RoyalLeatherDesigns

A needle and awl machine like the Campbell is not much harder to operate than a 441 either machine has a learning curve but nothing you can't handle. You can find these machines used for 2000-3500 dollars and like I said these machines were made to sew leather the 441 was modified to sew leather and haven't been around too long to see how will they withstand heavy use. I am sure they'll do fine but the stitch quality is not as great as a needle and awl. It all comes down with what you can afford and if you want a more versatile machine were you can sew different kinds of materials look into a clone if all you are going to sew is leather think about a Campbell either way you'll be happy with your purchase. Look at other options just because everyone has the clones doesn't mean they are great they are affordable but not great. Go with what your wallet can afford and try both machines before you buy one see if there's a member that lives near you and ask him if you can sew with his machine offer him 20 bucks try out each machine and believe me you'll notice the difference between both machines always buy from dealer. Those 20 dollars will give you the best payback for your dollar there is nothing more depressing than buying a sewing machine you don't like its a big purchase and one that you are going to have to live with for a while. Good Luck! Ralph

Randy, No luck with saddle making school yet, I have done plenty of holsters and belt but no saddles yet. Yeah I went through a lot when I got shot I am much better now, I picked up leather working to ease my mind of the stress that situation made. Well if you need any help PM me. Good luck! Ralph

Yes please send them to me via email. Also please let me know the price of the Chandler also who made the your stamping tools are they Crafttools or ? How many do you have and what would you sell them for on their stand. Thanks! Ralph

Randy, Welcome to the forum. You will find very friendly folks who don't mind sharing their knowledge which is priceless. I have been researching and learning about old needle and awl machines for a little while now so if you have any questions regarding these machines let me know I might be able to help you. Singermania (Steve) knows all about old machinery like needle and awl machines, Singers of course and many other machines, Tor and Wiz are the go to guys for info on leather machines they are very helpful. For tooling I see hidepounder produces excellent work so if you have any questions regarding tooling he's your best bet. I n general everyone is willing to share their tricks and tips which is very helpful to new members like myself that are learning the trade, use the search tool it is very helpful and post when you can't find an answer to what you are looking for. Have fun! Ralph

Have you tried neats foot oil or wyo sheen I think this is the look you are going after I might be wrong also you can find thick leather at Brettuns Village Leather Craft Supplies I have seen them as thick as 16oz maybe more if you are working with small pieces they sell 10 pounds of thick veg tan for 60 dollars give them a try I am sure you won't be disappointed. Good luck! Ralph

Steve, Did you case your leather. I don't know if you did or didn't but you get better impressions when you do. If you didn't try doing it and you'd be amazed. Yesterday I did some tooling myself and had my leather casing for two days I get the leather really wet then stuff it in a drawer and wait for it to dry some like half a day, the leather is still cold and barely getting its color back but still to wet to tool. I then stuff it in a wooden box lined with galvanized metal and leave it the for days. When I started tooling on the leather every impression I made was outstanding this might not be the correct way of doing it but it certainly works for me. I read somewhere that people used to make this wood boxes and lined them with galvanized metal to case their leather so I did it and it works perfectly. I used to put the leather on ice chests and ziplock bags but I did not get the results as I do now you should try it. It takes some time to get the timing correctly but you'll get it. I forgot a piece of leather on the box for days and it was still prefect for tooling it seems the longer you leave it in there without it drying the better tooling results you'll get. Good Luck! Ralph

Looks really good I like how the background of your tooling is much darker it makes your work really stand out did you sew by hand or with a machine can't really see the sewing picture too small. Would you mind posting closer pics. Thank you! Ralph

Will do Black Dogg, Campbell Randall does have the manual for the Campbell Lockstitch but its about 30 dollars well worth it since you get it binded, but we are trying to get then here from other members, if we don't get a response from other members in a few days I will go ahead and purchase the manual and make it so other members can have it as well. That's why I sent Johana a PM asking her if we can have an owners manual archive here on the forum but no response yet. It's only been a couple of days so she might be busy I will contact her again in a few days. Anyone else out there with Landis, Champion, National, Bauer, Campbell, manuals. We will really appreciate it. I know I don't own all these machines but I like to read and learn about them and if the design of one peaks my interest I hunt it down and purchase it. God Bless! Ralph

What's the price on the Singer and American Leather splitter? GOD BlESS! Ralph

DS STRAPS, You can contact Singermania also known as Steve he's a great guy and collects these machines if anyone has this manual he will. I am pretty sure if he has it he will gladly make you a copy. If you need them now you can always try Proleptic.con they do charge so try finding them here first. Good Luck! Ralph

Best place to get these is Barry King he has different selections as to weight single or double, tapered or straight. Give him a try you won't be disappointed he is top quality and a lot of members here use his tool. God Luck! Ralph

Good Luck! If you need an owners manual you can find it on this forum that machine is very common and similar to the 145. Ralph

This looks like a sole patcher or a inside sole patcher after the McKay style not sure but this is what I think you can contact shoesystemsplus.com and give the a model number see what they can tell you about it if anyone cam help you I think it be them. Good Luck! Ralph

Steve, I think a universal rein rounder attachment can be completed most people will use them on a Campbell Lockstitch, Campbell Cyclone they use the same one, Pearson 6, Landis 3 which is almost the same as the Campbell, Randall which is the same as Campbell, Landis 1 similar to the Pearson 6, Landis 16 and Union Lockstitch similar I think, if you get enough of these attachments I think you can come up with something I am going to order one for the Campbell on Friday so ill take detailed pics when I receive it for you to view. Ralph

Steve, I sent you a brochure I received from Campbell there it has pictures of different attachments including a rein rounder illustration. Also I ordered the Randall manual from the website I had shared with you earlier so I'm expecting it in the mail it also looks like a very good copy of the original it has the patina yellow looking color. I will share it with you once I receive it I emailed Ron for the Landis manuals so I will let you know when I talk to him. It be nice if this thread drops in a few more relic manuals..... God Bless! Ralph

I think it turned out excellent. Sewing looks remarkable but then again your work is always this nice so not surprised. Take care! Ralph

Marko, It's a tough choice a lot of folks have a 441 clone on here and they seem to be liking it very well, other folks like the needle and awl machines which were made to sew leather and have been around for 100+ years. But a new Campbell which is a needle and awl machine will cost you almost 7k but it is well worth it. The stitch that this machine can produce is very tight and consistent every time. The 441 will produce a good looking stitch as well but not as consistent as the needle and awl machine. I think these machines greater difference is consistency thorughout the work. In the other hand the 441 clone will cost you 2695 and its a more versatile machine that can sew other materials as well, so that's why a lot of people buy them don't waste your time with the Consew eventually once you start sewing leather you will want to sew thicker material and you are going to wish you hadn't of bought it. If you have the money go with the Campbell be papered to spend what it's worth or find a used one for half of that, if you want to compromise consistency purchase a clone good machine overall not excellent like the Campbell I think. Please consider this is my personal opinion hear what others have to say before you make a purchase this big look at all your options and only buy from a reputable dealer unless your a sewing machine mechanic. God Bless! Ralph

Steve, You are a great man preserving these old machines. I believe they hold their place in American History and contributed to the success of this country. I do the little I can to do the same it be nice if everyone would help you get these manuals since you show these machines for pleasure. Thanks Black Dogg for sharing that link with us if we all pitched in a manual this forum would become priceless! Ralph

Seller wants 4k Location near San Francisco.......

If you are looking for their history info you will find it here http://www.wkfinetools.com/hUS-Files/amerSwissCo/history/amSwissHistoryRev-01.asp Ralph

Steve, Great item, they are hard to find I will definitely be getting one if I get the Pearson they are selling here on this Forum. Thank you! Ralph

Interested PM sent

Some people use Glycerin soap and a glass slicker they seem to do this method more than others. The point is to apply a paste conditioner or soap to that side and use something strong and flat to push those fibers together. People use bones, glass, or metal slickers I would use glass. Try it out and post pics to see the outcome. Good luck! Ralph

Reds, There has been more than a few that sell on this forum used so check on the forum where people advertise their stuff on I am sure you will find one the going rate for one is 2000-2200 but id say 2k. Deadeye just sold his the other day for 2k and he had it on here for months. I know not all people can afford or even buy new I wouldn't so check it out I know there's one there for sale now the only thing that kind of kills these deals is shipping you end up paying 300-400 dollars for shipping maybe more maybe less the only way to come out winning with a used machine is if you pick it up yourself then you get a really good deal you end up saving 700-800 dollars. If you need to have it shipped then let's say you bought the machine used for 2200 and you pay 350 for shipping which I am being conservative on the shipping you are at about 2550 for 2695 you can get a machine from Steve delivered and you get a new machine plus the feeling of buying new and the best customer service in the world but then if you know machines you might not need his help. Look and think about your needs and make an educated decision now that I have told you the truth about buying used machinery. I buy rare and hard to find machines or at least been doing so lately and shipping kills my deals that's why I have to bargain on the price a little to compensate for shipping you also need to ask the seller if he is willing to ship and crate the machine for you most fellows don't mind doing so but then I know some that won't. I know Deadeye was not willing to ship I think it was just to big of a hassle for him and I respect that. So do your research I don't know why the previous post said that you wouldn't find one used maybe she doesn't look at the for sale section or something else I don't know don't care but I am giving you my info on this as I have experienced the amount of work that goes into buying a used machine. Also secure your payment and make sure you don't get scammed I am almost 100% sure that it would not happen from a member of this forum this is more like if you are buying eBay which I do not recommend or Craigslist, if you see one on Craigslist and its driving away distance from you pick it up they are hard to find that close. Best of luck God Bless! Ralph

I have not been to their shop but I know they have a showroom and he will let you test out his machines. The only thing would be to call him to see when he's around best thing would be to get a tour of the place from him. He's a really nice guy and will take his time to show you his machines and answer all your questions so give him a call. Best regards, Ralph