Troy I

Try butting a light coat of neatsfoot oil on the leather before bending it...also if you lightly wet the leather before bending it will not be as prone to cracking.

I like your idea of a metal burnisher, but I have a question before I jump on the bandwagon...What is the advantages of a metal burnisher over a wood one? I use wood now and they do very well.

I store my leather the way I get it from Wickett & Craig Tannery...rolled with the grain side out, heavy packing paper on the outside to protect it from light and scratches.

For what it's worth...I always glue and stitch...almost everything, except maybe key rings...anything with stress on it needs both glue and stitching.

What Art said is so true...LMAO...welcome to the fantastic world of leather working.

I do the same as Dwight and Ken...I make a stitch grove on the front...it makes following the stitch line a lot easier, as well as getting the stitches to lie down better.

I've used both...depending on the look you or your customer wants.

Rubbing alcohol...is what I use.

I wipe my leather down with rubbing alcohol before dyeing to remove any glue, wax or other things that might be on the leather from my bench or from the tannery that would inpead the adsorption of the dye. After the dye is dry or almost dry I apply a light coat of neatsfoot oil.

That is really nice.

I agree with Heavy...give them a call, before you bad mouth them...I've only had two problems with two separate orders and they corrected them right away. On the other hand the only leather I have purchased from them has been pigskin lining...not pristine, but for the price you could not beat it.

KBarRanch...I don't know...I've never used calf hide... you can give them a call they will be able to tell you...you can either Google them or get the phone number from the banner above.

Try Springfield Leather...I saw some yesterday on their website...not sure of the weight.

I use 9/10 oz leather.

At Wickett & Craig you can purchase 1 belly or 1 hide--no minimum order.

Try Wickett & Craig or Zack White

They make different sizes...1.5 inch is what I have the most need for...this is the typical size of a belt that can fit through the belt loops on jeans (or there abouts). The belt holes do end up a little bit larger after you wet mold the leather, bevel your edges and then burnish them...the size may increase about a 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch...I've had no complaints yet that the belt would not fit through the holes...remember that a store bought belt is about a 1/16 to 1/8 inch shy of the advertised measurement in with.

1.5 inch punch...Springfield Leather

Cowboy 4500 here... got it from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine (Cowboy Bob)...I make mostly holsters and rifle slings...and sometimes the occasional belt. The only problems that I have had were user induced. Like knocking it out of timing and breaking a bobbin tension spring...there is a learning curve. I see you are in Pittsburg...if I were you I would give Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine a call (866-362-7397)...their only a few hours away and have great customer service...let them know what you plan to do with the machine and they will recommend a machine that will fit your needs...I think they have used machines as well. Good Luck and let us know which one you get.

26.5 inches at the house in Bentonville Va. ..What a mess.

I would think that sheepskin would be very warm. I've but some in my hunting boots, as insoles, and it helps alot. The wool might make some people itch, but it is warm.

I'm interested but would like to see a photo.

Hi, I'm trying to clean out my work area and have found more leather scraps than I know what to do with (I hate to throw anything out)...so I am offering a Medium Priority Box full of small scraps. The leather is Veg Tanned from Wickett and Craig and there is also some Veg Tanned Pig Skin Leather from Springfield included in this box. These leather scraps are small and can be used for small projects or practice. The leather from Wickett and Craig is 8/10 oz. skirting leather and the Pig Skin is 2/3 oz. If you would like this item, please PM me...I will only except Pay-Pal for payment The price is $25 including shipping to the lower 48. Thanks for looking. Troy

Welcome...nice to meet another retiree.

Setting it up is not difficult, lifting the head is a two man job, unless you are young and robust...I have a CB4500 from Bob and my 16 year old son and I put it together without a problem. Sewing with it is another story...read all you can and watch as many videos as you can...and you will do fine.