suzelle

Hello sbrownn, I have to admit, I've been down the same road lately trying to find the right press or hand tools for the snaps I want to use for leather work, also canvas and vinyl work. I've been using a Hoover "Press-N-Snap" for about 12 years or so. Main use/purpose for this tool was to apply grommets into my very long banners that I printed (wide format printer) and those were at least 20 feet long. So the grommets had to be strong. My Press-N-Snap came with a set of dies for applying Ligne/Line 24 Snaps. However, I never used that set of dies. I needed dies for grommets and bought those dies in (3) different sizes. They were not cheap but they were neccessary for the banner work I did then. I put the dies for the Line 24 snaps aside, thinking at the time that I'd probably figure out how to use them some day. For my first couple years printing wide format banners, I felt the need to add a foot press to my equipment to speed up production. Applying a lot of grommets by hand is not quick with the Press-N-Snap. So, I did invest in a table-top press that I built my own foot press for. I used an with old Singer treadle sewing machine base I had laying around. I disconnected the wheel on the treadle and added a pulley and some bungee cords and a hole in the table to pull the handle down with the old iron foot treadle. It worked perfect! Kind of fun too! It's a conversation piece! LOL. More recently, I found a use for the Press-n-Snap die set for Line 24 snaps. That set of dies is the best thing I have for applying snaps in boat cushions!!!! I'm sure this set will also come in handy when I start making some stuff with leather too! How great that I already had it! I looked at the type of antique presses that you show in your photo and really wanted something that looked cool in my shop, but it just didn't make sense for me as I wasn't sure what dies to buy. It seems to me though, there is not a one size fits all press, I have collected a few presses, each one of them for different jobs. I don't mind having a few different ones because I can keepl one as a dedicated hole punch machine, or dedicated grommet machine, whatever. The lightest weight presss I have is another table top style, but lighter weight, I think probably aluminum. Current use for this one is to apply light duty rivets sizes #7, #8, and #9 mostly decorative type. For heavier duty coppper rivets, I chose some hand setting tools for rivets and burrs.Those rivets will be #9 and #12. I'm planning to use them for leather work, waiting for delivery on those items. These rivets are more expensive than the decorative type rivets, but I think they will be much sturdier for my leather work. Time will tell! The Press-N-Snap tool is my favorite though, because it is portable. It can be taken on site wherever I go, or easily attached to it's wall mount, I use it most often this way (on wall) for installing grommets. The only thing I am concerned about when using it on location to install boat cushions, is that I don't drop it in the ocean when working on a boat! I'd have to dive in and retrieve myprecious Press-n-Snap!

Scott, Thanks for the recipes and all the ideas here, can't wait to experiment!

Well your work inspires me! I have been so busy sewing commercially on the weekdays at another location. For my own fun at home shop, I want to do more with leather and started collecting some smaller tools and machinery for that work. I'm hoping to eventually incorporate some leather painting into my work too. Anyhow, keep up the great work & thanks for the inspiration.

Stewart, It is always a pleasure to see your work, glad you are able to find the time again. I love everything you do! Simply a joy to look at! Love the bird, so cute!

Stewart, Thanks for sharing your situation with us. Hospice is the best, I'm glad Lois is in their care. I just wanted you to know that seeing your handiwork here has been a blessing. May blessings be returned to you and Lois in abundance! Keep creating beautiful things when you can, I'm sure it's a comfort for you and good to keep your hands and your mind busy. Hang in there Friend!

What as unique looking hat, really wonderful!

Brian, thanks for answering! I appreciate the time you took to explain what the machine is capable of. I really appreciate you expertise.

Nice Stewart! Thanks for sharing your abundant talent! Inspiring indeed! Something beautiful to see!

Brian, Great informational video you posted here! I'd for sure consider purchasing the Hightex/Cowboy 246 if it became available as a new machine in the USA. I really don't think I'd ever need more than a 135 or 210 weight thread in top. If you don't mind me asking Brian, what's the heaviest weight thread you can use in your machine? Thank you!!!

YOU are AMAZING!

Dwight, Welcome back to Leather and Welcome to the forum. Beautiful work you did there, thanks for showing us!

Flatcapper, Wow, what an ordeal. First, I'm glad you didn't get hurt worse. Smashed fingers are not good, you didn't break any bones in finger? Hope not. Also, that was a lucky thing your machine didn't get more damage than it did. I was thinking same thing when reading your post, that JB weld might help in re-attaching that corner piece that broke off. I love JB Weld! I once repaired a leaking gas tank in my old Volkswagon Beetle with that stuff. Good luck with your new baby! Pics please!

MtlBiker, very nice work!!! Very worthy of a purchase, I'd buy one!!!

Congrats Flatcapper! The machine buying thing is a learning experience, isn't it? Good luck with your new machine! Post pics when you can, please!

Yes, you are right Wiz. I haven't used my Consew for a bit, since I started using the Juki. Oops!

Beautiful work, beautiful machine! Another machine saved. Fantastic!

When you use the reverse lever, are you lifting it all the way up? If not, that might be the problem? By the way, good looking machine you have there, and what a deal! Congrats!

Good to know Dikman! (That Lily-White sewing oil is basically hydraulic oil ISO 32). I have two huge bottles of it at the moment, but 2 months ago, I had none! I was wondering what I would look for if I were to find it at an Auto Supply store. Now I know! Thanks!

Yep, that's right, there is an adjustment to help with the stepping up. Also, there is a special foot you can get with a longer toe, it's called a raised inside foot. Helps you get over the bumps/step-ups easier. This Seller on Ebay I find to be the best (my experience) for feet and other parts for my Juki 1541: https://www.ebay.com/itm/164942364714

Handstitched, Thanks for some great ideas and advice.

That's a very nice running machine!

Me too! Can't wait to see if it fits both your Cobra Class 26 and possibly your Juki 1541 as well? I just got my Juki 1541 not too long ago, it has seriously made my sewing life much easier! My next machine purchase will be a Cylinder Arm machine and the Cobra Class 26 will be one of the ones I'll consider. Really glad you are here!

Adam, Congrats on the new Cobra Class 26! That's pretty cool!

Damas, great to see you like that foot! I like that Mitsubishi sewing machine! Thanks for sharing your pics! Sasquatch, Can't wait to see what you think of the buckle pressser foot. Hey, welcome to the forum, fellow Washingtonian!

Yep, same here. As Trash Treasure mentioned, have paid some big bucks to Repair People who didn't fix something, in fact made it worse.