Rockhewer

Hi there, Just to clarify, I am somewhat of a newbie to the art, (& science), of sewing leather with a machine. (All the pieces I have done prior to now have been fastened via lacing and/or rivets) So I have an old tank of a machine ...(I mean that in a good way).... it's a Nakajima 280L , 1/2 horse clutch motor...... I could ride this thing to work.... Anyway, I saw a picture of a machine on a post from Whizcrafts.... what I can see of the base of this machine, looks almost identical to my machine. I have a very similar 'walking" foot, but there is an attachment on his machine that I don't have..... but that I could see being very helpful. It's the little roller guide type thing coming in from the right, that attaches to the base of the machine. Is this something I can buy aftermarket or whatever...? and I also noticed this setup has only one outer foot on the opposite side of the roller thing..... is this a specific foot that is used with the roller guide thing? Where do I get one of those? & what exactly is it called? Also I have a question about the speed of the machine. I read a post where you (was it you?) changed the motor to a smaller servo motor? Also changed the pulley? Well I really don't want to change the motor, it's not allthat uncontrolable..... but I would change the pulley... does changeing the pulley make a noticeable difference in slowing down the speed at all? & which pulley do you change? ( to slow the machine a bit ) Thanks

thanks for the welcome.... the advise... the info....and everything else... I'm glad to hear that this is a good forum.... these collections of like minded people are a most valuable resource indeed. When I decided I was going to build my dream motorcycle myself, (having had no formal training in motorcycle mechanics) .... I was greatly blessed by being able to learn from the online community of clubchopper.com . I know I wouldn't have done as good a job, without the help I got from those good folks... so willing to share their knowledge and experience. This is the chopper I built: My next project is going to be covering a seat I made for it, I got some cheap vinyl (faux leather) to do a prototype cover... basically to fine tune the pattern I will be creating. Then when it's right I'll do it in fine leather. Here is the seat I made: (I needed something more comfortable for myself and my wife on longer trips.... this does the trick nicely...)

Hi there, My name is Kevin, ... my brothers & sisters I ride with call me Rock, (cause of the sculpture I've done in stone) I am an artist / artisan who has aways been able to find some measure of success or skill & quality in any craft having to do with making things by hand. I used to be a granite & marble fabricator/installer.... kitchens and bath etc.....stone countertops, furniture etc... Which is one industry where if your back isn't screwed up..... it's gonna be..... I did it for 20 years..... & guess what.... So I switched to woodworking...(wood's considerably lighter I am now building wood shutters and furniture.... but I can tell that given the condition of my back... it's only a matter of time until I am facing some level of disability. I have always liked leather, but haven't taken the time nessessary to find very much proficiency in this field.... This is about to change... I am going to need something I can do in a relatively low impact, limited mobility setting.... I have aquired a sewing machine.... one that I hope will be sufficient for sewing things like saddle bags, holsters, motorcycle seats &..... I dunno.... mockassins? ....anything I feel like making, & stuff I could possibly sell. It's a Nakajima 280L (I know it's old)... but seems like a really well built machine.... it's got a 1/2 horse motor, which hasn't had any problem plowing through anything I have tested it on. I have a owners manual from the internet... (actually for a "Juki" model DNU241H ...I guess they changed the name or something?) Is that the right one? The manual is good to have but I am learning more from stuff I have found online. If anyone here can help me with any tips on the finer points of using a machine like this... I will certainly appreciate it. I am also very interested in learning to tool leather. I think I will be able to pick this up fairly quickly, as I am pretty good with my hands & have a artistic background... (what with being a stone carver & all) Here is a pic of the first substantial piece I have done in leather...(this was before I got the sewing machine) the lacing is pretty simple.... I hope to learn more about that kind of thing as well. I'll tell you what though.... in creating this bag... I aquired a whole new respect for those who do fine leatherwork.... and a realization that the prices the market will bare.... barely cover the labor involved! My hat's off to you all...