tonyc1

They look identical to the Pederson sole stitcher of which I had a couple over the years and they did do a good job. I was shocked though, when I thought I'd get a new bobbin case, very expensive! Tony.

I forgot I have a 31-15 so I went and had a look in the workshop and I still have it. It worked the last time I used it about 10 years ago but I'd just like to know if parts are still available should I ever need any. Tony.

I use silicone in a spray can sometimes for items that drag on the bed of the machines. It is handy for many applications. I get it from a dress making shop. Tony.

What size thread is that you have used? It seems very coarse ! How wide is the strap? Tony.

But does he ride horses and is he in to leather? Tony.

Try using an Awl.

Yes, they are still available, I just don't know where you'd get them in the States. Correct spelling is Pricking Iron and they are used to MARK your stitch spacing, not to PUNCH through the leather. Tony.

I have found out that Wagga Wagga is the aboriginal word for Place of Many Crows. Tony.

I'll have to find out what Wagga Wagga ( pronounced Wogga Wogga but most just say Wogga ) means! Thanks, Kath.

Kathy, the name Walla Walla conjures up some outback Australian town. We have Wagga Wagga out here! Tony.

It seems it would be much faster using an awl and two needles! Tony.

How is the leather held in the metal part, Ray? Tony.

I forgot to mention earlier that some of the harness that some Pacers use is also called Suspenders and Bloomers. Can you picture a horse with these items on? Funnier than picturing a bloke in suspenders unless of course he's in Drag! Tony.

I have the same problem! My main bench is 12' x 4' and I end up doing most of my work in an area about 3' x 2'. Tony.

A suspender belt is what "Ladies" use, or used to use, for holding their stockings up with! Tony.

Could be a little bit of Overkill! Tony.

Yes, Ed. My old, wooden spokeshaves have adjustable blades. Two wing nuts on the back and you can use the handles as burnishers if you want to, I know I do. Tony.

Some other well meaning and un-informed idiot has now suggested that ferrets be released on Macquarie Island to knock off the bunnies! Now, the ferrets wouldn't think of harming any birds, would they? Just think, people get paid good money for dreaming up these schemes. Tony.

You must have good nerves to be a new Driver Tester, that's all I can say! Tony.

Met a woman today who showed me a Saddlers Clamp she made many years ago and the main ingredients were so simple and easy to come by. It was made from two barrel staves with a hinge at the bottom and a turn screw in the middle to tighten the tension up to whatever she wanted. Dead Easy! Tony.

Buy one, pull it apart and measure it all and build one. Dead easy! Just joking of course!!! Tony.

Thanks for your kind offer, Terry.

An old friend dropped some bellows in about a month ago and wanted to know if I can renew them.. I've never tried this before, so no doubt you'll get a query or two sometime in the future! Tony.

I have reshaped my Norton twice. I have used a concrete block on it's side to do the job. Lay the block on it's side and then rubbed my stone on it 'til the high spots disappeared. If you have one of these red and black stones, the red side is for putting the edge on and the black side is for removing the "feather" that is left. I believe these stones should only be used with water or good old spit! Tony.

I've always used a Norton stone to sharpen my knives and they are great. The bloke who taught me to sharpen was a competing axeman and he said it was used on axes. Mine is a reddy colour one side and black on the other which is used for taking the feather off. Mine is half worn out but I was offered $400 for it last year as they are not sold out here anymore and this axeman wanted it. I make a few axe covers that act as a sheath over the year. I only threw the packet out a couple of years ago and I think it may have even said it was "Bear Brand Norton" Can't remember, "CRAFT" is setting in! Tony.