Rayban

I learned (the hard way) that if leather hasn't been properly tanned is can cause skipping stitches. There may be some real hard spots inside the leather, like actual raw hide that won't let the needle pick up the loop..... I was getting leather from ABC Co. (when I was in a bind) which they get from S America and had this problem regularly...I decided, no mas...I'm staying with my tanned in USA company and haven't had this problem since...knock on keyboard.

Robert, do you use their leather? I see it's imported too.

Please let us know how you do find "bullhide"...some say it's a myth. I've asked a promanant belt maker where he gets his bullhide from and he wouldn't tell me...I suspect it's stiff stuff that comes from South America which I have had a lot of trouble with their poor tanning process.

Just came across this one...beautiful work. I've been studying Al Stohlman's "The Art of Making Leather Cases" Vol. 3.....he has step by step, very detailed instructions on how to make one. Looks like quite a project.

.....and since I'm not gonna be mass producing stuff, 6 ton will be plenty for punching out as needed small pieces, like I have in mind.

Looks like you used some pretty thin leather.....I believe the looks could be improved just by using 6,7, or 8oz.

If I could ever achieve that level I would be very happy....you done good.

Very cool, beautiful work.

I know just the guy....look forward to hearing/seeing how it goes with your press.

So this one should do me for small pieces such as key fobs, etc.? http://www.harborfre...press-1666.html I wouldn't be running it all day long, just on a "as needed" basis......it's a real pain for me to cut these things out by hand.

I agree totally with this....with the internet these days, if you feel you're getting ripped off by Tandy, it's your fault, not theirs.

Here's the edge guide on my CB 3500.

You can be pretty busy with those because the sheath that comes with them are pretty "economically made" I just spent some time on your web site, you do mighty fine work.

Here's the ones ZW has...if you're interested I'll trade you one for a beer.

I believe that to make a sheath that properly fits the knife is an art form in itself with the knife...to not have the knife on hand, you may as well use a butter knife...and the customer has to appreciate this and pay for shipping both ways. I've been through this several times and most times the customer will understand and agree....to the others I say "sorry, I can't help"

Cowboy Bob liked the stand too, he said he'd never seen one quite like that. It came from Texas where my brother is a tailor. He thought he would use it on leather clothing but never did, so it sat around idle for a few years. And since I have no idea what the original stand and treadle look like......that's all I got. See. it's already been a good conversation piece.

I just found out It will take more $$ than I'm willing to pay to get it working right...I really don't NEED it for the kind of work I do anyway..... But it will look very cool sitting in my shop....gathering leather dust....

Yep...find the dealer closest to you.

Don't know about the Techsew, but the difference tween the Cobra and Cowboy is that one is brown, and the other is grey.

I was having the same problem and determined (with the help of a mentor friend of mine) it was the cheap leather I was trying to stitch on.....if leather isn't tanned properly, there can be patches of rawhide in that leather....and of course, it's hard as a rock. The needle hits it, and breaks, or can't pass through it to pick up the bobbin thread, thus a skipped thread. This may not be your problem, but it was mine....I've learned to be patient and wait on my W&C leather to come in, and I haven't had that problem since...knock on keyboard.

When you use white stitching, you pretty much have to final finish the belt first , then stitch. Looks like your white stitching got a bit contaminated with dye and appears "dirty"......this is one of those I learned the hard way too.

Try a sewing machine?

It's a good machine to have in the shop for lighter leathers....I came across one and had Toledo Bob set it up for me to run 92 thread and #20 needle and it's going great.

I agree with Ferg..I'm a Cowboy fan myself but mainly because the dealer is in my hometown.....but you cannot go wrong with the Cobra.

...or maybe read post #2 of this thread.