garypl

Look forward to seeing it! I was just getting ready to start a new shell box holder and I’d like to incorporate a strap that folds down - I’ll post pics when I am finished. Gary

I have a problem with a Consew 206RB-4 reverse stitch length and I hope someone can give me some tips. The reverse stitch length is @1/2 the length of the forward stitch length. I followed this video trying to adjust the reverse stitch length starting around 1:26 in the video. Problem is that the Feed Regulator Rod (item 35 in parts list under Feed Regulator section) will not move. I loosen the Pinch Screw (item 2) but cannot get any movement in the Rod. I sprayed the assembly with penetrating oil in case the whole assembly was frozen, but no help. Has anyone else had a problem with this adjustment? For now I have just been turning the workpiece around to back stitch, but sure would be nice to be able to reverse backstitch. Here is a picture of the screw and rod, looking down from the oil reservoir on the top of the head. Thanks for the help! Gary

Seems easy enough to open and close, but what I was saying was that the strap hangs off to the side @5” when you are using the pouch. Just thinking it would look neater when in use if the strap just pivoted down to the front when shell box is being accessed. Still a very nice design! Gary

Nice job Max! I like the keeper strap to keep shells from falling out if you lean over, but looks a little clunky when the strap is open and sticking up in the air. I wonder if a strap that swivels up and down (like the handle of a bucket goes up and down) would make it easier to open and close? Gary

Sounds like a good idea here - can you cap them when you are finished so they don’t leak or are they one time use and throw away? Gary

Try buying some acrylic paint and practice on some scrap - you may be pleasantly surprised at the results! Gary

I just bought a side of bridle leather from W&C and it stamps and burnishes just fine! Gary

Thanks Gene! I have to make a few more samples to leave at the growler shop, but hope that they are well received. Gary

Thanks HS! Coozies are the foam can holders - the growler is the actual 32 or 64 oz bottle. There are dedicated growler stores that have 30-40 craft beers on tap. You can sample beers and then have them fill up your growler to take home! Kind of like what my dad did back in the late 1920’s - my grandfather would send him to the corner tavern in Chicago to bring home a bucket of beer! You hit the nail on the head Noob - the growlers are a pain to carry by one finger when they are full!

Thanks Kiwi! They are pretty easy to make and they make great gifts. Once I am satisfied with the quality and assembly sequence, I am going to make a few and ask the local growler shop to display them for sale. Gary

It’s very easy to apply a clean coat of edge paint. Here are some examples of test pieces I did recently - no paint dripping down the surface of the leather. Use good acrylic paint, sand between coats and take your time. I have an eyeglass case I have been using daily for over a year, in and out of my back pocket, and I see no appreciable wear on the edge paint. Gary

Thanks! I bought the stamp from Etsy number ES16 - $15. Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/531376369/tools-for-leather-crafts-east-series?ref=shop_home_active_4 He has many cool stamp patterns, prices are reasonable and delivery pretty fast. I would definitely buy from him again. Gary

I use sewing machine oil - doesn’t stain the leather. Gary

Finally made a beer growler caddy for myself. I keep practicing and tweaking the construction to make it easier to assemble. This is for a 32 oz growler, so next will be a caddy for a 64 oz growler. Made from 4-5 oz veg tan. Gary

Contact Bob at Toledo Sewing - banner ad at the top of these pages. He will fix you up with a motor and speed reducer. Gary

I have used alcohol to wet form small projects and it does work, but feels like it dries out the leather much more. I see no real advantage to using alcohol over water. Just oil the gun well, wrap in plastic wrap and form the holster. I have never had a gun rust doing it this way. You can speed it along by hitting it with a hair dryer or heat gun. Gary

Welcome April - I look forward to seeing more of your delightful creations! Gary

HS - very nice toad holders - I like them a lot! Did you use a lining leather behind the toad skin? They look pretty thick and I thought toad had thin skin. Gary

Welcome Gabrie! Always best to test on scrap leather before committing to your project, but sounds like this is not the case here. I would roughen any surface where you plan to edge paint. I like to use the Giardini base coat, but it is not required. The number of coats is a personal preference depending on the type of leather and condition. Sometimes I only use two coats and other times up to 4. I stop when I like how it looks. I initially sand with 100 grit, then finish with 400 grit wet-dry paper. You might want to check with Giardini about specials. I just bought their “Summer Special” that included 250ml bottles of base coat, dye, leather conditioner, gloss finish, and a couple of other products that I can’t recall right now. The small bottles go a long way unless you are in production mode. Have fun! Gary

I can believe it, but hardly seems worth it. If pay rate is $20/hr, that’s a $1400 rope! Sure looks nice though. Gary

Wow! That was an interesting video! Wonder how many man hours go into making one of these? Gary

Very nice! I kind of miss the old “boats” from the 60’s - they sure did ride smoothly. I drove a 63 Chrysler Newport from Chicago to San Diego in 1969 - it was a great trip! Gary

You are a fast learner! Gives me hope that I can still improve - I’d be happy if I could do a carving like this a tenth as well as you!

Beautiful workmanship! You have to be an artist to create a figure like that on the front. Well beyond my capabilities! Gary

Ross, that was my concern as the upholstery leather is very soft and supple. I have 3 large pieces, so I will try it and post results (unless it is a complete disaster, which I will also report!) Gary