andymanak

For future consideration - It might be neat one time to do a multiple stage swap where you continue the work of the last person. Each participant takes 3 pieces of tooling scrap of X size Trace the same pattern on all 3, then carve the pattern(no tooling) Each 3 get sent out to someone different, and each participant receives 3 different carvings 2 week timeframe + 1 week shipping Review the carvings and write down feedback or things you learned Tool each pattern based on your interpretation without guidance from original creator again, each 3 get sent out to someone different, and each participant receives 3 different carvings 4 week timeframe + 1 week shipping Review the carving/tooling writing down your feedback or things you learned Dye/finish the 3 pieces how you see fit Possibly send them out again to their final recipient for review, or just post the pictures and all of your notes from each step This could force people out of their comfort zone for tooling, and also give a chance to review/learn from others' work at different stages. Fairly intensive on time and shipping though.

Yeah, it sat in my amazon cart for a few months before I decided to just go for it. I also got one of the Inox ones for stainless steel, wow what an impressive little file it is, made finishing the stamps go quickly and cut down on my sandpaper time since it cuts clean as well. It looks like they are about 37 USD on amazon

I found pictures! You can see the chattering on the pear-shaped backgrounder, it probably shows in an impression but I can not see it. The only one I use is the mules foot, one day I will try again and go for checkering.

Hi, I have not done checkering yet, but have done some lined bevels by using a "checkering file" http://www.grobetusa.com/swiss-precision-6-checkering-hand-file-cut-00-item-31-035/ I also used 304 ss, so it is possible, but my technique was not the best so there was some chattering in the grooves. The tops of the ridges came out great though, so the impression is still right. I believe the proper use for the file is to set the marks though, then you come back with the 3-square file to dig the groove.

I use Onshape.com for all of my personal projects. Free if you are okay with what you make showing up on the public listing. The active development of it means it has similar tools to most professional 3D cad programs, and a good support network. There is also some free plugins that will convert the 3d into 2.5D G-code for CNC, or layers for laser cutting.

I finally broke down and got myself a high quality tool, a Barry King Edger. The problem with nice tools is that I really want to keep it protected when not in use. This one in particular likes to roll well, so I need something I can stash it in right away when I am done using it. I am guessing the end product will be similar to a sheath, maybe with a clamshell like opening so I can snap it shut for storage. I have not been able to find any threads on the topic, so I just wanted to ask and see if anyone had any samples or solutions they like for protecting a single tool like an edger. Thank you, Andy

A 5/8" to 3/4" split sleeve will be the easiest and cheapest, something like this should work: http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/motors/pulleys-sheaves/bushings/reducer-bushing-srb101220-galvanized-steel-58id-x-34od-114l?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&{lpurl}&vt-pti=B984124&gclid=CjwKCAjwgvfOBRB7EiwAeP7ehnb0-cdZ96n2w5V9kOuP0vGrbdcj-r3SScS39p_CG9oVjP_CYp52kBoCYlMQAvD_BwE

Smaller particles like shavings will have more surface area with rust, so if I had steel wool lying around it would have been faster. The springs I have are rather small and there are quite a few of them in there so I think it should be enough.. if not I still have plenty more I can use.

Thanks Matthew! I can picture everyone in colder states than I leaving it in their cold garage or shed and getting minimal results even after a week. Hopefully mine will be ready before that, maybe even after I fail my chem final tonight

This is a completely new idea to me so I decided to mix up a small batch to test on a few items I am working on. I just took about a half a liter of distilled white vinegar and added a handful of rusty springs. After about a half an hour I checked back in on it and no reaction or change at all seemed to be happening. I decided to up the temperature a bit to see if that helped and after about 2 minutes in a hot water bath the springs were covered in bubbles and gas was steadily being released. So as far as I can tell warmer conditions promote a more rapid result for making Vinegaroon. I might be wrong though considering this is my first time, I guess I could talk to my chemistry instructors but I loathe chemistry.

One thing also to remember is that you will need to fit the right grip over a throttle sleeve of some sort, not just over the bar. It might be a good idea to purchase a set of grips for the bike, or get the existing grips and cover them. This will allow them to be uniform in size, as well as it can provide you with a nice chrome end cap to make everything look nice, just like wolvenstein's example.

I guess its time I stop lurking and introduce myself! I've been tooling off and on... well mostly off for 8 years. Most of my work has been for myself, a few thing here and there for friends co-workers. I work around Harley's and would love to get into making custom seats instead of just the tank panels I have been making lately. I need to work on my tooling a bit more first though. Hopefully I will get the motivation/ideas/assistance I need to grow as a leatherworker by being active on here. Here is a link to my deviantART site: andymanak's dA page -Andy