DoubleC

I'm speculating. I use resolene for everything, as my finish and as a resist to antique. I do use it over the antique after it's dried overnight. Cheryl

Resolene makes a good resist, you just need to apply several light coats and let it dry overnight. I wouldn't use anything else with it. Maybe something instead of it but those chemicals mixing together are probably not gonna like each other. Cheryl

Replacing power cords are easy Joe. As far as cleaning them I use a wire brush about the size of a toothbrush on the steel parts, and I shine mine up all pretty with turtle wax wipes But more importantly is not how it looks but keeping oil in it. You are just so cute (and lucky) about this. I felt just like this when I got my cobra. Have fun my friend. Cheryl

I use foam in my guitar straps. I got my first foam at Walmart in the school supplies, 6 sheets of preschool primary colors with peel off paper on the back, LOL. But it works like a charm and the very first guitar strap I made 3 years ago is still as good today as when I made it. Now maybe you can help me with a question. I ordered a 1" buckle set to make a watch band but can't reverse engineer one because I don't own one. Could you tell me how long you make your straps and show a picture of the back? Thanks Cheryl

Some people adapt them into clickers too. You have to have clicker plates machined but since it was given to you you're ahead of the game. Good luck. Cheryl

Al Bane always tells me to start with the needle and start backwards. To me it looks like what Tom said that the belt is moving while you are stitching it. They don't look irregular so much as running a little all over the place. They aren't nesting or anything so I think your tension is good. Also you might try a smaller thread in the bobbin if adding the table attachment doesn't help. If not call Steve or get in touch with Al Bane at https://www.facebook.com/albaneforleather Cheryl

Very pretty wallet

I didn't realize it was so thin. I guess I would still be afraid of the pockets since they're not going to be sewn but I am a worrier. I worry so much about every new project it prevents me starting it. I, like you do love the head area. Cheryl

Really nice job Paul. Cheryl

Are you going to sew it? Because I wouldn't trust the glue to do more than hold it in place while you sew it. Also it seems to me thickness is going to be an issue. Unless you have some 1 oz veg tanned leather to sew it to and to make the cc holders out of, etc. I mean I'm sure gator wallets are made all the time but these are just two concerns I would have before I started the project. I glued some hair-on-hide to regular, maybe 5 oz veg tanned once to make a bracelet and as soon as I curved it the HOH came loose. I should have skived it and sewn it. Cheryl

when I round braid something I get creative because I can't do the fancy knots to put on the end. I have braided it into itself, i've put wooden beads on the end to secure the round braid and then just tied the loose ends. I haven't seen the magnets. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Why don't you do a search on Etsy and get some ideas.....https://www.etsy.com/search?q=braided%20bracelet&ref=auto3 Cheryl

Jo the first one is a 15-91 and will sew leather. I've done guitar straps etc on this machine and it's a favorite among garment people for light leather sewing. It has a potted or gear driven motor and no belt so no belt to slip, etc. It will use up to #69 thread. And pretty much sew anything you can stuff under the foot. It is a beast though, not in the sense of a 'real' leather machine is in size but in speed. For that reason there's definitely a learning curve on using it. But I sewed suede etc easily on mine, prolly 4-5 oz. On my straps it was harder with the heavier thread but it will sew them. It makes a nice stand in machine while you save for a walking foot machine with a speed reducer, etc. And that's a good price. Best thing to do is take something you want to sew with you, try the machine out and see what you think. Cheryl

I dyed a bridle with USMC black several times and got brown every time when I looked in the natural light. I would recommend you don't suffer this frustration like Luke recommended. Cheryl

I've never used a needle and awl machine but I love my cobra 4. I know the campbells have a good rep though. Cheryl

Your welcome, C

Is it veg tanned pig? Because if it isn't 'tooling pig' I would use a test piece if not and see if you CAN dye it without it wiping right off. JMO. Cheryl

You can use a safety beveler to skive it. depending on how much you need to do might want to ask someone to split it for you. Here is an example. http://springfieldleather.com/24773/Beveler%2CSafety/ I use one all the time on small pieces. Cheryl

I recommend the Cobra because I do have a class 4 and you can't ask for better customer service than from Steve et al. The first thing I sewed on it was a 10 oz chair cover doubled over, so therefore 20 oz. It will handle your tack easily. I've ordered things from Bob before too and he too has great service so either would probably work well. Cheryl

Chief, that's beautiful. Cheryl

I use 9 oz bellies for my bracelets, belts, guitar straps, etc. I get them at Springfield Leather Company for about 22.00. And they come with a straight edge on them making it easy to use my strap cutter. I've never had anything brought back for repair or any other problem with them. They stretch more than the back but all leather stretches. I made a belt for a man out of 14 oz stirrup leather and after a month he said it's stretched. Recovered a chair for him out of 10 oz (these are not bellies I'm talking about) and the chair has stretched a little from his weight. I'd be lost if I didn't have bellies for my 'strappy things' which I consider belts, AND cuff bracelet. I would give one a try and see how you like it. Cheryl

Very classy work, Cheryl

Tallbald, we all hate dying at first. After 3 years I still like my vinegaroon better than any dye. An air brush would probably make it easier but I put mine on full strength usually with a sponge. Some people say make sure your leather is clean, some say use this brush or that, but I think really like everything in LW it all comes down to practice. Just keep at it. Cheryl

On the sewing Matt did you 'sew' the picture to the frame or is that just decorative? I think you did a great job!! Cheryl

I didn't realize men had this problem. In woman's jeans a size 12 can fit someone from 5'2" and 100 lbs to someone 5" 8" and 145 lbs depending on who made the pants. But I thought a 38 in men's was a 38. This has been helpful to me as well. Cheryl

It's because it's so unexpected and realistic. Monkeys don't usually 'morph' into bags Cheryl