jlb

Hi Bev, My wife sews and for elastic she gets hers from Jo-Ann fabric and Hancock Fabrics, both are sewing shops. Also, you might want to try Wal-Mart, they have sewing stuff as well. Good luck! Jeff

Looks great!!! Semper Fi Jeff

I know it's tough, my wife was a "contractor" last year and had to pay quarterly taxes, she spoke with someone at H&R Block who helped her with the quarterly taxes for free, and we did our income taxes with him for just $200. Good luck!

Tazz, If you press the F1 key for help there are a bunch of topics that will help you. Also, you may find a book at the local library about accounting. It really depends on how your business structure is set up and how you plan to do your taxes, as to how complicated your accounting system should be. Like my wife, just starting out and a sole proprietor she just needs to record her expenses and sales for our tax guy at the end of the year. I hope this helps.

My wife just started a business and I found that Microsoft offers 2008 Accounting Express for FREE. Depending on your needs this maybe what you are looking for. It didn't take much time to set up, in fact it has templates for your type of business so the Ledger accounts are set up for you. Here is the link http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/accounti...1729681033.aspx Jeff

Good morning all!! I wanted to give a quick update and let you all know that my wife took your suggestions to heart. She decided to get my ALL 3 volumes of the Al Stohlman's Saddle Making Encyclopedia. Thanks again for your suggestions. Jeff

Art, Thanks I'll look at it. This should probably go into another topic(which I'll start later0 is lighting. My wife has an Ottlite and LOVES it. It is a free standing natural light.

Art,Bruce,(others) Will this light only fit on an Artisan machine? My wife sews (fabrics) and this would be a great thing for her to have if it would fit on her machine. Thanks Jeff

What is the purpose of using neatlac? To help oil and condition the leather?

Looks great!! Glad you are willing to help a great cause Semper Fi, Jeff

Have you tried www.Ohiotravelbag.com I don't have a catalog nor have I ordered from them, but there may be a pic of what you are looking for on the site. Good luck!

From one former Marine.... Semper FI. This is great!

Skip, Thanks for your .02! I have never heard of this book ( not a surprise, since I'm new to this world) I looked it up on Ebay and it looks great! Let's see what my better half decides.

All, Thanks for your suggestions! I think I will go the the Al Stohlman books initially. Jeff

Bruce, Thanks for the feedback. A concern of mine is how clear, concise, and easy would either one the books you mentioned be for a beginner. Would a beginner read the book and say, hmmm what is that I need to look it up somewhere else? or is all the info right there in the book? Thanks again Jeff

Hi all! Now is the time for everyone help me spend some money (ok,ok, I know a book isn't much money). My b-day is right aroubd the corner and I think I want a book on saddlemaking. (I know a book isn't much of a present, but I just bought a tractor too) So this is where you all come in! I am interested in saddlemaking and have done a few small tooling projects, so I am a BEGINNER. I know of a few: Al Stohlman's, Dusty Johnson, Harry Adams Jr's book. Please comment on these and any other that you think would be worthwhile for a beginner. Thanks for all your help! Jeff

Broncbuster, Is this the chap wash you are talking about? http://www.rods.com/pl/2004,0764_L,370,200...-Chap-Wash.html

Bronc, Thanks! I'll try that. What about a Shout cleaner on the grease spot, no bleach, kinda like Woolite. I have a mechanic friend that I can check with to see how he gets grease out of his work clothes.....

Hi all, A friend of mine has a pair of chaps that need some cleaning. Biggest problem is a grease spot on them, as well as general "stains" from riding. Color from saddle rubbing against chaps, etc. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. He has another friend that is a saddlemaker, but he won't be able to get to these for 3 months! During show season, so I thought I'd help him out, and who knows maybe make a few $$. Thanks all Jeff

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to make them. Buying a piece of a land and driving 2 hrs to work, has me busy as h*ll. I plan to work on these on Sunday. I'll keep you updated. Thanks for checking!!!

Russ, Barra Thanks for the input and the pattern. I will keep you informed of my progress. Jeff

Hi all, I have a friend who asked me to make a pair of slobber straps for her. She offered me to use hers as a pattern, but she live about 1 1/2 hours away so I thought I'd check to see if any of you may have a pattern? Thanks for all your help, the advice you all give is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeff

Russ- Thans for the link I will take a look at it after I write this. Pete- This is the first time I have heard someone mention Bick's. I use Bick's on my tack for the same reasons you mentioned, no darkening while still keeping the leather soft. Thanks again and when I get my project completed I will post it for laughs!!!!! Jeff

Hi all!!!!! After you are done with tooling and want to possible stain your work, what is the correct sequence of procedure? I've heard stories of neatsfoot oil and Super Shene. Also, when do you do the edges? Any and all advice (just a general would be great) will be appreciated. Jeff

Thanks for the advice. My long term goals are to learn saddlemaking. I understand I have to start somewhere, so I thought short term to make spur straps. Jeff