DFWLeather

I agree on the poor tools, but disagree on the leather. You see, there aren't 500 suppliers of leather in the US. There are only a few that control a large part of the market with regard to wholesaling it to retailers. And as you can imagine, the larger buyers get the better prices on much of the quality hides (post process). So unless you are telling me you're getting leather from Spain or Italy through an interemediary, the quality that you are referring is a mystery to me. Retailers "go to market" once or twice a year to buy product, including leather. These Market Centers are located in major cities in the US and carry a variety of hides from suppliers. These suppliers push their product to every Market Center in the US they can to reduce the cost of shipping and containering and increase margin. So the product is pretty much the same everywhere you go in the US (Market Centers). This is where retailers buy their leather to sell you. The less you buy, the more it cost. So it is logical to assume the larger buyers will get a better deal and be able to sell it pretty competitively, relatively speaking of course. And if you're buying a large order, you're not going to want to junk. That said, if a retailer can establish a connection in South America, Spain or Italy and cut out the intermediary, they can pass along a unique and generally high quality product to the consumer. But this is rare as it requires the retailer to travel to a foreign country and source the hides themselves (and get them containerized to get home $$). And this can be done with the help of an envoy which are generally supplied by the US Embassy or country of origin's embassy for free. But then you end up driving around touring facilities all over the worst places on the planet. So not to burst anyone's bubble, but the market in general has become globalized in the trade of hides and just about every other consumer product to reduce cost, increase distribution and maintain margin. I'll provide some nice pics for you in the coming weeks as I go to market.

My elite pricing allows me to buy anything at Tandy for less than about (8 or 9 oz) $100 a side. Then you add shipping and you're even further out of range if you don't pick it up. No tax as I have a Tax Id. I have yet to find a good deal on leather in some time. I may head to market center and see what wholesale is.

Yeah, I'm interested too.

Barges is what I am referring. It contains known carcinogens, and known cancer precursors. You might want to read the entire label when you have a moment. There's a reason this adhesive is banned in many municipalities. If you're going to use it, use a good respirator or don't use it at all.

A WARNING: I was getting a rash on my face; lips, nose and eyelids. Doctor put me on two steroid packs hoping to get my body to chill out thinking it was poison ivy or something. Well, it wasn't. I was exposed to the Tandy cement a bit too much; even a small amount of inhalation is dangerous. I eliminated used an organic high end mask until it was gone, then never bough it again. Read the label closely, it is toxic, very toxic stuff. I strongly suggest using something more pedestrian. Some of the chemical are known human toxins.

I have the elite. Just watch the receipts closely. Many times I see where they don't always give you the discount on all items. So as you shop, look closely at what is discounted and what is not. Further, make sure you get the discounted price. You'll rarely be "undercharged". Been my experience...

Yeah, I too had to get a green light. From the people I have spoken with thus far, they have all been incredibly helpful.

Great advice, and thank you. I certainly don't want to over-buy, but then I thought the Juki would be my last machine and here I am again. Two 9 oz pieces is about as think as I can imagine going, but I want enough power to make sure I get a nice back-side finish as well. I will call around tomorrow and get some insight as my knowledge on these machines is thin.

Perhaps the Artisan isn't for, sadly. I'll focus on the Cowboy and Cobra. I use a table machine now and wonder how changing to the arm will be. I'll certainly need a guide because I can't even walk straight.

Thank you for posting your thoughts on Artisan.

I have read a lot about Steve, and from looking at the machine, it's not my first choice. However, I will consider it. 9oz would probably be the most I'd sew, but heck, you never know. I didn't think I'd still be using my Juki--a great machine I might add, just limited in its abilities; thin leather etc. Poor customer support will get you cut, for sure. I have not time for nonsense. I will take some time to review the support comments etc. I wish there were a place down here that carried these machines--sure would be nice to see them etc.

Great information and resources. I way overpaid for my last stamps...

I have a mint Juki LU563 I have been using for watchbands and small leather books, and it works ok. The back-side of the stitching sometimes leaves traces of the loop and displays no angular pattern like the front does. The front is certainly more attractive than the back, and that's always disturbed me, to be honest. But then I'm pushing the machine to its limit. Well, I began working with 9 oz leather the other day, after four years with the Juki. And the machine is struggling to get the job done neatly (as would be expected), and the loops on the back are much more noticeable so it's high time for a bigger machine. I am considering two based upon what I have seen on the site here. The Artisan, 3200; and the Cowboy 4500. Please let me know your thoughts if you have experience with the machines or some good advice. I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Also, I am in Dallas/Fort Worth and am not aware of any dealers of either in the area so that may be an issue/or may not. I like to talk to people and work through problems. Thanks in advance for your help. Billy