TZHunter

Bruce, Could you either post this "recipe" for Casing or post a link to it somewhere else? Much Thanks, Doug TZHunter

Harvey, "Casing Solution" ? I've always used just plain ole water. Is there something else (or something added to water) that makes it work better?

Well, never thought I'd be posting these pics. . . I am a Missionary in Africa and live among millions of folks who make and wear these tyre (tire) sandals every day. Guys here who know what they are doing (not me!) takes them about 5 minutes to make you a customized pair of these, fitting your feet exactly. Don't have a video, but am posting 2 pictures. . . only radials are used, no Steel belts. Design is pretty simple, use layers of belts/plies for straps, and 6 tacks (one on each strap end) hold the straps. To insert the strap ends into the sandal, they separate the belts with a sharp razor knife. . . To make them thinner than a normal tyre, they just peel about 1/2 of the plies off (and use for straps for other pairs). TZHunter

A foldable card table makes a good frame that you may already have hiding some where. If you don't need photo box every day, you may want to use this method and transform the card table into a photo box (with shower curtain/lights, background) just when you need it.

I've used the Vinegar/Rust method to dye (veg tan) black and I can't get the color off if I try! Someone said because it doesn't actually dye, but chemically changes the leather. . . really is very simple. . . take a look.. . CLICK HERE

I have used powder Rit Dye mixed in Methylated Spirit to make like an alcohol-based dye that I use to wipe on dye on veg tan. . . I use the browner colors. . . I have not tried the dying method RIT suggests like if you are dying cloth. . .When I get the color I like mixing dye with the Spirit, I wipe on with a wool dawber thingy and then apply desired finish.

Thanks Ed. Since I don't sew much "western" stuff, the name stirrup plate made me think it probably wasn't something I'd use. . .but I can already tell it will help a lot on making those sharp corners.

Bruce, Thanks much. I'm gonna give that stirrup plate a try. . I'm sure it will make those 90 degree turns on 3/8 or 1/2 thick stuff much more possible and easier. To really benefit from this, doesn't this mean that the difficult area (like in my case a 90 degree corner) will need to be pointing down toward the stirrup plate when sewn? Seems logical that it wouldn't help any if the difficult area is pointing "away" from the stirrup plate, but just making sure I understood. "Rookie" - didn't mean to hijack your thread, hope you find the right machine for your sewing. TZHunter

Bruce, I am using my Boss for Briefcases, etc. Had trouble making the corners, and was interested in what you said about possibly a stirrup plate helping. I'm sure I have it, cuz I got the deal a year ago where they threw in all the feet, material guide, and probably the stirrup plate. . . but I don't know what it is or what its used for, or most importantly, how it would help me make those corners easier. . .can you briefly explain? Thanks much for helping the ignorant (or at least uninformed!). TZHunter (Doug)

Doug, Here's a link (at least address) to an ebay stitching awl like I use. . . you may find a better price, but this is the type of thing. . . . they normally come with 2 needles, 1 large, 1 small, both with triangular leather cut. http://cgi.ebay.com/harness-repair-sewing-...p3286.m20.l1116 You can moisten leather a little over the small area you'll sew even with applying some moisture with your finger, not necessary to use a sponge or spray bottle. I like Bree's idea of lubricating your thread better than my idea. . .I'd try that before I'd try moistening the leather. TZHunter

Sure, you can always hand sew that small area. I always kept a stitching awl handy when all I owned was the 29k, for those few places on a project where the seams get too thick. (~ $12 from Tandy) re my tip to moisten with oil. .. you can also use water. . . anytime you moisten leather you will be able to compress it (or stretch) it a little as the fibers loosen. . . this might allow you to sew pieces that were a little thicker, but you must also remember that when it dries those stitches will be "really" tight. TZHunter

Greetings from another Doug (TZHunter) and another 29k58 owner/user. I also use a Tippmann Boss. Sounds like you may be reaching your max thickness for the 29k. I'm assuming that you've increased your stitch length to its maximum possible length (minimum # stitches per inch). You do that by loosening screw on back of presser foot and lowering it as far as possible (making sure presser foot can still be raised). If you've done that then only other things to try. . . make sure you are using a new needle. . . if you can moisten the leather a little with oil, it will help you be able to sew a little bit thicker with our machine. I'll be watching for others' advice. When I got to doing many projects that required over 3/8", that's when I got my Boss when they were on sale at Christmas 2 years ago for $1200 and included all the extras (presser feet, material guide, etc). Remember me as another 29k58 owner/user for other probs, I'll do the same. TZHunter

Thanks Randy and MadMax. I should've known, but just never dyed a large piece. Fortunately on this piece, I was able to make the briefcase and it just turned out 1/2 inch shorter. I appreciate both answers, thanks, TZHunter

Marlon, Your link to the "How to use the Head Knife" does not work for me. The one for sharpening works great, and I appreciate it lots. Could you double check that link? It may be a prob with my computer, but I really need that info. Thanks! TZHunter

Is there any problem using "round" needles to sew leather on my Tippmann Boss? Most of my projects are just 2-3 layers of 5-6 oz leather using 207-277 thread. I just happened to be given 100 round needles and hoped to use them. I have recently sewn a briefcase (up to 1/2 inch) with the round needle and the sewing seems pretty nice, but I don't have lots of experience to compare with. Chisel point may be a little "cleaner" sewing with more of a "cut" rather than a "poked-through" look on the underside. Thanks for your comments in advance. TZHunter

Somehow in shipping the bottom (near the base) of the 1-lb spool of thread loosened enough so that when used, every time the thread unwinds and gets near the bottom, it "tangles" and binds and I have to unwind 3 or four times by hand to unravel it. . . really frustrating. . .is there a better answer to solving this, or is rewinding the entire spool the only answer? If answer is to rewind, how do you do that? (I already have a piece of ladies' panty hose on the spool to keep it from unraveling to quickly, this prob is with a spool where the original winding has been damaged slightly at the bottom.) Thanks in advance. TZHunter

I recently tried using the Vinegar-Rust method of "dying" black and the coloring part worked great. However, on large pieces (up to 30" on a large briefcase), I found the leather shrunk up to 1". Is that common? Is it only with this method or with other dyes as well? Should I dye a slightly larger piece of leather, THEN cut out the exact size needed afterwards? Thanks in advance! This forum is GREAT. TZHunter

I get all my spares (including 69 thread) for my 29K58 from Campbell-Bosworth in Yoakum, TX I have purchased bobbins from them. They don't have all their stock on-line, so you should call them. They'll take your order over the phone and ship the same day. Really nice people. http://www.campbell-bosworth.com/ 1-800-327-9420 Hope this helps. TZHunter (Doug)

K J Magnetics has lots of variety. . . if you go to Ebay and search for "neodymium magnets" you will find tons of variety of different types. . . you can narrow your search to "neodymium disc magnets" and then you'll be able to find the thin ones the size you want. . .I use them on lots of small cases, etc sewn under a thin piece of leather. TZHunter (Doug)

Kate, Thanks for the link. . . I have ordered and will try the Trewax Clean & Wax. . .The can looked so much like a "spray" can, I assumed it was such. . . thanks for your help. . .TZHunter (Doug)

Kate, I'm really interested in trying the Trewax Clean & Wax Liquid you mentioned. . . The only thing I can find is a 22 oz. spray can. . . does it come in a liquid form so I can spray it through my airbrush? TZHunter (Doug)

I use a 29K58. . . most you will get is 3/8". Stitching is nice. Not sure if you can modify. I paid $350 for mine used and in good condition 5 years ago. . .price seems good.

I saw on Ebay where you had 2 types: Western and Bissonnette. I'm not familiar with the Bissonette. .. the ones I use (like Craftool) more resemble the Western. . . can you explain the difference in the two types and any differences in the edge they produce? Thanks Much! Such a great idea.

The only times I've done this (glueing together before cutting strips), I've always glued rough sides together and the rough sides would never be seen in the finished product so it didn't matter if a little glue residue was on the under side. . . for me glueing was also a little pain but it got the job done for that project. . . didn't know/think about the rotary cutters the others have suggested. .. they are pretty inexpensive and with a metal straight edge, should be able to cut pretty darn straight and pretty quick also on thin leathers. . . I'm gonna do this in the future rather than glueing together.

When I needed precise thicknesses on thinner leather, I've had better luck by lightly glueing 2 pieces together, then cutting/splitting them with the cutter, then separating the 2 pieces. .. the thicker edge makes it less likely to curl.