Jordan

Thanks all, The Germans certainly know how to make machines! Runs like a watch and is eyeball flattening fast. It is a 98 with only 9400 on the odometer. I have already put about 250 on it. I am stoked! I know what you mean about pain I ordered some bar backs for it to change the grip angles as they do put some odd pressure on the wrists. That is about the only design flaw I can see so far and I think once the ergonomics are good I will be putting a lot of road in my rear-view mirrors.

Happy Birthday to me a couple of days early. The wife said she could not say no when she looked in my eyes and saw the same look as when I first met her 27 years ago. She knew I was in love.

Saw them awhile back on some web sites, as an example SPSally's was offering seats as an option I think, for around 500, I think they are made by DT a member here. So yes I think you are in the ballpark.

Tina, glad to see the move overseas went well and you are back to creating wonderful works of art. I have always been extremely impressed with your work and these are no exception! Wish I had just a tiny bit of your artistic ability.

Great info on those knives, I found the original sheath awhile back, it had the stone pocket, was riveted but did not have the flat bottom and metal plate, just came to a point like the one I made. Interesting that they are somewhat collectible, I figured there were way too many out there to have much value, guess I will hang on to it and take it to Antique road show in about 20 years.

Welcome to the site, enjoy and post lots of photos as we all love them. There are some very awesome and friendly saddle makers here. (I don't, but some say I am friendly) Looks to be an increase members from the Scandinavian countries as of late. I too am of Norwegian (Grand Father was born there) decent, but was born and raised in the US.

I used a piece of saddle skirting that was on the scrap sale bench at my local tandy shop.

If I happen across it again I will post a link. It was two computers ago and some major data losses but in the meantime here is a pdf I threw together today. It is about 3.4 MB. if it works. Jordan, ps. Just tested it and it seemed to download ok! Sandals Instruction.pdf

Search this site, I know of a flip flop how to and I posted some pics of my rendition of Jesus walkers. There is not alot out there but tandy has a e-book for sale originally from the 70's I think. I studied a lot of pics and disected them in my mind to get ideas also I don't know where I found it but came across a post from some monks that were a reprint of their sandal making process with hand written instructions and drawings, its on the web somewhere. good luck and post pics of your creations.

Two piece sole with the straps sandwiched between them exiting to the sides thinned out to prevent lumps and then glue and sew the top and bottom together around the perimeter. While not flip flops this pic shows the sandwich idea and perimeter sewing.

I would thank God that business is booming and I still love the work.Then I would build a new shop with all the features I have dreamed about and hire an apprentice. Sadly my leatherworking has taken a backseat to life for the past year.

cool, I was working on one myself last year, but got side tracked into woodworking and rebuilding a honda motorcycle. I may still get back to it. Good luck and hope you sell a boatload of books! Jordan

Tandy and others sell a tool that is essentially a stack of plastic pieces with blades locked in it. I found it to be real easy to get consistent fringe 1/8th to 1/4 inch usually. The tool is kind of expensive and really not made very well (pot metal casting) but it works. Sorry I do not have a pic or remember what it is called. You can go to tandy web site they may have a pic and price. Jordan

Another Utah resident chiming in welcome!

+1 on the site it is fast easy and the beauty of the seats ties it all into a super package. Nice to see as a lot of other sites are slow as molasses in a deep freeze.

I agree wholeheartedly with what an artist puts on his or her creations, if objectionable to me I will not do it either. If someone really wants that kind of stuff they need to make it themselves. Good for you for sticking to your convictions it is a very difficult thing to do. I do not do the Ogden street fair any longer due to the organizers telling me I could not display anything for sale that had any religious references of any kind. They said it was because if they allowed it, all the "crazies" would demand equal time. Your leather work is exceptional as usual, but I haven't seen anything of late? Taking a break? Jordan

Thanks guys, it was fun and functional too. Got to use my new power mortise machine sure beats doing 24 of them by hand. Jordan

This is what I have been working on besides my leatherwork and a motorcycle rebuild. I think the cherry watco oil makes it a keeper. Not bad for reclaimed wood that had been railing at my church, in storage there for many years after a remodel I would guess at least 30 years old. I got the pattern from a book on classic arts and crafts style projects. It was my first foray into woodworking in years and it felt good to get back into it. Next a morris chair or maybe a stitching horse! There were a few errors I saw after all was done I should have paid more attention to the grain when I glued up the mortise and tenons, I didn't expect the rays that popped after the oil finish, some of them go in the wrong direction on the uprights.

While no expert by any stretch most of what I have read and heard is that 1800's hoslters were very utilitarian and decor was very rudimentary on most. There were of course quite a few ornate ones as well, pride and status etc. Just simple borders on some I am sure would please your customers. Interesting side note, its seems when American Indians got a hold of such things they went all out on embellishments at least thats what I have seen in museums and such. I know this is of minimal help just needed to prattle on a bit.