dirkba

Searching the net I came across a "fanny pack" - seems to be the same thing!

CaptQuirk, I have tried my hand at a concealed carry "pouch" which came out quite different than I intended - rather has a diary look! My 2c would be to use veg tan leather without liner and perhaps take a "moonbag" approach with a concealed back piece for easy access

Hi, I am sure somebody knows what these tools are used for - I have no idea!

Dwight is right...and thinks the way I do! Determine the circumference of the shape and get a pipe that size. Put it on a grinder to sharpen all round and then knock 2 sides "inwards" on an anvil or piece of steel to form an oval. Start punching the leather shapes and adjust your punch till its the way you want it. Good luck!

Hi All, Thanks for the feedback. The machine is in a far better shape than I thought and the arm is not missing - the machine doesn't have an arm. It seems this machine is very similar to the Italy Fav Leather Skiving Machine Everything seems to be in working order. Just needs a good clean up and some oil. My only challenge now is to get it connected to a 3 phase supply. All is not a lost cause!!

I stumbled across a skiving machine in storage, but have no clue if this will even work...! The motor is 3 phase - so this will have to be replaced with a single phase motor. The "arm" is missing - would this render the machine useless or can it work without the arm? I have never operated a machine like this....so I don't want to lose fingers trying to find out if it will work!! Where are the experts??

Zuludog, I am only a leather hobbyist, but using a Stanley has challenged my patience to the limit. The edges have multiple cut marks that drive me nuts. After trading one of the forum members (electrathon) for a cutting tool I decided to get a round knife - but with our currency being weak it would cost me an arm and a leg! So after searching the forum and finding inspiration from others I attempted making my own round knife from a bench saw blade. I have never looked back!! Strop the cutting edge regularly and it cuts like a dream....no more multiple cut marks!!

This post took my thoughts way back to the days of compulsory military training - being in the Army!! We use to "bone" our boots for inspection. This was insane....but it kept us busy for hours in the night. We had to get those boots shining....so thinking back and applying my mind - it struck me! The process of covering leather with layers of spit and polish to get the surface as smooth as silk and SHINING will definitely have a benefit if you were to apply the same technique to a strip of leather. Then using the polished leather strip - referred to as a strop would help you to polish steel to a high cutting edge, because of the smooth surface. The only difference would be applying some buffing paste to smooth the surface, but also to act as a fine abrasive for the steel.

Simple but effective...no matter how it looks it works!!

rktaylor, I would suggest you use a "chemical' clean up process if you want to preserve the workpiece. Electrolysis is going to return the blade clean and all the grime removed without scratches to the steel or removing the branding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQNvhUYqCkw

Hi, I love the hat and it looks great! On the next one....use 2 way tape to stick the seams "off cut" down and hammer the seam flat after the stitching has been done (specially the top of the hat) It also helps to get the seam nice and flat if you make "slots" in the raw edge - it's almost a must do on circles.

Hi, The leather coin idea seems like a nice keepsake...look at this link and apply your mind. https://www.google.co.za/search?q=leather+pocket+watch+holder&espv=2&biw=1172&bih=618&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTrMrzr_3NAhVqCcAKHQTkDyMQsAQIGQ#imgrc=xZXWHFpG7iOm7M%3A

Hi Colt W Knight, Congratulations on taking on the challenge and making a round knife. I did the same 2 yrs ago after I read this post http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/25315-head-knifei-want-to-make-one/?page=2 My own research clarified the difference between the 2 types of round saw blades. The normal non tungsten tip seems to be favored more, because of a slightly higher carbon content. It helps to hold an edge longer. Apparently those with the tungsten tips, you used, are not holding an edge so well. The steel is softer because the tungsten tips, which does the actual cutting, are the harder part of the blade. You don't need to heat treat saw blades. They are already heat treated for the cutting job they need to perform - it is therefore possible that you could have softened the steel instead of hardening it. Work with the round knife and see how it holds up. Now you know how to build the knife get the proper knife steel and make another one. This hobby becomes addictive....trust me!!

Hi RockyAussie, The off cuts could be used for bird hunters game carriers or simple belt key rings.

It is the timing belt I am looking for. I don't have the measurements for such a belt...

hi, Is there anyone who can assist me with a connection belt for a Singer 45W53? I tried Singer on the internet but their answer was "Sorry discontinued!" Thanks in advance.

Hi Steve, I think this is what you might have in mind. Creating a pattern is not that difficult - lay the rifle on some stiff material (card board) and trace the out line of the weapon. Add about 150mm to the contour or use the shape as in the picture. Good luck with your project Dirk

Hi, I have used 3m transparency multi purpose film. Good luck with your wallet.

Hi Bob, Occasionally someone lives up to your expectations - to survive you need to start making your own patterns from ideas! I am not sure if this is what you have in mind, but give it a try. Making Pouches.pdf Cheers Dirk

Think you are looking for the proverbial "needle in a hay stack" I have the same situation you're in - then someone recommended I look for the manual of Singer 112W116. I only managed to get snippets. It's similar and does shed some light on the workings. I haven't restored, because I am missing a few parts, and the exchange rate is not favourable... Good luck!

I went to a local steel merchant and asked for a piece of "off cut" stainless steel. When I told the guy what I need it for - he was willing to cut me a strip from a 3mm (about 1/8 inch) sheet measuring 1 200 x 70 mm ( about 4 ft x 3 inches) to make a sturdy "ruler". Because it was cut with a guillotine it has a perfect straight edge! I also use an utility knife - for ease of sharp replacement blades and have found the knife to slide smoothly along the edge of my stainless steel "ruler" Good luck with your projects!

Wontonman, You seem to be on the right track, but by using loose side pieces and incorporating the "corner" you are making it difficult on yourself. Simply lay the side pieces in position on the rectangle - so that it forms a "butterfly" image and start stitching together from the centre. If you can get a copy of Al Stohlmans' "Art of making leather cases Vol 1" it will explain the basics of your challenge to you. Send me a PM if you can't find a copy...

I use a toothbrush and some leather soap after stitching - to clean the stitching.

Hi Sawyer, That scabbard looks great. I like the project, but have doubts about using sheep shearing as a liner. If the scabbard is going to be used outdoors the shearing might attract moisture. Oil and dirt particles are going to collect over time and become a problem when it "grinds" off the beautiful finish of that masterpiece! I personally would have added a zipper to be able to clean out the sheep shearing if necessary.