jcuk

I brought an 86 splitter about 25 years ago it served me well, every time i used it. It still has the original blade in it, but the lack of being able to do lap skive with it was the only thing it lacked. So last year i saw an 84 splitter on EBAY it was a good price, so dived in and brought it. I can get it to do what i want it to do, but it can be pain at times and the quality is no where near the quality of the old 86 splitter. I was going to sell the 86 glad i didn't, if had room on my bench they would both be there and i know which would get the most work. Hope this helps JCUK

Why don't you take it apart and have better at and see if its worth doing plus as you are taking it apart there may be some techniques in the construction of the saddle you may not have seen that maybe useful to you at a later date that's what i do a lot. Hope this helps JCUK

I totally agree with this, sadly a lot of the techniques a being lost as time goes by. This is not just the case with tailors, its also other crafts and trades.There may come a day when a lot of these skills will get lost in the mists of time. Modern techniques have a place if they improve and understand upon what's gone before. Too many people in todays world cut corners and costs which equals less quality and job satisfaction. JCUK Also agree with this, especially the part about masters being good at their trade, but that doesn't mean they are good teachers/ communicators. This is a separate skill - teaching and coaching. How many tops sportsmen have become top coaches in their field? Of course there is the odd exception but this is not the norm. JCUK

Hi Only piece of advice i can give you, is grow yourself another hand and give yourself a big pat on the back ! GREAT FIRST PROJECT Hope this helps JCUK

You could do lot worst for £15 quid, plus postage still cheap not sure what that would be, bet there are a lot of head/round knives for a bit more money not good as this. Some call this a single head knife including me others call it a head knife. https://www.abbeyengland.com/barnsley-single-head-knife-552.html Hope this helps JCUK

Good to hear was tempted but was not sure if i had a good enough reason and space for another machine. JCUK

Maybe a little to much not so fine Cog-Nac JCUK

Hope you are going to keep some tools just to stop you stop getting itchy fingers, also continue with your feed back here. All the best JCUK Here in the uk the sad thing is, unless there is an app for it, it seems most kids are not interested in training or working at things.

Not really, its just there when need it and another it does not roll off the bench, i do get sentimental over some of my older leather tools - some of the makers are sadly not in business anymore. JCUK

No it's not fragile its used by metal workers and i had mine around 25 years JCUK

I use one of these and a scratch Awl metal work scribe Hope this helps JCUK

I have seen these for sale on Ebay and thought is it worth a punt at those prices, but don't really need another though- it is tempting. ( Don't tell the wife ) Hope this helps JCUK

Sorry can't help you with the sale other side of the pond, just interested is this is your shop if so shame always like your input here hope it just retirement, and price i would think it a real bargain with everything you would have gathered along the way.Someone over there should take a serious look at this opportunity. Good Luck with the sale. JCUK

Good Times we all remember them Cheers JCUK

Not sure if you know of this company, I have never used them myself - obvious reasons, but they are down under. So no exchange rates always a good thing. https://www.birdsall-leather.com.au Also in New Zealand. https://lapco.co.nz Hope this helps JCUK

I will stick to crosswords ALL the best JCUK

Long shot i know Abbey use have it in past maybe give them a ring they might have some old stock left Hope this helps Jcuk

Not sure if this is what you are looking for Matt http://www.rjbinnie.co.uk/products/sewing-threads/bonded-nylon/ Hope this helps Jcuk

I have used there Kangaroo leather in the past when i was in the middle East i had heard it was tough and durable, yes it was someone wanted me to patch their saddle at that time it was hard to get supplies quickly did not have any leather for the job so i used the Kangaroo, because the customer wanted their repair as fast as possible it worked a treat i am sure i still have some around somewhere. It was from Packer also, at the same time ordered some of their Harness leather, don't think they have Harness and Bridle leather anymore. All the best JCUK

I only use as a cutting surface not my entire bench once it gets cut up a bit it will scratch your work. Hope this helps JCUK

MDF Hope this helps JCUK

Good for you, would not be without mine I use it for various jobs - no need to to buy to many fancy specific knives for those jobs. Hope this helps JCUK

Yes i went sometimes when i had and nothing else to do around two hours for me too, and spend a lot more money than i should have still like to shop the old fashion way when i can, the staff were always good too i did ask them what they thought of their branch closing down they thought the same as me a bit odd with the leather history in and around Northampton. all the best JCUK