billybopp

I have to confess - When I saw the MAN-SEW on that device, my mind immediately went back to the 90s/2000s and a very politically incorrect US TV show!!

Your father's car looks like a Ford Model A convertible. It probably has a rumble seat too. Those are a LOT of fun - I got to drive one many years ago. The first car I ever drove on-road was a 1965 Ford Falcon Futura 2-door that my Dad bought just after I came along and he realized he needed something more reliable to drive! We had 122 acres of wooded land that Dad optimistically called "The Farm" about 7 miles from the house, mostly on back roads. We went out one Saturday morning to do a little hiking, and as we got in the car to drive home, Dad said "You want to drive"? I said "Sure". When we got home, Mom caught us driving up to the house - She was LIVID! I was 14. LOL The first car I could call my own when I was 16 was a 1968 Buick LeSabre that my aunt wanted to get rid of, and they didn't want to give her anything for trade-in. What a land-yacht that thing was! One of these days, I need to get the pictures I have of those two cars scanned in - I dont have digital copies of them yet.

What I'm seeing looks like there may have been something on the leather that wasn't letting dye through. I'd try deglaze/clean before dying. - Bill

@edge88 I'm interested! Message sent.

In general, you WANT the stitch holes to be as tight as possible while still stitchable ( is that a word)? Make sure the chisels are going all the way through, so that the back-side is up onto the tines - past the point so that it's fully open. As mentioned by @chuck123wapati, you can wiggle the needle a bit to stretch the hole some, as it will have shrunk back some after it was punched. When you thread the needle, double or even triple pierce the thread to help keep the "knot" an inch or so behind they eye of the needle. If the knot creeps up to the eye, it'll be far more difficult to pull through. Hope that helps! - Bill

Check with University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology/ Penn's Anthropology dept. They may have some resources to help you out. - Bill

I don't think so. There were a lot of toolmakers around Newark 100+ years ago. Have you tried a pencil rubbing of the lettering above Newark - It can ALMOST be read, but not quite! - Bill

Happy New Year to All.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Hmmmmm. The caliper looks like it's a bit under a quarter. And yet the picture shows three quarters thick. Things that make you go Hmmmmmm. - Bill

Looks good!! .. And darned comfy. Now all it needs is a matching side-table with a nice tall drink. - Bill

Happy Thanksgiving to all! - Bill

This is a bit older, but may give you an idea of what is/was available from Tandy/Craftool .... Some of the older discontinued ones MIGHT be found on eBay as well. Craftool Conversion Chart.pdf - Bill

@Chipster99 So, technically, you could use pure grain alcohol from the local liquor store…but most wouldn’t want to waste that on a dye job, lol! Oh yeah. THAT would be alcohol abuse!!! I use 90% isopropyl, and it works well and is not hard to find. The more common 70% isopropyl did not work as well for me, but if that's all I've got around and it's a small project, I'll use it. 70% just seems to be slightly more likely to give an uneven finish. - Bill

Most dyes will rub off a little bit. Avoid USMC black - it's notorious for a LOT of rub off. I use fiebings pro black, and get a little rub off, but not much. - Bill

If you're using stick form compound, it doesn't really matter - I don't oil tho. Oil/grease is helpful if you're using a dry powdered compound. - Bill

You may have to figure out a jig that'll work with your press and letter stamps. Get creative!

Gloves are pretty complex to make, but I've got a pair of commercially made rabbit lined gloves that I LOVE in winter!

@DieselTech Happy Birthday!! That knife looks awesome! Enjoy it in good health. - Bill

I'd buy it if the price is right!!

Here's a link to the first part of Nigel Armitage's sewing tutorial. It's lengthy, but also quite complete!

It's not uncommon for front/back stitch to not exactly match. If it's really bad, that can be an indication that the thread you're using is too thick for leather thickness. Check out saddle-stitching videos by Nigel Armitage. Four parts. A bit lengthy but very thorough.

I use kevlar cut resistant gloves when I have a bunch of veggies to cut up, and they've saved me a time or two. I don't see why they wouldn't work for other uses as well! - Bill

When you find an answer, please share! Could be terribly useful. - Bill

If you want to get dye off of your hands, try to find "Dye Gone II" dye remover. The stuff works great!! - Bill