arz

Thanks for the idea. Unfortunantly, a groove will not work with some of the leather I use. The strength of the thread is fine, I have no concern about the wear, just how it looks. At this point I will use Lin Cable, it's easy enough to get from France Just hate that I bought all this thread and it is doing this. I thought Amy Roke poly would be a great thread giving the reviews on the linen thread they sell and their pricking irons...

Hello, I would greatly appreciate some feedback about the Amy Roke Polyester thread. We are really frustrated, any help would be wonderful. I am having a problem with the Amy Roke poly threads (532 size). I have searched the internet, asked questions (on Instagram), and it seems that I am the only one having this issue. For reference I have used and have Tiger thread and Lin Cable. We are using Wuta pricking irons in 7, 8, and 9 spi. We have been using the Amy Roke for a few months on many items. Here is our problem: The wax or coating on the thread is coming off. You can take your fingernail and scratch it off, or with very light use it will start to look like it is fraying. If you look closely the fibers are fine, but it is in fact the wax that is coming off (the wax from the factory, most of the time we do not wax it before sewing). It looks terrible. Sometime you can burnish it off by taking a cloth and rubbing hard, very hard. This is happening with multiple colors, whether we wax the thread or not etc. We have 24 of the colors so it is not just one spool. I am confident the thread is strong. However, I cannot send a product out with this happening. I compared this to Tiger thread. Tiger thread will discolor a bit with wear but it's not near as bad as Amy Roke and it does not look like it is fraying. Lin Cable does not seem to have this problem at all. Is anyone having this problem? Is there a solution? Am I doing something wrong? I would LOVE to be told I am doing something wrong Here are some photos (it is hard to get a good photo of it). Trust me though, it does not look good in person... Thanks! Adam

That is a very good question. I have often thought if I needed to glue and stitch wallet linings at the edges. I normally use a wax based paint (heated) for the edge, so that would probably help keep it together. How about small turned edges? I "think" have seen some very good leather workers (on Instagram) only glue a folded edge on wallet pockets. In that case It might be good enough. Thoughts anyone? -Adam

Multumesc mult!

Thanks for the advice, I agree. It's good to see someone else from Brasov doing fine leather work! I am trying to be careful with my budget....once my business gets up and running I will be willing to spend more. I might just wait until I can justify a 1500+ euro used machine. -Adam

The Chinese ones all seem to be about the same, basically an 801 or Global SK111 model. I can find the following machines in Romania: Japsew Q-801, Jack T801, Dison DS-T801, Global SK111 and probably many other "brands." Some have a servo motor and others a clutch. I'm familiar with the vacuum attachment, so far none of the used ones or even new ones here have one. I could always purchase a used machine from Germany if I needed to.... Thanks!

Thanks Brian, Where I'm at I have found the typical Chinese machines (which I believe will have the blade and feed in sync) and a used Fortuna and Fav. Not sure what model the used ones are and if they are setup to have the blade run at a constant speed. Looks like I should hold off for a constant blade and clutch feed.

Hello, I need a skiving machine (bell skiver) for splitting wallets back, thinning pockets etc,. I need it so I can line a wallet, so I have to get it down to below 1mm. Here in Europe it seems common to do that. I would be using it for 2-3oz (1mm) goat, calf and veg-tan. Maximum 2mm thick. My question is do I need a dual speed set-up? In other words, a constant knife speed and a variable feed wheel speed. The price difference can be almost twice. I have heard some say that you need the blade running at high speeds, but I also need control. Any thoughts on this? Thanks! Adam

Hello, I sent you a e-mail. Thanks, Adam

Good question! I would also be interested in knowing where in Italy to purchase good leather. I live in Romania and can't find veg-tan leather. The shipping from England is about 40 pounds...

Thanks for the pattern! I'm new here and to leather work in general. Lot's of great help on the forums.