Regis

Dink, You can sure use the Power Graver on lesather....if you plan on tooling. Of course it could buy you a 2 or 3 sides!

Only improvement I can offer is to re-name it to "largemouth bass" because it's a bass not a catfish.

Alex, or others, So how about giving us some tips on picking that 1 or 2 out of a stak of 10? For tooling I mean. Over the next couple months, I'll have a chance to be in some leather shops (particularly TLF's) and would like some characteristics to look for or avoid (other than damaged areas in bad places). Appreciate any advice, Regis

But Luke, I'm still working on improving tooling and using my sewing machines (accurately) :biggrin: I guess I need to get back up to Memphis with project in-hand. Regis

Giles, Let me add my welcome to you. That is a pretty neat combination of work. Is that design engraved in the metal or etched on? Would be interesting to see the same design tooled in the leather to match what is engraved in metal or wood. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Cecil, Welcome from another Floridian (8-9 hours northwest of you though). You'll find several members here from Florida (down your way). Looking forward to more of your work. Don't see much in white.

Welcome Masja and glad you found us and showed some of your work. That's what happens to hobbies sometimes.

I remember those tides on the North Sea. Water receeded beyond sight. I mean compleatly disappear out to sea. Where I was, near Husum Germany, the bottom was very muddy and somewhat diffult to walk because you would sink in to well above your ankles.

I did buy the Consew portable CP146R. It seems to work just fine "now"! Had some issues that I probably would not have had with the Sailrite. The machine was overall rough, even ran a little rought to begin with. The top cover wasn't quite fitted/assembled right so the bobbin winder would not work. Support is non-existant and book is near worthless. For someone newer like me, because of support, I should have gone with Sailrite rather than save a few $$'s ($350 in this case). http://www.specbrands.com/ has the best prices for a lot of machines if you are already very familiar with sewing machines but, no tech help at all. If it's your only machine or first one, I'd reccommend going somewhere that has good support rather than the big discount places. I've been trying to find out if Sailrites Monster Balance Wheel will work on this Consew clone but, haven't had any luck. Regis

Very nice clean looking design. I like it.

UPDATE - Well, got my Consew CP146R in this afternoon. The book is VERY sparce on threading and oiling but, otherwise the machine looks fine. I've run some test strips and it sews great. Controlling speed will be an issue for me as I really got comfortable with the servo on the Artisan. Practice practice practice. But, it's portable and I can tote with me when I visit family. Procrastination - complete :biggrin:

Glad you found us Phil. Great group of folk here sharing knowledge and our works. Looking forward to seeing some of your peices. Regis

Welcome Jordan. Looking forward to seeing some of your work.

I'm visiting my daughter in Memphis and learned that Luke lives here. We exchanged a few emails and this morning I had the privilege of visiting with Luke. As a leatherworker of a little over a year, I have never been in the shop of an experienced leatherworker. I was just amazed by the quality and diversity of Luke's work. I saw tools that I've only seen in pictures. I was so overwhelmed by what all Luke showed me, I could not even begin to muster questions (although they are coming to me now). Luke is a good guy with a wealth of experience and I have a new friend to visit occasionally and talk leather. Hopefully you experienced folk invite one of us newer leatherworkers to see your shop when opportunity presents. It is a treat and privilege. Luke also has an enviable collection of music (Johanna) Thanks Luke, Regis

Paul, Glad you joined us. I'm sure you are binging a wealth of experience and hope to see some of your work.

Lars, Glad you found leatherworker.net I particularly like the last picture where it looks like you textured the blade and leather the same.

Welcome Dave...from another Floridian. Nice work. Regis

Clay, What a great training tool you put together. The idea of teaching 2 techniques on one leaf is just wonderful. I like all of it. Thank you, Regis

In photographing jewelry some years ago I learned something that will sometimes help here. Set a pane of glass on top of 4 water glasses(in corners). Put your item on the glass pane. Then you can place different colors or scenes or just wrinkled fabric under the glass. It makes your item look like it is suspended in the air. I was using close-up photography and the background turned out blurred (nice effect). For smaller leahter items that may also work. I'll try to post example when I get back home (traveling right now). Regis

One more time Looks like this one is better.

I just drew this one up . If you want 1/4" to stitch or glue, you'll need to add that all around. The tissue pocket placement assumes it is open on the top (closest to flap). Hope this works You can try. I think I'll carve one up when I get back home.

Hello Clair, It is nice to have you join. This is a great place to learn. For beginner or experienced there are friends and help here for all leatherworkers.

Nice clean design Kevin. I like it.

Great idea,,,a "steak-out" for leatherworker.net in Ft Worth. Let's find the best steak there. I'll be ther Wed-Sat. Ya' know here in Pensacola, it's grouper or amberjack steaks!!! Soooo, I'm ready. Regis

I procrastinated and researched toooo long. Here is some interesting updated info. The Thompson PWZ-500 zigzag is discontinued and no one even answers the factory phone in Lubbock Texas. The Consew CP146R is out of stock everywhere and "estimated" availability is Oct 2nd That makes the much higher priced Sailrite LSZ more attractive...for now Regis p.s. If you are a dealer of one of the above (Thompson or Consew), contact me for an order