we will probably stay in the mix, learning how to be a good old redneck. What could be better than that? Stop in if ever in the Auburn/Opelika area. God Bless and enjoy the Christmas Season.

Is anyone aware of the availability of a chart/s of sewing machine thread size, needle size and type chart, that gives some reference to their use on different weights of leather? In the process of selecting a machine as a new venture and hope to learn a bit about the above subject/s before I place an order with one of the machine vendors. Selecting a machine is an adventure in itself, especially for someone never having used any type of sewing machine before. As always, assistance will be much appreciated. God Bless. Ray

Thanks Robert. Wish I were close to someone in my area but all seem to be a bit out of my travelling range. Never touched a sewing machine before and as I told Steve, I know they have a bobbin, needle and thread. Suppose I will have to learn it all. Not able to locate anyone around my town that could teach me to sew leather and also no luck looking for training materials that could provide the information. Must not be much of a market for leather sewing lessons. Thanks again and if you ever travel my way, give me some heads up and drop in awhile. God Bless. Ray

Thanks Robert. Seems as though Steve is doing a good job with this machine. I have spoken with him, again today in fact, and I am leaning his way at the moment. Now to learn how to sew. lol. God Bless. Ray aka helmut

Hello Hank. Just had to return the "howdy", from Opelika/Auburn. Hope I eventually find someone in my area to share the leatherwok experience with. Door is always open, daylight hours of course, if you ever get in the area. Not able to travel these days. Ray aka Helmut

Thanks for the welcome, Mike. This is a great site for everyone. If ever in the Opelika/Auburn, drop in for a spell. God Bless. Ray aka Helmut

Hey, Happy to see others from Alabama on the site. I could email; you some information but don't know how to go about getting you email address without exposing to the world. I'll try to figure it out but not very good at figuring out computer tricks.

Hello Jeff, I also found a few stamps that had rust. I cleaned them with a brass wire brush and then put a light coat of "Kramers Best Restore" on them and have worked great. Small bottle a tad expensive but worth the price. I picked up this tip from an antique seller and he does wonders with the product. I purchased mine on net as not in local store in my area. Hope this helps. God Bless. Ray

Try www.buckshottools.com. He is also on eBay and has tons of different stamps and I have seen stars and bars. Hope I have his address correct.

Try www.ifind.com

Wondering if anyone in Opelika/Auburn, Alabama working with leather and pyrography, as well as machine sewing leather or anything else, involving leatherwork. Would enjoy hearing from anyone about leatherwork. Currently going bonkers, selecting a sewing machine to purchase but hope to have that issue solved in next week or so. In addition, leathercrafters/pyrographers and other interesting folk invited to drop in if in the area. In shop/studio most afternoons but my schedule is quite flexible these days. Out to pasture and pretty much homebound. Ray

You might look around at; www.thefind.com . I know they have a lot of trainig guns.