Spencer G

Pete, I haven't used a sharpie for background coloring yet, but I plan to do some experimenting. Until then, however, the only advice I can give is through observation and speculation. When you say that "the antique darkened it", do you mean the background? Spencer

That looks good Pete. I've taken to using a lined thumbprint on my leaves, just to add a bit of variety. Which I think that it looks kinda cool, but that's just personal opinion. You might see if you can find a sharpie with a finer point for the tight places. But other than that, you've got a very well done, dynamic border. Spencer

Very nice! If I had to venture a guess, I would say the the much nicer looking (not at all belittleing the other one) floral carved one is the wife's. At least it would be if the guy is smart! Spencer

That does certainly answer my questions. Thanks! Spencer

Very nicely done! Did you come up with the pattern or did you find it somewhere? Are they double layer or just single with a stiched border? Where did you get the silver? (And last one) How much would you charge for them? Exellent work, keep it up! Spencer

That's very interesting, you say it's designed to attach to a saddle?

Bravo! Masterfully done. Are you planning to sell it, if so, how much would you ask?

Really cool, well done.

Very nice, clean work. Did you make the knives as well?

Both of these are very nice pieces, but I especially like the framed carving. It looks very well done, the one thing you might work on is making the backgrounding more even. Beside that, it looks great. Spencer

Even though I'm not that far past amateur myself, I'll see if I can help a bit. #1: I would imagine that it depends what kind of finish you use, but I've not had a problem with this as long as you let it dry thoroughly. Although, I have had an issue with the Fiebing's black and dark brown dyes getting a kind of greenish sheen when it dries. I don't know why this happens, but if you use Tan-Kote as a base layer, it seems to help. #2: Rubber cement is what most people use, I just apply it liberally to both sides and then clamp them together between a board and a my work bench. #3: This also shouldn't be a problem especially if you put Tan-Kote or Neat-Lac as a final finish. #4: I get my leather from Weaver who are significantly cheaper than Tandy, but you do need a sales tax licence to order from them. They have great customer service, and are fairly quick in shipping orders. Hope I was of some assistance, even if it is a bit like the blind leading the blind. Spencer

Greg, thanks for your offer, do you have a picture? The Ferdinand 400 has 5/8" of foot lift, though it can only sew 1/2" is that still insufficient? Spencer

Thanks.

Thank you all for your advice. Bruce is right, I've not done much with a heavy duty machine, or for that matter with any leather sewing machine. After looking at the Artisan website, am I correct in thinking that the only difference between the 3000 and 4000 is arm length? Also, how do the Artisan machines stand up over time? On the Ferdco website there is a used Ferdinand 400 that they say is good for saddles, but can only sew 1/2" thick, is that enough? I know that I'm chalk full of questions, but am not one for hasty decisions. Besides, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the deep well of knowledge here. Spencer

Thank you guys for your comments. Do you know of another machine that would be maybe on the lower end of heavy duty? I'd like to be able to do saddles, but I also would rather not spend the $4000-$5000 for an Adler 205, Ferdco 2000, or somthing like those. One other question, why would one choose a cylinder arm over a flatbed machine, or vise-versa? Spencer

Does anybody know about the quality of Ferdco sewing machines? So far I've just done small projects, but would like to get into saddles, would I be able to do that with the TK-1245? Any and all comments are appreciated Spencer

Sorry, my pictures didn't load. Here is another try.

I bought the blades, then put the Ziricote handles on them, but I made the case from scratch.

Hey Bob, I'm ready to go forward. With escrow.com's limit on checks and money orders of $2000, we are limited to credit card or wire transfer. My preference would be credit card, but that means that we would have to use their premium service. If that's fine by you then what's the next step? By the way, I hope you and your wife have a lovely vacation.

Just let me know. S.G.

Hey Bob T., An internet escrow service souds like a good idea, but I've heard that there are lots of fraudulent ones. Although it seems that Esrcow.com is legit. Do you have one that you would recommend? S.G.

Bob T., Two questions. 1: Do you know what year this machine was made? 2: What was you plan for payment? Spencer