JREESER1

I would like to welcome Ohio Travel Bag to our banner advertisers. Go to folks that carry most everything in leather findings I have ever needed or wanted. Good people!

I've been jinxed! Not a nick since I had a stem cell transplant 2 years ago; I read this post and took off the end of my bird finger, while cutting out a pattern, this AM. Shows to go ya! Never finger(sic), your out of the woods. jr

I have bought their polyester in 138, 207 and 277, mostly because they had the exact color I wanted. I am pleasantly surprised with the product and the great service and the fact I saved $2.00 on each one pound spool. I will definitely, buy from them again. jr

Slow down! Think about the next step. It is much faster than correcting a hasty error. jr

I'm having issues with keeping my tools sharp! Stropping is all I've been doing for 3 days. jr

You are very welcome Leather Legion. I still have about 1100 square feet left. I'm thinking of hand stitching a mile long 2" belt. jr

I bought a shoulder of this stuff to carve and wet form a great big bag! It was less than Herman Oak by $1.00/ft. My grandson thinks I should remember when they roamed our neighborhood. jr

Being in California, get a hold of Steve at Leather Machine Co. They are in Ontario Ca.. See the advertising banner at the top of the forum pages. I can attest to his service and reputation. He will steer you into the machine that will work the best for your needs. And he will be there if any question or need arises. jr

ohiotravelbag.com I have used them several times. Always prompt, have a multitude of hardware and I always find stuff I didn't even know I needed! Their on-line catalog can be a little daunting, but like I said you can peruse thousands of neat possibilities, for hours. jr

I found some, very similar on the bottom of page 184, of the P214 Ohio Travel Bag Catalog. They show several types and call them "Chain-Bar Ends". Getting into the Ohio Bag Catalog can be a little daunting. Just got to ohiotravelbag.com homepage and look for View Catalog, then go to page 184. jr

I have only had any luck at all with the Fiebring USMC Black by dip-dying. I put enough dye in a plastic storage container of the appropriate size to coat the piece as I dredge it like putting egg batter on a drum stick. Let it dry thoroughly, at least 24 hours, then buff it like crazy at least 3 times. Then put the finish you wish and buff some more. Mine have turned out very well with no rub off. jr

Polyester is more or less sun proof. I've had issues with nylon deteriorating that I used on a Harley tank bib. The bike is parked out in the sun much of the time. I replaced the stiches with poly and after a year they are still like new. I found the price is near the same and depending on the tread size, most colors are available for the poly. jr

My wife once threw out all those little bent wires that were stored in a myriad of old prescription bottles. Of course I blew up, when I found out why, I could not find any of my hex (Allen) wrenches. 45 years later I still get a kick out of asking her if any tool I can't find is with all those bent wires. It might be useful for you to become a wounded victim, a martyr, and use the faux pas as a bargaining chip or for sympathy when you need it at some future date, and you will need to. I would re-sharpen the tool , but leave it looking abused and make sure everyone can see how you are relegated to using abused, misused tools through no fault of your own. Just don't take it too far and smile. Works for me. jr

Welcome back Tom!!!!!!!!! Glad to see your replies and wit are still with us. jr

Memorize the videos, both Cobra Steve's and the two Cobra 4 videos from Al Bane on you-tube. Practice, practice, practice.Tension, tension, tension.......Get used to getting the knot centered in the middle of the piece. Look for wads or bird nests on the reverse side of the stich. This means making certain you have threaded the machine and bobbin correctly. When you practice go from thin, to thick, then back to thin, making sure the top thread loop is centered. Every time you get ready to sew an item, do practice seams on a piece of the same thickness and layers before you actually start to stich the project. GO SLOW, at first. I have never had the confidence to start sewing at any medium or fast setting of the servo. You will get the hang of beginning the process the same way every session. Be sure to get a variety of polyester threads, from 138, 207 to 277, and needles from 21, 23 to 25. Keep the machine well lubed, but not saturated. Listen for any change in sounds or any binding, it will not heal itself or get better. Finally hold onto the top and bobbin threads for at least the first 2 or 3 stiches. This will insure your top thread is centered at the very beginning of your seam. You will continually run into new issues and problems that will end when you get into a routine and comfortable the more you use your machine. The more you use your creativity, and practice, the more you will impress yourself. Continue to use these forums for answers to any issues, or problems and to brag about how much you have learned and improved. jr

Come back soon! I miss you! Sent a PM. jr

Congratulations on your decision to deal with Cobra Steve. I have had my Cobra 4P since last April. I can not express how much I have enjoyed the wonderful machine, the superb service and my relationship with Cobra Steve and his entire staff. From my very first conversation with Steve through delivery, set up and ordering more bobbins and needles I have never felt hurried or had any question too silly to answer completely and in understandable language. I think Steve and his crew have encountered every conceivable issue and problem you will ever see. Even ones that are your fault or you cause. They will answer quickly and never make you feel inadequate for asking or seeking advise. If I seem overly enthusiastic about Leather Machine Company it is because I am, without any reservation! I will deal with them again and recommend Steve to anyone that wants or needs a great leather sewing system, with superb service and who cares about generating genuine customer relations. jr

Thanks CR for letting me know. I will check the website. jr

I have checked for months, Randall-Campbell are out of stock on all Schmetz 794 system leather point needles. The "Out of Stock" appears at checkout. Just FYI. jr

Mr. Beans, you are a legend. Thank you for everything you have brought to our craft/art/passion. Just knowing you take the time to read and add is very inspiring. Thanks jr

I had a ton of trouble with all snaps, from Line 24s to glove snaps, until I stopped tapping them aggressively hard. Lighter taps are the secret,. Watch the curl of the hollow stem and make sure it mushrooms evenly. If you drive them too aggressively they will bend and deform. Try light blows, if you already haven't. It has worked for me. jr

Hug her for nothing in particular, and remember her commitment to you is probably your greatest asset. I will wager you love each other more than you love yourselves. I too am so very blessed to have someone who adores me. Cherish every second you get to share with her! Seems to me you both found keepers. jr

Ray, your are a treasure! You evoke kindness and good memories. I have a pension for elk ivory. Love the stuff! I have found some great pieces at a local gun show and in Jackson Wyoming when it was easier for us to get there. jr

+2. And also the great advisors, mentors and good idea givers! jr

I have been able to sew 6oz chrome and veg tan with #138 thread and #23 (794) needle. Be sure to re adjust the presser foot tension with the banana bar (move bolt all the way up) on the rear of the machine.