ryan

I have been buying leather from Weaver for a few years now and I guess I would have to agree with the TR Grade comments. My question is this; is actual, bonified Herman Oak leather considerably better quality when you buy it either direct or from someone else like Goliger? I have bought maybe three sides of "Herman Oak" from Weaver now and I am not impressed at all with it in any way shape or form. It's hard as heck to cut and it doesn't take a casing very well. I have been 110% satisfied with W&C 's leather though! Their tooling leather is great and I made my first saddle with their skirting leather and it was a joy to work with as was their work harness which should be named something else as it was better grade than I had expected! I am not knocking Weaver though, I love their service and they have very fast shipping. Their Master Tools are exceptional quality and I purchased an Adler 205 about a year ago and call Vernon from time to time for assistance and he's great. I just don't know if I can keep buying my leather from them. They only downfall I've experienced with W&C is it seems like shipping is a little steaper than most. Ryan

I have been working on a website for some time now and, having looked through all my pictures as I post them, I have noticed a steady improvement in not only my workmanship but also in my photography skills over the years. However, I still am in need of some drastic improvement in picture quality. My shop is way too dark and I have been taking some pretty good ones outside. I have been using a little Kodak 6 megapixel that we got at Walmart a couple years ago. It does take pretty good pictures but I feel I'm ready to step up to an SLR. I've been looking at the Canon Rebel XT but thought I'd ask everyone here first. Also, I have seen some really cool DIY projects for making your own light boxes for product photography which would be great for holsters and wallets etc. But I am wondering what everyone does for their bigger projects like chaps and saddles. I just took photos of a pair of top grain show chaps I made for my wife and was very displeased with the quality of the pictures!! Are there any good references that anyone knows of that I could get somewhat of a crash course in digital photography? P.S. I'll be sure and let everyone know when I post my site! Ryan

I placed an order with HC about a month ago and only got a couple of the items I ordered. One item was a quart of antique paste which arrived frozen. I called them and they sent me a new one right away. I haven't gotten after them on the rest of my items as I am aware of the changes they are making. I just hope they continue to carry the same conchos and videos as they have some very unique items and would hate to lose them! Ryan

I have all the Stohlman books and Bill Gomers Video. I guess I have Dusty Johnson's book on saddle making too. I was planning on getting Cheaney's roping saddle video next but was suprised to see few people referring to it on this thread. I am interested in Watt's video series too but isn't it geared more towards wades? Also, I have almost finished my first saddle; nothing fancy just a border tooled roper, I have a solid knowledge of saddle construction and have rebuilt quite a few now. Would I benefit from Harwoods video? I would anticipate most of my orders being ropers and pleasure saddles up here, although I really want to make a wade eventually!! Thanks in advance

I just received an order from one of my suppliers. In it was a Qt of the new Sheridan Antique Finish / Paste. I live in Northern MN and it's been pretty damn cold up here lately. I noticed that paste seems to have separated somewhat and there is some liquid sloshing around inside the jar. The paste itself looks a little different than usual. I see the label reads keep from freezing. I am just curious what everyones thoughts are on this. I am letting it warm up right now and I would asume if I stir it up after it warms it should be alright; right? Thanks Ryan

I too have noticed a drop in quality in osborne's belt punches. I don't use the tube punches much anymore. I have bought a couple of punches from Weaver lately that work like a dream. Their brand are called Master Tools. I normally use a piece of polyethelene cutting board material underneath as this seems to give the best surface for me.

I haven't noticed an apparent drop in Weavers quality except the last order I recieved had Tandy brand hardware in it; not a good sign as I have never been a fan of Tandy. I would suggest either Bork Hardware or Beilers Manufacturing. I have catalogs from both and the contact info can be found in the Big Book. I can get it for you if you want. I just made a harness using Brass harware from Beilers, it was nice and heavy and had a good polish to it. Ryan

I haven't heard that rumor about Weaver and Tandy and I really hope it isn't true!! I was just at the Weaver factor last year and got to run the new "Chinese Clone" as well as the Adler 205. I opted to go with the Adler just because it seemed fail safe and it's been around longer. I believe the new machine is a Juki with a fancy paint job. (If I want something that tastes like chicken; I'll order chicken right?) Can't say much about the Toro 3000 but if price is a big concern; which it always is, I would go with that over any of the manual machines. On a side note, if you plan to be in leatherwork for a while, I would try to find a way to purchase a machine like the Adler or Juki they are worth their weight in gold (literally lol) I am somewhat disappointed with the appearance of this "Stitchmaster" as Weaver informed me that they were coming out with thier own manual but I too was told that it was going to be cheaper and bette.r than the Boss. I would strongly recommend a visit to E-bay and searching the Boss there; it's usually flooded with them. Not a good sign!

I spent a long time looking for Dextrose paste until I shot a nice buck last year and while at the taxidermist, I realized they use it for doing their mounts. Van Dykes has the best selection I have found and they actually sell a lot of tools that would make good leather craft tools! They sell a tool for roughing manikins that would work well for leather and if I remember correctly, they are a lot cheaper than an actual leather rougher out of a supply catalog!! Last I checked, Van Dykes had a good website and if you get on their list; they send out a catalog ever so often. Hope this helps!