MikeG

Art, thanks for the reply. There's so many different options. I guess you need about 3 separate machines to get the light, medium, heavy, and portable options covered. Sounds like this would be a good one, tho. Thanks, -- Mike

Art, your old avatar had what looked like a Classic or No. 9. I haven't seen any information on this board pro or con. Thoughts? Thanks, -- Mike

I've been toying with the same idea. Here's a deal I found on a 20 ton air/hydraulic press. It will cost about $90 - $150 to ship depending on how far you are from one of their warehouses, but for me that still works out to be about the same as a Northern Tool manual 20 ton press. http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Shop-Press-s/40.htm

I'm curious how it holds up to heavy whacking on metal tools. I believe most wood carving tools have wood or plastic handles that are much larger than the leather tools. Do the leather tools put dents in the poly surface?

Clay, What kind of machine are you using (and please don't say a rolling pin)? Very neat idea! -- Mike

Somewhere along the way I downloaded a bunch of files that are in a folder I call "stamp index." The files are all .jpg files. I've attached an example called "501.jpg" The folder also includes some Hackbarth & others. I have no idea where it came from. The folder has 2,310 images. I don't know any way to post it. I'd be glad to send you a CD if you'll PM your address. If one of the administrators here is willing to post the folder, I'll send them a CD also.

Clay, send ME that beautiful belt - I'll trade you for a black one & you can tell him when you're deep sea fishing those fish are way down deep where you can't see them! BEE-YU-TI-MOUS work!!!

Thanks - makes sense.

If it's any help, the Tandy rep told me basically that you can't effectively dye leather a lighter color than it already is. That is right in line with what everybody else said.

The posts about sewing machine thread size usually reply with a small top thread and a larger bobbin thread? I'm sure this is in the "First Book of Leather Sewing," but why? How about a sheath where you can see both sides of the finished product? Thanks!

Very nice work! I really like "simple" and "clean." You meet both with these. BTW, "simple" does not mean "easy!" Post some more!

I love the purse! As for your photographs, download a copy of the freeware "Irfanview." Open your picture and use "enhance colors" > "gamma correction." You can bring up the detail in a picture that's almost too dark to see. This is the BEST little image software I've used. And it's FREE!! Give it a try. If you like my tip, how about letting me come visit you for a couple of days and teach me something about leather? :biggrin:

I know that if you punch any holes before you dye a project, the holes show up, as it's hard to get dye down into the holes. If you dye first and then punch the holes, they are much less visible.

AWESOME helmets! But is that a hood ornament from a '63 Buick?

Beautiful work! Without the second picture, I would never have guessed how fine it is. Way cool! No worry about any competition from here; even if my eyes were good enough, my fingers is wayyy too big!

Great responses, and I thank you all! In sum, if you are "serious," a business name is good for recognition, and the benefits are the tax writeoffs and wholesale purchasing benefits. The downside seems to be almost entirely the paperwork. Yet, that may not be a downside if it forces me to track my credits and debits. Otherwise, I could go for years thinking I'm doing well without really ever knowing what it costs me to make something versus what I can sell it for. For my own purposes, I think being forced by the business rules to do something I should anyway might be a hidden benefit. Plus, it will tend to keep me focused on making things instead of sitting in front of the boob tube. I'm leaning toward going for it -- now all I have to do is come up with a catchy name! Thanks, -- Mike

Interesting - I've always let my projects dry thoroughly (overnight) on the form, but that might be because I work so slow . . . I went back & checked "The Art of Making Lether Cases" by Stohlman, and his instructions say to let the leather "thoroughly dry." When I make a case, it is usually pretty flimsy until the back is stitched on and then the entire case gets its strength. I've never had anything lose its shape during the finishing so that it didn't come out the way I wanted it to, though. Luke, I will have to try working something without letting it dry & see how that goes. It would certainly speed up a project.

The Maker's Stamp thread got me thinking: I'm a beginner and haven't sold or marketed yet, but I'm leaning that way. The question is -- As a hobby business, what are the pros and cons of a business name? If you have a business name, do you have to get a phone number and bank account in that name? If not, how do you use the business name? Do you have to register the name? I went to my County Clerk and they were surprised I wanted to bother. They gave me a form to send to the state (Tennessee), but said unless I did a certain threshold of business, I could do business using whatever name I wanted without bothering to register it. I'd kind of like to have a business name, but not if it becomes more trouble than it's worth. Thanks for your comments!

Tell him you're going to post his name for the rest of us. . . . . .

me, too? I think the seat you said "the boss rejected" had the lacing over the logo? Other than that, it was totally awesome! Killer work. Makes me want to buy a bike just for the seat!

Oops - sent the same message twice - can't seem to delete this so just disregard.

I'm really interested in how to seal the inside of leather bottles and mugs. Does the wax do well in summer heat (90 to 100 degrees F)? I've experimented with epoxy resin with mixed results. The manufacturer rep for the stuff I used said even though it is not certified as food grade it is safe. Leaves a lingering question if you want to sell the bottles, though. Epoxy seals the bottle well and will tolerate alcohol, but it leaves the bottle rock hard and turns it very dark. It was fine for one of my bottles, but ruined the lighter design on another one. Your bottle has a very pleasing shape - I like it very much. Good work!

Doggone it! And here I am getting fictional money for real work!! :scratchhead:

It DOES look great! I live in Manchester, about 30 miles from Lynchburg; I was just hoping to find another leather crafter nearby. Keep up the great work! -- Mike

Do you live near Lynchburg or just like JD?