dirkba

Hi Michelle, The tempering was not an real issue as these tools are doing "soft" work cutting into leather. However I did cool the steel down, by dumping it in cold water, while grinding away. Remember that the steel is not really that thick to start of with. So it really cools down quickly by submersing it in cold water. Give it a go!!

Hi Tomg, The block was shaped on a belt sander to form the handle on the spade bit. Cheers Dirk

Hi Dirtclod, Cut the tapered edge of the spade bit of or else the handle is too long. Good luck Dirk

This project was inspired by the forum. I decided to try my hand at making 2 tools I desperately needed. At a second hand tool shop I bought an old worn down wood chisel and an arbor. (Spade drill bit) These were to become a set of skiving knifes. I hope the pictures tell the story, because I am now the proud owner of these self made durable work pieces. Cheers Dirk

Hi All, At last the South Africans are showing their profiles - now we can start sharing! I am from Paarl and the company in Cape Town is Woodheads - they have started stocking Tandy merchandise. They are also hide merchants and have literally got hides for "Africa". Their quality is good and graded so you know what you are buying. I take my deer skins (Springbuck, Kudu, Oryx and Eland) to Game skin Safari ( Cape Town to have it veg tanned. They do a great job and it's not to expensive, because I supply my own hides. You can also buy from them direct. They do hair on tanning as well. The guys in Krugersdorp are also good and have done some soft tanning of Springbuck hides for me, but they got the colour on the hides wrong and it could not be changed....That's the problem when you are not close enough to check dye colours. Regards Dirk

Jip, They are now called "Capesewing" and located in Observatory, but don't have any 2nd hand machines. They also cater for the industry with more sophisticated line of new technology and pricey machines Cheers Dirk

Hi BDAZ, G8 simple innovation and it WORKS!! Boer maak 'n plan.... if your spices are from CT then it tastes like home. Thanks for the confirmation to assist - will let you know, but I guess you will be struggling severe if you have to bring me a Walking foot machine. It's a scars item to find in CT...but I'll keep on looking

Hi, I know how you feel as a new member - I joined yesterday! I like your application of the shotgun shell brass in a practical but effective manner. G8

Hi BDAZ, Its great to hear from you!! I thought it would be strange if there was not ONE reply from an ex RSA broertjie. I'll definitely want to keep contact with you - specially if you have visited my hometown recently. One never knows when this can lead to being mutually beneficial. Keep up the tradition of making biltong and dry wors, but it cannot taste like home? Cheers - en groete uit 'n pragtige Boland Dirk

HI Aaron, Thanks for the words of welcome. A toilet bag is for keeping your toiletries (shaver, soap, tooth brush and toothpaste etc.) together when travelling - the goodies you use in the bathroom. Down south we refer to the bag as a "toilet bag" The picture will surely help to shed light on the topic. Cheers Dirk

Hi All, I am probably the latest Rookie on this forum. I have come across the forum while searching for leather patterns to make a sheepskin vest. I live in sunny South Africa in a town called Paarl - yes the same town that hosted Nelson Mandela before his release from prison! I started doing leather projects because I like hunting and try to use as much as possible from the animal. So I had some hides tanned. First Springbuck which I used for soft leather projects such as toilet bags, sheaths for pocket knives and a vest for myself. Then I progressed to Kudu and Oryx hides for belts and a travelling bag - complete with wheels! So far that has been my biggest project. I also made a shoulder bag (picture included) for my wife from Elephant hide which I bought in an odd lot from an artist. The bag was machine stitched and now I am in the process of finding a walking foot so I can do some SERIOUS stitching. The latter is only because of this forum and all the wonderful projects you have been turning out - it is really inspiring to see what you have achieved.