JerseyFirefighter

Thank you both. I will look into those models and vendors. I guess truth be told since they really dont lose much value, when im ready to step up to the big boy table I can offset the cost with selling whichever one I pick up.

Hello guys and gals. Im sorry to beat this topic like the dead horse that it is in the sewing machine world. Ive read some very good information in this sub and appreciate the expertise. The only problem I seem to have is that most suggestions for machines are well over a thousand dollars. As a newer hobbiest just starting to get his feet wet into selling items I would like to know if there are suitable machines that can withstand the rigors of sewing leather on a small volume scale for the interim before I know that sewing is for me, and that a few thousand dollars seem more like a wise investment than a risk. I started looking into vintage singers and even then find it difficult to wade through all of the models over the years. My main materials would just be sewing a thin lining on 9-10oz leather. Would something like a Singer 251-2, juki ddl555-5, or a Singer 121h be viable options? are there any recommended machines that can be had within the $200-500 range? Id have no problem selling the machine off when im comfortable and ready to upgrade. Thank you for your input in advance.

Hello. I have a decent place that sells silver trigger swivels for about .70 a piece. I'm looking for a place that sells black and brass trigger swivels that are squared at the end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the input. I think the problem I had with the dome rivets were the close proximity, which would spread further as the collar was formed around the neck. Future similar designs will be spaced a little further apart so there is no compression against the rivets. The two rivets around the D ring are chicago screws threadlocked in. Theyve held pretty well on a collar my 85lb Doberman has worn for the past 2 years and man does he pull sometimes.

So I got the opportunity to make a custom dog collar. I am really pleased with the way this one turned out. I really wish I was able to line the inside to conceal the rivets, but the dome rivet placement kept me from it. Turns out I rather prefer making collars over most firefighter stuff. Anyway, here she is.

Thank you for the resources. I appreciate it.

Hey folks. Perhaps some of you might be able to direct me to the right material for my application. I have made a few helmet bands for fellow firefighters over the past few months and have hit a snag. One specific model helmet has a slight curvature at the base that makes the band want to ride up and over the helmet. I have seen a company utilizing a rubber material to act as an anti slip solution, but it's not likely theyd share their source of material with me. If anyone would have any insight I would greatly appreciate it. Here are some examples of the bands. My intention is to either sew it or rivet small sections in place where the ribs of the helmet meet the band. Side note: I have tried local hardware stores to no avail. Any online retails places give thicknesses from 1/16th to 1/4" and I have no idea the rigidity or softness of said rubber that would be best for my application. I know our guys have used rubber similiar to inner tube tires to wrap around their helmets to hold tools.

Thank you! They are showing them in stock. Hopefully this comes through. I had to stop a CC payment to a company that took 3 weeks with no word...then did not return any calls or emails. *fingers crossed* So many cool things get discontinued from Tandy... This being one of them.

Hello. Up to this point ive used Hermann Oak 9-11 oz veg tan for making collars. I have been getting requests for collars that require a substantial hardware cost and was wondering if Latigo or Bridle is the status quo for higher end collars. I assume that anything aside from the standard 5 or so colors they come pre-dyed that veg tan would be necessary. I guess what I'm trying to ask is those in the dog collar business would you say you work exclusively with latigo and or bridle, or would a top quality veg tan be a suitable alternative. If that be the case i'd like to buy some straps and mess around with them. Ive had great success with using veg and drum dyed for my boy, but when I look at collar businesses some go out of their way to say they use latigo, while others dont even mention what type of leather they use. Thanks in advance.

So it's been discontinued by Tandy and I had got burned by a site that said they had it. Anyhow, even in a long stretch... im looking for (4) Milan pink heart conchos Item 7996-01. Thanks in advance if you might help me strike it lucky.

Im not sure why I didnt think of that. Thank you very much. I guess when shopping for the tool my mind shifted towards the notion that I needed a rubber mat. Also a great suggestion. Im gonna have to look and see if I can find anything local. Thank you as well.

Hey folks.. I wonder if you happen to have a suggestion for finding a rubber mat locally for setting decorative rivets. I see the Tandy kit has a concave rivet setter (same one I have for double cap rivets yes?) and a rubber mat. Since the photos are all of lower quality im not sure what type of rubber I should be looking for (thickness, hardness, etc). I guess I could buy the kit but it seems silly to have duplicate setters all for the sake of a small rubber mat. Thanks!

I JUST bought some blue thread locker today for this specific purpose. sandwiching 2 pieces of 8/9oz just misses the depth my chicago screws need. a little loctite could go a long way.

Agreed. There are soo many different tools for soo many different projects Justin. I think it's great you chose a future hobby that breaks the stereotypical mold. You'd be surprised how people will take to your accomplishments and what someone is capable of doing with raw materials. Let us know what you are looking to make and the great group of people here will point you in the right direction to get you started. Best of Luck!

Disregard, I found a link. For anyone with future interest its an ITW Wide Guard Side Release Buckle. http://www.hudson4supplies.com/itw-wide-guard-sr-3-4-20mm-black.html

Hey folks. Could anyone direct me to where I may find chinstrap buckles for fire helmets? They are the ones with the wide flared release tabs like the one below. Thank you for your help in advance!

I had made mine with an 8//9 oz drum dyed hide and found it a bit thinner than say the boston leather ones. I made mine 1" wide with all black hardware. Since I dont have a tandy anywhere near me it sucks not having the ability to hand pick exactly what you want. From here on in im ordering natural veg tanned 9/10 oz sides for all my leather work. @thor , Not all gear has radio pouches stitched in and varies from dept to dept. For US there's really no regs for radio straps unless there are specific mandates by your dept. A growing consensus is that use of a radio strap underneath your turnout coat is the most beneficial means of carrying a radio (I disagree but I still use mine when making shoe runs)

Ingrid! Nice to see you here. I too am trying to expand my abilities. Carving is kicking my butt!

Interested. Pm sent

Southpaw?! Looks great. Hand stitched or machine?

Id been looking at an http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-MH18B-Portable-Propane/dp/B0002WRHE8 The cheapest I found was 110. A propane heater able to heat 420 sq ft. I have about 6 propane tanks so I know this would work. I would use this heater then once the area is warm, utilize a celing mounted infrared heater to maintain the warm atmosphere. Your mileage may vary.

Looks good from my super novice opinion. Place more emphasis on squaring hardware though (unless you were going for that)

Thank you folks. I bought a double shoulder of 8/9 oz from Zack Whites and am currently waiting its arrival, as well as a considerable hardware order from strapworks.com for a few projects on my try list. I will end up going and grabbing some natural veg tan for some red/brown projects, but I see black being the overwhelming choice of color for things I have coming down the pike. Thank you very much for giving your input. Looks like I need to buy some copper rivets as well.

Hey guys, I appreciate all the info i've found on this site. Up until now, I have made a few dog collars and small firefighter stuff. I have been buying 8/9 oz natural veg tan belt blanks to do this work. I know that what I buy can be had for cheaper when buying a whole side, shoulder, back, etc. but what im not sure of is if it is more economical and commonplace to buy black leather and not have to go through the dying process. The majority of work I do is/will be black, and when I come across a friend that wants a different dye, I may pony up for a larger natural veg tan buy. Am I missing out on the difference between the two? Are there pros and cons to buying black vs natural? The work in question besides dog collars would be helmet bands, F/F Shields, glove keeps, and maybe one day I'll get the stones to make my own pair of suspenders. Side note, I can't find a good answer about cuts of leather without finding a novel about leather and its origins. For the work in question I cant figure out what the better cut of leather for my purposes would be. Lastly and I know im being a pain, but for the firefighter guys in the group, are copper rivets a defacto for the FD stuff or just more ornamental over brass plated rivets? Thanks a whole bunch you gents. I cant wait to get my first 15-20 sq ft to practice tooling and larger starter projects.

Old thread, but I was wondering if any of you made out with a suitable glow in the dark application? I was considering this solution that is essentially glow in the dark powder that can be mixed into acrylics. The green has the longest glow time, however it does not speak to if it has a shelf life. The video recommends mixing with light colors and or use a light background with a mixed clearcoat to increase reflectivity. Anyhow, I started down this path today and got a small bottle of the paint on acrylic stuff out of curiosity. I havent had a chance with foxfire's solution, but id venture to say the results might equally be pretty cool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZarSTpkF2pw