Doc Reaper

All you need is a long metal yardstick from a hardware store

I gots fithsies

I almost stopped going completely, they actually started gouging customers that were there for decades, and ran off those that were just starting out. Saddle skirting was sold at apex $75 for a side and then shot up to &138 a side for elite sales. They really should be more giving to those that purchase every 2 weeks and have a business in the industry, they do know who I am and what I do. They have even asked if I would volunteer to give a class or two. Im sorry if this part seems shallow but paying out money to supply my business with their products then educating new students that will be buying items to make using products that they sell seems like they are only helping themselves. All the while I’m paying top dollar - in person- because I can’t trust the store to send me a quality item that should of been picked as though they were going to use it. Am I upset with Tandy, hell yes! I gave them ideas over the phone and face to face, even though I am a customer that actually works leather and sees the flaws they don’t because upper management is worried if they are going to get a bonus for meeting the weekly sales numbers! I told them (on the phone) that their practices in greed had to be curbed. Their press costed like over $200, Harbor Fright has a one ton press for around $50 their price gouging had to be forced to a lower scale, or close the doors. Price restructuring may be a bit too late, we will all know within six months if their doors will stay open.

I had a friend build a horizontal for me, it was $75 and works, he then built a second one (pictured here). This is still unfinished, it lacks the handles, stain, and protective leather which will be finished in 2 days

That boot was not done on a double stitch machine, in third world countries they make em go around twice

Not too shabby, nice work

Define “Big Letters”, it helps to know what you are looking for

I have called “zipperstop” stop, told them what I needed, guess I got a lazy salesman! If you guys can have your salesman call me at 980-621-5851. It will be a great help if I can get the lengths I need. Finding 26, 24, 22, 10 and 8 inch zippers in at least a #8 or #10 METAL not aluminum or plastic would be awesome! One place told me that I would have to order 200,each size, minimal. I believe that was the YKK company

How bad is it cracked now, show pictures please! My Hickory stump is a cracked pretty bad, my Red Oak (bark on) is still solid with hair line cracks. Maybe the type of wood makes a difference on the amount of cracking???

Where are ya located?

LEAVE THE BARK ON! It holds in the proper amount of moisture so it won't crack as bad. I have 5 trunks, The ones with the bark left on fared far better than the ones with the bark removed, LEAVE THE BARK ON!

I have the Cowboy 4500, glad I have it, it's easy to learn how to sew but it's involved when you are just starting out

I'm trying to find a shop that will supply #8 & #10 separating brass zippers. I need 20 and 22 inch long zippers; also in need of 8 & 10 inch lengths also separating brass! I do not want to deal with plastic or China suppliers!!! Any help is welcome, do they make a #12 zipper??

Where do I find one of these, sewing straight is difficult

I'm just getting ready to cut the jaws for another stitching horse. The jaws will be 17 inches long up from base, with a wide arch to fit larger items. I want to make it so it can adjust for reach and view. A cushioned seat and strong legs! I might make a tutorial

I built a 2 1/2 foot by 7 foot table frame out of an old wooden swing set, used 1/2 inch plywood for the top, then covered it with 1/8 luane to protect it from due, cuts, and unwanted impactsI also acquired a one foot by four foot by 3/8 inch thick white nylon cutting board to make all my cutting on! I use an old hickory tree tree limb as my impact post to set snaps and rivets. Now I'm working on an adjustable stitching pony/horse to stand or sit while hand stitching. I made tools out of galvanized pipes, I've even picked up some 2 1/2 inch plastic rods to make mallets with, just looking for wood dowels to make handles with. You don't have to follow the rules when it comes to leather working tools, corporations want you to purchase their products, just don't waste your cash on shhtuff made in China, they won't last and it will frustrate you to no end!

I'm planning on constructing one that will be a bit more stout, always wrap jaws in leather. Plus it will be attached to the legs on my work table and it can adjust to any height (stand or sit). Build one that works for you, not one that you find on eBay. You will build two, the first one and then one that fits you

Have a set made, and use em hard

Thanks much Tim!

It's two years later, haven't used the machine the way I wanted. Between black widow and brown recluse bites, the shop has become a scary place! Had my back fixed from an injury sustained in the Marine Corps 35 years ago, the VA said the pain was all in my head, jackasses! Now I injured a nerve that makes my left middle and ring fingers numb. The hides call to me, they want to be made into useful items! Replaced the bearings, also got another set as backups! Time to make some tool bags!

Leather worker on most days, a God on others