DJ1935

Thank you, Glendon. I leave about half an inch all round and trim it off after sewing. I may have to round the corners slightly and go that way. WyomingSlick the saying "Growing old is compulsory - growing up isn't" means that we all grow old physically we cannot do anything to stop that but mentally we don't have to. Best wishes DJ

Has anyone got a way of doing wallet corners so that the corner is covered nicely? I'm using soft deer nappa for the outer and machine stitching after gluing around the edge to hold it whilst stitching. Cutting the corner off at a 90 degree angle might work with calf or thin russet but the soft deer skin moves whilst stitching and the cut angle gapes leaving an ugly gap and the corner of the wallet lining pokes out through the end. Most frustrating!

Has anyone got a way of doing wallet corners so that the corner is covered nicely? I'm using soft deer nappa for the outer and machine stitching after gluing around the edge to hold it whilst stitching. Cutting the corner off at a 90 degree angle might work with calf or thin russet but the soft deer skin moves whilst stitching and the cut angle gapes leaving an ugly gap and the corner of the wallet lining pokes out through the end. Most frustrating!

Hi Andrew, we do a lot of coasters from skirting and I had the same problem, not enough contrast. I found by spraying a light coat of water on the surface before putting them in the heat press will create that darkened effect. Be very careful, though, too much damp and you will get (we've come to call them) - "toasters"!

Hi Trevor, thank you for that. Will get in touch. Cheers DJ

That would be a "worst case' scenario. We would rather have a new one in hand as the press is still working albeit intermittently and we're loathe to pull it to pieces unless we have a back up. Thanks DJ

We have a three phase BUSM swing beam cutting press GSB1. Serial number 36B. Made in Italy circa 1983. Does anyone know where we can get a circuit/mother board for it? Thank you.

Some time ago Weaver removed their online Wholesale catalogue and with it the ability for wholesale account holders to order online. You will now have to contact them by phone or email to order.

Thank you for your comments, much appreciated. Physically the most difficult bit was covering the swells, no need to go to the gym after that work out! I thought stitching the cantle was going to be the worst bit but once I got started - and worked out that I needed a jerk needle it wasn't so bad. I stitched the swell front and the back billets with the Pearson #6, the cantle and horn by hand. Hi Trevor, great to hear from you and yes, will get in touch. I don't know about the "Saddler" title - how many saddles do you have to make before you earn your stripes? Good question really, I've never had any formal training, apart from some mentoring by a qualified local Saddler but have fiddled about with leather for almost forty years, probably longer than some qualified people, does that make one a "leatherworker", a saddle maker or a saddler? What ever the answer one never stops learning with leather, always something new to discover. Cheers DJ

My first saddle it took a while but I got there - with a little help from Al Stholman (he was probably looking down and pulling his hair out at times) as well some helpful advice from this great forum. Built on a ralide roper tree, all stainless hardware and American skirting leather. Had some great positive feedback from the Team Roping guys already so, hopefully someone will take it home and I'll see it round the arena this season. DJ

Thank you, CEM, much appreciated. I rang Greenhalgh Tannery today. Very helpful and offered to send over some samples which I am looking forward to seeing. Have you used any of their leather?

Sorry, WinterBear, I was being factious. Having imported this "russet" in good faith the supplier is now stuck with a heap of rotten leather he cant sell and the cost of returning it will be horrendous. They are not a big firm so the impact will be significant.

Bingo! Thank you, mrdabeetle, that description fits it to a tee. I will tell the supplier the good news, I'm sure they will be more than chuffed! No need to apologise, Pappy, I was pleased to have your input, thanks. And yes, Hornm we do have quite strict limitations on importing some items, for instance we cannot import any leather made from Cites listed animals, including Kangaroo without a lot of paper work and cost - then there is still no guarantee that you will be allowed the goods. There are saddle makers here who pool together and import a pallet of sides between them. I generally bring in a side or two from the USA when I need them with no problem apart from the cost of freight which is generally the same as the cost of the hide - effectively doubles the cost of the leather but I guess that is the joys of living at the bottom of the world!! Thanks to all, DJ

I totally agree, Pappy. Unfortunately here in New Zealand we no longer have a tannery that produces vege tanned leather and most of the leather workers here are totally reliant on what the suppliers bring into the country. Due to shppping costs, etc the cost of American leather is doubled by the time it gets into our hands hence the suppliers are looking for cheaper - not necessarily better - options.