Regis

Last year I purchased a lot with ostrich, alligator, and kangaroo. The ostrich & gator were pretty obvious and I just took the guy's word for the kangaroo and I sure like it for accents and more. Can't seem to find any kangaroo except lace. I sure would like to find a place to buy some hides. This is 1.5 - 2.0 oz and feels very sturdy. If you can confirm this is kangaroo and know where I can get some, I'd appreciate it. Here is a photo of what I have. Thanks, Regis

H A P P Y Independence Day. Enjoy them hotdogs & fireworks. There'll be some BarBque at our house too. And now, if could only remind "them" of taxation without representation!

I'm saving for a Cobra Class 18 BUT, there is a CONSEW CN-2230R for sale just down the road that is in mint condition. It comes with table and motor but I would have to replace motor with a servo because I need slow speed. This machine ($400) is in my budget now. I've seen positive words here about Consew 223 & 225 but, I don't know how 2230R fits into that line. Anyone have experience with this machine? Any info appreciated. Regis

Looks like Lowes (not homedepot) carries some Bostik adhesives but, I can not relate the numbers they sent you. And 2gal is minimum that I see online.

Just found out that the binder attachment from Sailrite SailRites-Binders works great with leather. If you have one of the clones, e.g. Consew, Yamaha, Sailrite LSZ, Rex, etc with the accessoriy screws on top, this is a really helpfull attachment. You still have to cut the leather straight, I have the 1 inch version and leather up to 1.75 oz feeds fine. A little stiffness seems to help go through smootner but, I did just feed some with a very soft feel. It appears to only be useful up to about 8-10oz total thickness so 2 layers of chap and binder max it out. Regis

I don't have a stitching pony (could occasionally use one) so your post got my interest. The one in the link looks like it would have very little leverage to grip the leather. Maybe a stitching horse user might chime in and say if a lot of grip is needed. If you need a lot of gripping power then you'd have to modify the plans anyways. If so, you might as well draw your own design along those lines.

I have the Consew which looks identical to this Rex and Sailrite's Monster wheel makes all the difference in the world. From only sews garmet to plenty thick enough for belts and more. Biggest weakness I know is thread size. If you go up to 138 that bobbin emptys really fast. Regis

I can tell you that the Roberts 7200 is not good. Long time to dry and then not good hold on any of the leathers I tried (veg, garmet, or chap). Plus it dries tan/yellow. Regis

Well Ed, I'm back from Home Depot. After reading all the labels and talking to 2 folks that had no clue about glue (except mabe sniffing) I came home with a different one all together. I bought the Roberts 7200 as it included rubber as one suitable surface it would hold. The 3300 says felt, cork, carpet, wood. The 2057 says specifically for carpet to plywood (and nothing else). I just glued 3 different kinds of leather together with the 7200 and will post results. Regis

Ryan, Thanks a lot for clearing that up. ' just couldn't see the problem and now I understand. Regis

What makes this need such a heavy duty machine? Looks like Artisan 618 class or I'm sure you have very similar size or the Cobra class 17 or 18 should easily do that thickness of leather. Or, am I missing something? Or, does it simply need a cylinder arm? Regis

Ed, Your link goes to the p/n 3300-1 but, the p/n 2057-1 says it dries clear. The 3300 does not say one way or the other. Both of these also come in quart size so we can try them out for less than 4 bucks each. I'll be in homedepot today and will pick them up (if in stock). Regis

I very much agree. Additionally, bringing any competitive marketing into this forum would interfere with the freedom of collaboration that we currently enjoy. Enthusiastic learning & sharing plus building worldwide friendships raises this site above any selling venue. Thank you for keeping us ontrack. Regis

I agree with most of the above except gluing the stone in. Use a setting suitable for the cab attached to the deer hide. I've seen setting with tabs to go through leather/fabric (certainly in brass or nickle but, not sure about sterling). Then glue & sew the deer to the leather base. Is this a hair-on deer skin? If so, you will have trim the hair around the setting, perhaps tapering toward the stone. Regis

Make yourself a jig (wood, metal, or whatever you can work with) with a snug fit for leather thickness. Use a common razer blade that is easily replaced and push/pull leather through. Put blade close to exit point.

I got a few of the brass handbag frames that Seigle had in their sale paper. I "thought" they would have some kind of gripper teeth. But, each side is just a smooth channel for the leather. Would someone tell me how the leather is pressed in? e.g. Squeeze lowrer edges together on leather? Or, just flatten from one side (inside or outside?)? Does glue (barges) help any? Any tips appreciated. Regis

I told the Germany and was wrong! Ordered some of the metalic they have on sale. Regis

Well, some of us even in the city have a really interesting view on occasion. Land was cleared for a new shopping center a few blocks from my house and there happens to be a vacant wooded lot next to me (1/3 acre). This is just in front of my bird bath! Mother was out of sight on this pic.

Ed, I like both bags you posted. Our job is to improve on the weakness that others pointed out because there is nothing we can do about the name recognition (at least 30%-50% of price). I finished a tote this week from Bruce Johnson's book (that he posted here). It was great for sizing but, I changed the handles and closure (used one from Snap here on LW.net). Should have posted pic. Doing another for a local interior designer and actually going through a prototype cycle. I seem to have to do a little carving accent "somewhere" on a bag or I just don't feel right. One problem I'm running into is the weight of bags. Women think they are tooo heavy using chap and sturdy straps & hardware. Guess I have to find stronger women[lol. Regis

Lexan is good because it doesn't scratch easily. I think regular polycarbonates scratch easilt. Any plastics distributor like Cadilac Plastics will have it. If you don't think it needs to be that tough, you can get paper protector in office supply store like Office depot.

Tim, I have a nephew who is longtime mechanic and is moving to Snap-on tool distributor. He says you really have to know what you are talking about with mechanics so it is much better if you are a very experienced mechanic. Regis

Let me add a WOW, outstanding. I like it all the way around. Ton of work there. Enjoy it! Regis

What is the difference between suede and a split? Or, are they the same? If different, would you clarify what they are? Thanks, Regis

Kathy, Just AWESOME! Thank you, Regis

Kathy, That is just beautiful. Especially from here (sweltering at 95+degrees & 95%+ humidity) near the beach. I did some hiking on Mount Evens in fall of 1962. Loved it then and probably would today. Better watch them elk or one day you might see a Yalk Thank you for the pictures and please post some when it is beautifully white too. Love the snow (as long as I don't have to dodge traffic) Regis