David Bruce

Thanks to all of you folks for being so kind. I'm really new to this art and enjoy it immensely.

I enjoyed making two flasks the other day. Here's the fishy one.

It's been awhile since I attempted a Sheridan Style project. Thought I'd take a stab at some flasks. My decorative cuts definitely need some work but overall, I'm happy with how it turned out.

Art, Thanks for the video but I actually have one of these cheapo arbor presses from Harbor Freight that I use for stamping (I prefer not to buy Chinese products but needed the press immediately). I also wanted a dedicated Rivet Press that I didn't have to modify. Silverwingit, I know the press that you are referring to however this is a completely different thing. This is an Italian-made twist press sold by Campbell Randall in Texas. They offer a wide range of dies for this including standard sizes which is what I ordered along with the Keystone Skiver/Splitter that they make. I think you are talking about the cheap green Chinese or Goldstar presses (which I have read on this forum from owners accept standard snaps, etc...just fine).

Art, I looked at the Little Wonder before I came across this twist press. I know Weaver makes quality tools but I just can't justify the price for one let alone the extra attatchments. I can get this twist press with all of the attachments that I need for less than the Little Wonder press alone. I try and buy American when I can but this time I'll have to give my money to a Texas company for an Italian product. I was hoping that someone who has one of these would chime in.

I'm not too worried about the leather reacting with the metal since projects will either hang from a hook or be elevated when in the booth. Thanks for the suggestions though.

I am looking for a quality press to punch holes, set rivets and snaps. I came across these italian twist presses at Campbell-Randall and think that the small one might fit the bill. Anyone used these? If so, what do you think of them? Here's a link to their brochure it's the #2 TWP model: http://www.campbell-randall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Fastening_Machines.pdf Fastening_Machines.pdf

Thanks for the tip. I never thought about the leather reacting to the metal. One of the reasons that I want a tall booth like this is so that I can hang longer items and avoid the backsides from getting unwanted dye on them. For smaller items I'm thinking about some kind of lazy susan. My neighbor built the outer box already for me now I just need to fabricate a plenum/filter bracket and connect/wire the thing.

I've been applying my dyes and finishes with an airbrush and want to build a steel booth. My current set up is a homemade spray booth made out of foam core and a furnace filter that I put against a window with a fan. I'd like to build a steel booth that is about 40 or so inches tall by 20-26 inches wide so that I can hang belts and straps for spraying. Has anyone made something like this? I've got a 542 cfm squirrel cage fan that I was going to use for it but am not sure if this will pull enough air. A neighbor of mine does HVAC work and is going to help me fabricate the booth out of galvanized sheet metal. I've found several types of booths online but nothing that is tall and thin like this and definitely not used for leatherwork. This photo is the closest thing that I have found but much too wide for my small space. I spray indoors in the north all year around so this thing needs to vent properly. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Not sure what kind of clip you are looking for but I have sourced US made steel clips from www.theclip.com in Florida. They specialize in holster clips so the stuff is quite sturdy.

The punch from Weaver is exactly what I needed. It's cast vs. welded and very sharp. It is twice the price but it seems like the only option unless you can find older tools.

I was also using a mallet and with a cutting board. Springfield sent me a replacement but upon close inspection I could already see slight cracks where the welds had been grinded/polished. I decided to return it. Now I'm waiting for one of Weavers Master Punches to arrive.

I just received a 1"151 Osborne oblong/crew/slot punch in the mail today. I used it for maybe 5 minutes and was punching some slots in 9oz Veg Tan and noticed that it had cracked on both sides where the welds are. Has anyone had this problem with new Osborne tools? I bought it from Springfield and am going to see if there is a warranty on it. It looks like I will have to buy the older tools from now on.

I really like it and so does my wife! Where did you get the buckle from?

Very nice! Love the paint job!

The guys at chicago airbrush talked me into a paasche talon. This is my first airbrush so I can't compare it to others but I'm really happy with it.

Nice work! I'm a fan of the trucker/japanese wallets.

Cool Pieta. Are you still working on it?

Beautiful work!

It's airbrushed Fiebings light blue reduced on calf skin that was lightened with oxalic acid.

Finally got around to making a wallet for myself and thought I'd share it. Besides thread being to chunky I'm pretty happy with it. Let me know what you think.

Feel free to use whatever metal you prefer I was just offering you a suggestion and asking why you wanted to use a torch. I've never heard of someone using one with leather but I'm new at this. I would worry that I would burn or brand the leather vs. stamp it. I went with magnesium over brass or steel due to cost. It doesn't take long to heat with a heat gun and does the job. Post what you end up doing.

Why do you need to use a torch? I am going to use my magnesium stamps for hot stamping but with a heat gun. This is hot enough to stamp finished leathers and you can still use them to stamp cased leather. You would not want to use a torch or anything too hot with magnesium since it is dangerous. Look up Ian Atkinson's youtube video on hot stamps.

I just got 4 magnesium stamps from Wayne over at Illinois Engraving. His pricing was great and I had the stamps in my hand 3 days after sending in my art work. Here's a shot I took of one of the stamps right after I got it. I just wet the leather and stamped it with my arbor press (I still need to mount the die to a piece of wood so that the impression is uniform). These will be great for hot stamping.

The inside is veg tan calf skin. I sand the edges, bevel, wet and burnish with saddle soap and a piece of denim, dye and coat with tan kote. Eventually, I plan on getting a drill press and burnishing attachment.