TZHunter

Art, Thanks for your thorough answer, just what I was hoping for! The only thread I've used in my Singer 29k58 was the Polyester from Campbell-Bosworth, I guess it is the Eddington you refer to, brand not mentioned on thread, only a tag with the size. Just a compliment for the Campbell folks. . . when FedEx dropped my crated 29K off a dock and it smashed the crate totally. . .they (Campbell folks) talked with me over the phone for over 1/2 hour helping me to figure out what all actually was needing replacement. . .miraculously it was sewing in just over a week and has been sewing great for the last 3+ years.

Tippmann only sells Nylon thread for their Boss. . . Can I use Bonded Polyester thread in the Boss? What are the pros and cons of Nylon and Polyester in comparison to each other? THANKS!

Regis, Thanks for your response. . .I checked the link to Ohio Travel Bag. . .and I thank you lots, cause I've not found anyone with quite that diverse of inventory. They will be a big help for future orders for sure! I think my description of what I was needing was not real accurate. I actually need the entire rectangular metal frame for the briefcase opening, as on the attached picture. In most of this type of briefcase, it is just like 2 pieces of thin flat-bar metal, bent and bradded together to make a hinge. I've assumed that someone sells these frames separately, rather than everyone making there own. Still Looking. . . Thanks

Hey, anyone know where to get hardware for briefcases? The one thing I haven't been able to find anywhere is the opening hinge for the old lawyer/doctor/pilot type of briefcase. I've attached one picture of one opened from the top. . . also need suppliers for other hardware for this type of briefcase. . .feet, corner protectors, closure hardware, hardware to attach handle to bag. Thanks for helping out this beginner. . .TZHunter

James, Hook 'em Horns ! Although I'm in Africa now, I graduated from UT in '84. I'll be of no help in braiding, but will continue to admire it. I have a brother in the Austin area, near Pflugerville.

Hi ! My name is Doug (TZHunter). I'm a missionary in Kenya, East Africa. I got into leather work 4 years ago when I promised my 3 boys I'd sew them each a backpack for Christmas when we were in the States for a few months. They had each chosen their own leather for their backpack in mid-November. . .after about a week of handsewing, I realized "There's gotta be a better way !" So I desperately started looking on Ebay and ended up purchasing an old Singer 29K58 that works great. An extra benefit is that I can keep on sewing when our electricity goes out very often here in Africa. I primarily sew small items like phone cases, knife sheaths, small bags or purses--all just as a hobby or for gifts for friends. I've just purchased a Tippmann Boss for those "thicker" projects. I'm probably one of the few people that purchased their manual machines because electricity isn't real reliable where they live! I've learned more in a couple of weeks reading the forums on Leatherworker.net than I learned on my own in 3 years. I did get the 3 backpacks finished (just a little late though), and after 4 years of daily carrying heavy loads of books, they all are still doing their job just fine. I look forward to learning lots from all of you!