74inchshovel

I bought a Boss about 20 years ago, I’ll share my thoughts on it. I never ran any sort of sewing machine prior so the learning curve was long. There were quite a lot of frustrating moments but they were all user error. Running this machine successfully is a skill that takes a bit to be learned. Backstitching is still tough however but like with a lot of things there are work arounds. But most importantly is the customer service. Always there, always outstanding. A phone call gets any part shipped, always in stock. Any questions get answered by people that know this machine inside out. Hope this helps

If I might inquire, why did you not like it? Was just at Tandy Leather looking at the same machine (?)

Thanks for the input guys, looking into it!

Hello, looking for some high end hardware, to use for securing case, briefcase closure. Would love referrals for anything that was not made overseas, I had a source a while back but can't seem to find them. They had a catalog you could download. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, Mike The photo is of a past project to give an idea what I'm looking for

Nice, very nice. I have made a couple of briefcases and this makes mine look, well, like I need to raise the bar. Very clean, crisp. Well done Where did you get the brass that goes from handle to case? Thanks

Very nice! I love clean well crafted items and this sure fits the bill. Might I ask one thing though? Where did you get the black thread? Seems the only black I can find is not compatible with my boss. Again, nice job.

Thanks for the kind words all. My problems with finishing are in the application, what do you use for applying the dyes that Tandy sells? I have tried both oil and alcohol based, it always looks streaked or blotchy unless I put so much on the leather is just soaked. Airbrush? I misspoke a little bit, the top and bottom are molded together, clamped, and dried to the point of being very slightly pliable, then taken apart, glued, clamped, and final dried. Rohn- the weights are in the 8 ounce range, unless I go with 3 layers, then maybe 4-5 ounce. The beauty of 3 layers is it does not matter what goes in the middle, a good use for pieces otherwise not usable, and 3 layers comes out very ridged and durable. So yes, I can definitely see it for paintball armor. Some great suggestions for trimming, food for thought. If any one is going to try this, part of my learning curve was finding out that when you tighten a C clamp, it sheds very fine pieces of metal sometimes. It's amazing how much a tiny piece of steel will stain wet leather. I now oil the threads. Thanks again!

This is my first post on this site with the exception of my introduction. What I like to do the most in leatherwork is wet molding. Molds are made on a wood lathe, bowls are 2 to 3 thicknesses of leather. The layers are glued wet, together with titebond (a wood glue) and left to dry. A lot of clamping is used. Still have not come up with a good way to trim it round when it's dry. The thickness at this point is 1/4 to 3/8" and because of the plywood effect of the leather and glue, is very tough to cut by hand. Still have a lot to learn, finishing being one of my biggest weaknesses.

If anyone could help with this, it would be appreciated- how do I get picture megabytes down to the level the site will allow a download? Most likely not a site issue, man I am bad at this stuff. I will go back into my cave, chat with Wilma, and thanks in advance to any help!

Greetings-Just found this site, am so glad. I am self taught, which means I have a lot of things to "unlearn". I make a few mistakes in some areas, looking forward to members sharing their wisdom as time goes by. Everything I have read here is so supportive and non-confrontational. I like wet molding, will put up some pics in the show off section. I also like geo/basket weave tooling, but not so good at it. Once again, so glad I found you!