billybopp

Hmmm. I wasn't aware of this! Might be fascinating to check that out. Thanks. - Bill

Floral carving has been around for centuries. The differences are in how things are laid out, to some extent size, and a number of other factors. Some of it is individual style, some artists combine styles making it all the harder to pigeonhole things. So why pigeonhole them at all! Just as with paintings, styles and such can be hard to distinguish to the untrained eye but eventually it all starts to make sense. This may help - http://toolingtheus.com/ -Bill

Very nice indeed! - Bill

"There's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark out, we're wearing sunglasses and leather bowler hats." "Hit it"

@toprank your website English option isn't working, you may want to check with your webmaster. - Bill

Congrats! That's awesome! - Bill

There's actually a lot of truth in that one when that person also has a "work smarter not harder" mindset. - Bill

When I die I want to go nice and quiet in my sleep just like dear old grandpa. Not yelling and screaming like his passengers. - Bill

Well done! - Bill

This mask would look right at home on the set of "Hellraiser". - Bill

Looks great! Sometimes simple is just right. - Bill

I resemble that remark!

Sad news indeed! He will be terribly missed here and in our community in Philadelphia. Condolences to his family and friends.

LOL! Thanks for a good laugh to start my day! - Bill

Those are awesome guys! Thank you for sharing. - Bill

For sure! LOL! I wanted a GOOD belt but didn't want to pay $100 for it. It would've been a bargain at that price, I don't really know how much it ended up costing - the $ is STILL adding up. But then I wouldn't have had something that I really enjoy as a hobby, so no regrets. I wish I had known that you can do a HECK OF A LOT of leatherwork with tools that I already had, or were pretty inexpensive down at the hardware store. - Bill

Thanks! I didn't know that. I haven't bought solder in a very long time since I don't do electronics for a living anymore and the plumbing here is just about all plastic now. BTW - I'm sure I'm not alone in that I'd love to see some of your stained glass work if you're up to sharing. The skills of people on here in addition to leatherwork never ceases to amaze. Y'all are a talented bunch! - Bill

LOL! Soldering alone is at least a 3-handed job usually. Trying to hold a camera at least 4 hands! Nice use for vice grips there. When soldering electronics I use a small vice designed to hold circuit boards, or if I'm just soldering wires together, one of these. The magnifying glass is a huge help too. When I was a mainframe computer tech, I carried both in my tool kit. I also bought a phone holder with a ring light with intent of using it to do video with, but now that I spend my days on web camera in Zoom conferences, it's been co-opted for holding my webcam. Thanks for the video! - Bill

Great stuff! @Frodois totally right - Acid flux can be nasty stuff! In the world of electronics we use rosin flux core solder that doesn't eat away at metals but it is not suitable for this application: The rosin flux isn't strong enough for this use, it just doesn't have the "cleaning power" needed. They also make acid core flux solder for plumbing which is also not the best choice for this use, there's just not enough flux there to do the job. When buying solder, the type without a core is your best choice when you're using a separate flux. Thanks @cseeger! This is great stuff. The socket trick is great. I couldn't justify the price of a doming tool, but I have sockets and a small ball peen hammer. What a find on your gold coin! And you're totally right about reading those text books. I remember them well, and your comment in the addendum made me shudder just a bit as I remembered. I'm curious, though, do you use silver solder for your jewelry pieces? It has a considerably higher melting point, but tends to make a really strong bond. - Bill

My Dad could've used something like that. He always wore a pocket protector for his shirt for pens and such, but he had a habit of putting tools and things in his pants pockets which eventually lead to them ripping. It drove Mom crazy! I have a friend that could probably use one of these - maybe I'll have to make one for him! - Bill

If you are handy, and have the space and resources you may want to check out this YouTube video series on building a laser cutter. As mentioned above, take away the laser and mirrors and replace with a drag knife, and a little improvisation you have pretty much what you are looking for. If you add a Z access and a cutter head you have a CNC machine. If you replace the cutter head with an extruder, you have a 3D printer. There is at least one manufacturer out there that makes a machine with interchangeable heads to do these things, but I can't remember the name! They were pretty pricey though. This YouTube might also be helpful https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4njCTv7IRbwDZ-iLPD2GSWrX_a8KFtU4 - Bill

Both are acrylics, but acrylic is a broader term than most think. They are not all exactly the same. MOST are compatible, but not all! - Bill

Ouch! But you're replying here, so it must have gone reasonably well!! Welcome back. - Bill

LOL! That's awesome. Reminds me of my Dad, who used to say "I thought I was wrong once, but then I found out I was mistaken about that". - Bill

Yeah. It is all a bit confusing, and some of the terminology isn't set in stone! Some of the reasons for that are that pricking irons have been around for a very VERY long time (a century or more) while the others are much newer, they also at a quick glance look a LOT alike, and there are also multiple languages involved in the discussions. Just about a perfect storm for confusion. Furthermore, there can be some overlap in the way that they are used (you don't HAVE to use a tool in the intended way!). In time, some of the terminology may stabilize - but I doubt it. Until then we'll just have to continue to ask folks to clarify if there's any question. - Bill