Nick69

Hi Jax, I have looked at Abbey and they do have a few bits. I also emailed Panhandle Leather in the US and the very nice person said they are happy to ship to the UK. Plus they have everything I want ! Nick

Quite excited as I just secured a Singer 29K4. It needs a bit of work but looks reasonably sound. I will take some snaps when I pick it on Tuesday afternoon. Nick

Hi Bob, Thanks for the quick reply. Sounds interesting, so the needles are available still? I'll see what happens with it as I was going to venture on a couple of pairs of shoes and if it goes cheap enough it could be fun. Nick

Hi all, This machine has come up ebay near me and I wondered if anyone has any knowledge about them? I must admit its not a machine I'm familiar with but it looks interesting. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gritzner-leather-harness-sewing-machine-/300709818580?pt=UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item4603b3b0d4#ht_500wt_1361 Regards Nick

Hi all, Does anyone know where I can get Cordwainer supplies & tools from in the UK, if not then somewhere that will ship to the UK. Thanks Nick

Ok searched across the site and found mountains of info.

Those are amazing and I would love to make some boots for myself. Where would one start the information hunt on how to do it?

It will but not for very long. I have used mine for 6mm but it would only do it if you pre punched the first hole then put the pedal to the metal !!!

Hi all, Does anyone know anything about Copyright laws? I have a few customers that want a handbag/purse with an embroidered patch sewn on the front relating to a movie. Does anyone know if this is something I could do without infringing copyright laws? The patches would be purchased from an 'Official' supplier if that makes any difference. I would like to offer these bags to the public if possible. Thanks Nick

Hi all, Has anyone heard of or used a singer 44k1 machine. There is one local to me for £100 ($180 ish). The person selling says it will sew anything up to 12mm thick. It has a 1450rpm motor and comes on a cast iron stand. If anyone has any info on this machine I would appreciate it. Thanks Nick

You wont be dissapointed with LePrevo, all of my leather comes from them. Strange ordering system but ive never had a problem with them.

Although some lasers are different, most will engrave anything which is non reflective. For items that ARE reflective there is a special spray paint type liquid which the laser burns on to that surface to leave a black design. My Laser is on the high value side of £20k. The software for laser engravers/cutters uses different colour lines during the design process, the different colour lines tell the laser to cut deeper, travel faster or slower etc so you can get multi depth designs in a single pass. When I use leather in mine I increase the feed rate of the laser, this eliminates some of the burn that happens on the odd ocasion. Do you have a specific model in mind? I don't know the cost of laser engravers/cutters in the US, hopefully they are cheaper than over here.

I like that a lot. Nice to see copper being used and perfect colouring.

Its a type of lathe. I make do with a normal one

Hi all, I have an American Bulldog and a Boxer, they are both super strong and this shows itself in broken trigger hooks on their leads. I have been trying to find a heavy duty version so I can make them new collars and leads but am struggling. Has anyone seen heavy duty versions for sale or know of something else I can use? Thanks Nick

LePrevo, Bowstock,Tandy, Identity Store, ebay etc. Lots of places sell them. Good hunting.

I'm in the process of making a couple from aluminium using a cnc machine. Problem with method is detail. For debossing plates I used Metallic Elephant recently and not only is their service top notch they are MUCH cheaper than LePrevo. http://www.metallicelephant.co.uk

Very nice trunks. Lovely detail. Euro Redwood is the closest to what was originally Deal, its also closely relater to Scotts Pine. I have some in my store if you want a picture? I'm actually a cabinet maker by trade but also dabble with leather.

Thanks for the replies. The first test piece came out well so hope to have it finished next week.

Sorry I should have made it clearer, its for leather use only. Hopefully the aluminium one turns out well.

Ok, well I started a test piece today in billet aluminium. Should be finished over the weekend then I will test it.

Hi all, After helping me solve my previous stamping issue I thought id ask about branding, not sure if it belongs in this section though..... I want to make my own branding iron, I have 2 CNC engravers/cutters and plan on using one to make my own designs. The question is what material to use? Aluminium, Brass, Steel?? Anyone ever made one before? Nick

I think I may make one of these Dwights press and see how it gets on.

Hi Bruce, Thanks for the reply. Do you think 1 ton would be enough? I've been looking at Arbor presses and the costs appear reasonable or would a press like yours be a safer bet?

Hi everyone, I'm new here, I have been working with leather for a while now but have a need to use a large stamp. Its 1.25"x8". Ive had the magnesium plate made and tried it by hammer (nowhere near enough presuure) then in a bench vice (again not enough) so now I come to you guys. What would you sudgest I use to stamp something of this size? Thanks Nick