Jax

Lucky lady

thread size should be relative to the stitch size IMO

I am really disappointed to read the negative comments re Dixons tools, when I started leatherwork a while ago I got 90% of my tools from them & never had a problem with either the quality or the service, I used to visit the factory in Walsall amost weekly as I built up my collection, haven't had the need for any new preparation tools for a few years so cant comment on the new tools but would be astounded if the quality has been allowed to slip that much.

Bob, Dixons also make their pricking irons with 2 teeth, I have them in 8, 9 & 10 per inch

Check out Goods Japan they do quite a range of leather tools & although Ive not got any myself (yet) I have heard good things about them also you can try Joseph Dixon tools in Walsall England, I have loads of their tools & they are really good but can be expensive.

I hate ya Matt

Oh wijjit, join the crazy crazy world of leatherwork!!!! I got BK tools on my shopping list too now, dunno whether to be happy or cry LOL

Same here Humperdingle its a real PITA , I work in my bedroom (its a small room) so everything has to be put away after each session

loadsa toolboxes & storeage boxes, its awful not having a workshop, my parakeets who live on my cutting chest of drawers have just decided to lay eggs so I cant disturb them for a few weeks, so cutting is gonna be a problem for a while....oh well cant have everything.

I tried to get some of that from Abbey but they were out of stock, after reading your post I am glad they were... It sounds to me like the product has possibly gone off, personally I would contact Abbey regarding your problem, if it has gone off its is clearly unfit for purpose & they shouldn't of sold it, the leaky cans make me suspicious too, its a hazardous substance so I believe & they shouldnt have posted it, especially if they were leaking!!

I agree with what Matt said, try not to push your awl in so far, putting a small piece of leather, rubber or cork onto the blade will help with that, also be careful how tight you pull your stitches up or they will gather the leather up. Good luck with your project Jax

WyomingSlick, many thanks for taking the time in your blog to do the craftool index I found it a while ago, printed a copy & keep it under my keyboard for reference when shopping for tools & have found it extremely useful, although it has considerably lengthened my "want" list. Thanks again

They are beautiful, almost to nice to use

Its lovely

Thanx for putting me right on that Les

bridle butt has the wrong finish & isnt heavy enough, I always buy harness leather for harness work.

Is it the English bridle samples that have the powdery/waxy coating? If so that is normal & will buff away no problem, with a soft brush or cloth & a little elbow grease.

Ive not tried any myself but I have heard good things about them.

I have just looked at the website & you are right I couldnt find it either, I got my catalogue out they are deffinately in there so I typed flat front in the search & there it is. Why it isnt shown in the pages with the other fittings I dont know, heres the link to it http://abbeyengland.com/Store/tabid/77/productid/68352/Default.aspx?txtSearch=flat+front I havent bought those sort of fittings from Abbey, because I live relatively close I have always gone to the manufacturers, W Thacker, I have looked but couldnt find a website for them.

Hi Candiecode, I dont know where you live but the chain front & rosettes on the browband are available from Abbey England in the UK, I cant quite see whats on the edges of the roller from your picture but its possible they will also stock those too, the decorations in the centre look likethey could be "rein tips" but not 100% sure. If you have any problrms let me know & I'll see if I can help. http://www.abbeyengland.com/

Try changing the blade in your strap cutter, mine will cut 3.5 - 4 mm butt no problem, I have & use both a strap cutter & plough gauge, the strap cutter will cut narrower than a plough but I like using both.

I regularly stitch 3.5-4mm thick leather 10 per inch with an awl, no problem at all, I have in the past stitched similar weight at 12 struggled to find an awl blade fine enough though. I use Dixons pricking irons, I do ask to have the teeth made finer when I buy them as sometimes they seem a bit big to me, especially when using finer thread I dont like to see it getting lost in the pricking mark. I have seen some really old English harness the stitching on that is so fine its amazing, about 14 per inch, may have been more on some, & if its been well cared for is still very useable.

I agree with the method of finding the required length, but if I were doing it I'd use lengths of lace no more then 11/2 yards to save the lace from getting raggy & worn, then dry splice as needed. Good luck with your project.

What a great idea I'd never thought of using my trusty strap cutter like that......just need a vice now Thank you for sharing. The video is excellent too

Don't mention lace...I bought a spool of 1/8" "superior" calf lace from Tandy the stuff is awful, its uneven in width & thickness, it breaks really easily & the flesh side seems to swell & go really fluffy. I use parafin wax on it but it doesnt help at all