Ken Nelson

go to the top of this subject and read Wizcrafts pinned posts. Great information from a guy that is the MAN on lether sewing machines. HTH Ken

This splitter is sold. I do still have the pilgrim though, the price is now $900.00 plus shipping. Pics are in the original listing.

This splitter is no longer available. Thanks

I usually build bronc halters out of work horse harness and line with the same. Really stout and stand up to a lot of abuse. On the bronc halter nosebands, that are stamped or tooled, I use skirting and line with either harness or latigo.

Thank you, I have people come into my shop on a regular basis that do not have the means to order/purchase custom products. They often rant and rave about my prices and everyone else's in the area. Ussually ending with I know someone the will build this for X amount of dollars. Response, You have found your source at your price go for it. That ussually makes them very angry. Same way with people wanting to learn to build saddles. Give me a saddlemaking school and let me use your shop and equipment for free. WHY WOULD ANYONE? If you cannot make any money rebuilding or reconditioning this equipment, why would you? Ken

Just sent a check off to Steve Friday for my second Cobra Class 4. I never even considered anyone else. This is maybe like 6 or 7 times I have purchased machines from Steve. I guess you could shout I am a very satisfied customer. Ken

Infinity- super, super great! Steel Stamps Inc, Very Very good, but discuss the knurling before you order. I didn't and have one I hate the knurling on and have another that is not great, good but not great for me. Impressions are super good on both stamps. Infinity is a bit easier to line up straight but not a lot easier. I would recommend either. HTH Ken

I doubt you will find what you need to sew holsters with for the $500. price tag. Might I suggest you hand sew the first few and put the money toward a machine. I really feel you will need a machine with at least a 5/8" capability or 3/4" to do a good job on holsters. Only thing I know of for that kind of money might be a NT Champion and they are hard to learn on.

My experience has been that Cheap and Good Quality seldom go hand in hand. Value for my dollar is an issue for me. I seldom get value for my dollar from Tandy. Ken

Should someone who has purchased the various books or researched how to build patterns be expected to give the patterns away to those who are too lazy to learn how to build their own. I will gladly recommend several books on building patterns if someone is interested in learning HOW. Because you are a beginner, does not mean more experienced craftsmen should give away their work. I don't mind helping someone, but get tired of the GIVE-ME attitude I see often now adays but that is just the way I see it. Ken Excellent point sir! When it is all your work, it is more rewarding and you are actually using or selling your IDEA as much as your craftsmanship. Ken

Thanks Mike! Fellas, I appreciate the people that loan patterns. However, if you run a saddle shop like I do, YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO BUILD PATTERNS!!!!!! I have a lot of books that I have purchased learning to build patterns and how to draw carving patterns, which I am not very good at. Borrowing patterns is like using a set of crutches after your broken leg has healed. If you take up golf, you will spend money equiping yourself to play and either pay a pro to teach you or spend a lot of time being self taught. Leathercraft is not much different. Tips are great but patterns---Well I am not sure giving patterns is really helping anyone in the long run but I may be wrong. Kind of like the old saying about giving a man a fish and feed him for one meal. Teach him to fish and he can feed himself the rest of his life. But that is just my 22 cents worth. Ken

I built one last week here in my shop. Would you care to purchase the pattern and instructions? HTH Ken

The machines are very similiar. Both are compound feed and if in good condition, will last for many years. Both will sew 3/8". and up to 207 thread on top with 138 on the bottom. Hope this helps.

I have a Weaver Crank splitter available, pictures are available if you are interested, It will go out with a brand new blade and is in very good condition. I am asking $1300.00 with new blade or $1200.00 without new blade. Shipping will run $60.00

Don't forget about Cobra Steve when considering a purchase either. Super great customer support. HTH

I would suggest you call Steve Monday Morning and I am sure he will talk you through whatever adjustments you need to make. Please be aware that he is known for his superior customer service and I beleive he has earned it. Actually, if you take the manual in hand and start reading and working on your machine, you will find it is not that complicated. I own one of these machines and the service has been outstanding on it. Most of the time I can adjust the problem myself and when I cannot, Steve can trouble shoot it in a matter of a couple of minutes on the phone. Just my 2 cents worth. Ken

I have two heavy stitchers and don't need both of them. There is nothing wrong with this machine. I bought it from a guy that decided leatherwork for him was not his cup of tea.

Like New Luberto's classic stitcher. complete with stand, motor, speed reducer, needles, bobbins, book sit up video. $2750.00 Fob Portales, NM 575-356-3628 business hours.

I have a Weaver 8" crank splitter for sale. Blade is good and it works good. If you are interested PM me and I will provide pictures and a price. I still have the Pilgrim Splitter available. Both are really good splitters. Thanks Ken

Sometimes on really dry leather, I will put a little moisture in it and sew it just barely damp. A little oil will help with some of that older harder leather sometimes. I repair a lot of older tack and some of it is very dry and old. It does help to bampen it. A couple of my friends mix lexol leather conditioner and water for dry hard leather. HTH Ken

I would call Cobra Steve and see if he will sell you a manual for a Cobra Class 4. It has excellent instructions for timing the 441. Good resource to have. Ken

Will listening to an obnoxious idiot make you smarter?

The equipment would include a heavy stitcher, chap machine, Crank splitter, pull splitter, hand tools, work bench, cutting table counter, etc. If interested, please contact me for pictures and prices. With the exception of crank splitter, rebuilt Landis 30, the equipment and tools are all very late model and work like new.. 575-356-3628 during business hours.

My stand alone Bobbin winder!

Most of the saddles from the era you are asking about are very narrow in the gullet. They were built for horses with a strong thoroughbred influence. Also horses in those days were generally rode a lot harder than horses are today. Different type of horses than most of todays horses and a lot leaner condition on most in by-gone days. Once in a while you will find one of those old ones that will fit todays horses. Just my opinion. Ken