BDAZ

Based on the above and what I have seen on the web I would suggest that your cases should fetch $400-$500 to the right buyer. Cya! Bob

Sam, this quandary is not unique to leather products but any business making any product. I did 10 minutes research and it seems that the going retail price for a cue case is between $29 and $500. http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cases/index.html If I were in your position and was serious abut making cases, I would pick a case from the above makers that is similar to mine and cut the retail by 10% or so as an introduction. Then you need to become as efficient as possible so you can produce these cases at a price that will both sell and produce a profitable business. This my include investing in a sewing machine, punches, different construction methods, etc. If you want to simply work of costs, labor and a fixed markup, you may price yourself out of the market. I started making my cases, which are taking off like a rocket, I hand made a number of prototypes. I test marketed these prototypes and showed them to a lot of potential customers. I asked what they paid for the item they would be putting in the case, and what they would paid for this or have paid for a similar item. I then approached the local retail stores and asked what margin they would need on these hand made custom (the customer selects finish and can have his name stamped). I came in a few dollars cheaper than their expectations. Next I had to be able to produce these products' profitibaly and looked at all aspects of production, priced all my materials in bulk, eliminated as much hand work as possible using punches, a new sewing machine, air brush, and other templates. BAM! The orders are pouring in and I can produce multiple items in under 1/2 hour when it took me two or three each for the prototypes. The product looks great, works beautifully and sells itself. If things go really well, I'll rent production space, buy another machine and hire some folks to ratchet up production. If this is just a hobby, then by all means charge $500 or $1000 each and spend as much time as you need on each case, have fun and make each one a work of art. Cya! Bob

While my leather business is just getting off the ground, I have had at least half a dozen successful start ups and 1 successful public offering. I think one of the problems with selling your own leather products is that we tend to be too close to the product and there may be a tendency to be too "nice". I think you need to have a very clear return policy and make sure all your customers read it and either sign or click on an agreement button. Bottom line is "We screw up, we eat it, you screw up, you eat it". Knowing that going into the transaction will save a lot of grief after. If it is a very good customer and they make an honest mistake you could offer them a discount on a replacement. Eating customer mistakes is the short road to bankruptcy. Cya! Bob

Barge Cement is used for adhering leather and rubber soles,which have to be weather proof. That would be my choice. Easier to use than a two part, flexible and penetrating. Second roughing up the glass. Cya! Bob

Less than $10 from Tandy. It fits around the center shaft. and then you use a standard Craftool snap in rod. Even better than using the rod directly. Cya! Bob

Tandy has a new corner punch in their February flyer for $29. I just bought one as a time saver. Cya! Bob

The authentic skins use a pig bladder (Hope she's not Muslim) : You may want to look at the construction of a bag pipe bag, which is usually made air tight with sheep's lanolin. I have a prototype made in Ireland some years ago with the liner made from upholstery vinyl and sealed with silicone. Not sure that would be safe. If it were me, I'd probably buy a wine skin off the shelf and make a new cover. Cya! Bob

I simply use a thin fence made from a strip of hard wood and affixed to my slab with two spring clamps. I also use some of that woven rubber shelving under the slab to keep it from shifting on the press. I don't think one could generate enough pressure to do more than one letter at a time. Cya! Bob

i am sorry Bob, I would have to disagree. You have to get paid for yourtime, and hand stitching is a value added feature whether it is of actual\quantifiable value (Stronget lighter etc. ) or perceived value (nicer, more refined, special, unique). If for no other reason than to give your additional labor a value. I'll see your disagree and raise you one. I'm sorry but that makes no sense? The product is being hand stitched because the maker doesn't own an appropriate machine. If it was an item that required hand stitching or a product that would benefit from being offered to a market that appreicted and valued hand stitching, one could charge for the labor, however, I believe (I don't know for sure) that's not the case. Cary has essentially made a prototype and is the process of test marketing and needs to establish a price for his production model that will both sell and compensate him for his time and materials. With the amount of stitching, it is VERY unlikely he will be compensated more than a few bucks and hour. You could ask around and see if anyone offers a leather stitching service. Ask them what they would charge and there's your number and an option until a machine is justified. Another aspect is the value of the cue. If it is a $200 cue, a $100 case makes no sense, however if it is a $2000 cue, then a $200 case does. It's a rough figure but I have always found, with instruments , that the price of the case is +- 10% the value of the instrument. Cya! Bob

I was having the same issues not only with Alphabets but other 3D stamps. I sprung +-$40 for the Harbor Freight 1 ton arbor press and have never looked back. Not only is it much easier to line up the stamps, but the impression is nice and even..no dark or light corners. No more discarded work due to miss-aligned stamps. Cya! Bob

I make a similar item and I have made plugs from dowels slightly larger than the item, then after the item is stitched, I case the leather on the top and insert the dowels and allow the item to dry. It holds it's shape well without the hassles of a form and lengthy drying. As for costing the stitching, I really don't think one can charge any more than the cost of machine stitching, unless the hand stitching is a desirable feature and here, it's probably not. You need to price it based on what the case will readily sell for and then figure your miserable wage for hand stitching from there. Cya! Bob

I received mine a few weeks ago and I ordered mine with the same stand as the 4500, It cost a bit more but has a smaller foot print and easier to move around. It does a great job. Cya! Bob

Does anyone have a source for recycled tire treads pre cut for shoe soles. I have a request for one or two pairs of sandals and it's not woth the effort of cutting up a tire. If not, any really rugged sole material suiable for sandals or thongs. Thanks! Bob

Gaan Dit! I am from Joey's but last lived in CT and was a lecturer at Michaelis. I used to give workshops in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Also plyed with Brian Finch and the Blarney Brothers. I know live in Tucson, a bit like the Karoo, perfect for Biltong making! Good tip on the motor bike tyres.. Bob

Lekker Lekker like a Fire Cracker! Where are you Hennie? I am looking to make some Zulu style sandals but can't find sole material.. Totseins, Bob

Quite seriously if you want to send your products to Tucson, I'd be happy to put them out in our 75 degree sunny weather for a few days and send them back with a tan. Hey maybe it's a new service we Arizonans can offer...leather snow birds heh heh. Cya! Bob

Thanks for the info Jim Bob. Used to hang my hat in Star City off 221and played in Floyd. A River's Dirty! Bob

I purchased some thin 12" x15" plastic "cutting boards" from Wallmarts for +- $6. They cut easily with a scissors or a punch and will last. Cya! Bob

Thanks! Just got my press yesterday. I'll be getting out the grinder shortly! 73 W2PN

With all due respect TXAG, I did use the search box extensivly researching needs and sizes but did not search on CANU. Thanks Bob

Thanks Randy! Any idea what all the other numbers and CANU means? Cya! Bob

I received this pack of needles with my new Cow Boy 3200. The machine is excellent and after a 15 minute setup I was kicking butt and taking names. BUT I am confused about the numbers on the needles. I has asked for needls for both 207 and 138 threads ordered. Toledo lists the 160 needles as being suitable for both, but many other charts recommend 180 or higher for 207. I noticed today, Tandy sells only "roundpoint needles" I had thought they were designed for fabrics and leather needles had cutting points. Thanks! Bob

Well JD, I assume you are in the UK and not doing too much riding at the moment (It's 75F here and perfect for cycling). My concern is that it may be oild that leaked from the chain or hub when the bike was hung by the wheels. My main concern would be ruoining expensive cycling gear with an oil stain. If it were me, I'd attck it with methelated spirits on a rag and see if I couldn't blot away some of the oil. I'd rather have it moving away from the backside side than towards it. I woould also use a sealer on the backside side to try and prevent any seepage spoiling my expensive cycling shorts. I used to ride Brooks saddles years ago. Good Luck! Bob

Thanks! I was looking to make custom craftaid type transparant tapoff sheets from my art. The concept of using a cutter direct to leather is very interesting. The Mimakis are in our production facility in Europ so the coimmute woul dbe a killer! But I may see if one of the home units could be adapted. I'll check out Shapeways. Thanks!! Cya! Bob

Yes I do know the horned helmets were a myth but with all due respects, summer in France, at least away from the Med and summer in Arizona and Central California are not even in the same arena. Today it is 25C. I have been in FITA (144 arrows 90M, 70M, 50M and 30M) competitions where the temperature was well over 43C. I appreciated a very thin and well ventilated guard. I used one like this: Cya! Bob