BigMatt

There is a store in Indianapolis called Landwerlen that has some cheap Wickett and Craig black bridle sides. They got them as a surplus item and they have a limited supply.

You don't really punch holes on a granite slab do you?

If the clam is still available, I will take it. PM sent...

Thanks, jonasbo, your opinion means a lot to me. Your briefcase was an inspiration when I started with leatherworking. I don't know why I thought VB irons would improve my stitching, I am just looking to improve everything. I see the masters using VB irons and I can't help but think there is something about them. Made any new cases lately?

I know it isn't what you asked for, but here is a sample I made last night. It is 532 Lin Cable with 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, and 3mm diamond hole punches. The 3mm is about 8.5 SPI and the 4mm is about 6.35 SPI. I need some Vergez Blanchard Pricking irons...

OK, I tied the roller guide and while it does a good job, I can't get close enough to the edge because of interference with the feed dog. I still have about 1/8" and I am looking for between 1/16" and 3/32". I am thinking that a presser foot guide wouldn't get me much closer because the closest one is 1/8". I am looking for a guide that would nestle right up next to the presser foot. Any thoughts before I go off the deep end and buy a swing down guide?

Thanks for all of the input. I think I will start with the roller guide I already have and go from there. Those swing down guides are super cool. I have experience drilling/tapping cast iron so installation shouldn't be a problem. They really look like the bee's knees. How rigid are they? They don't flex at all? I have seen the straight guides for quilting, but I wasn't sure how they would work on leather. I will probably try those out too.

Thanks all for the replies. I have a set screw type guide like the one pictured. I just need to get a different thumb screw to match the threads in the bed of the machine. Uwe, that is exactly what I was looking for - first hand knowledge of the presser foot guide that your video illustrates. I understand it will probably just come down to personal preference, but I was hoping to get a perspective on the matter. Also, I was wondering if a swing down guide would be better. Any input on this would be great. Attached are the pictures of my machine.

I have a Singer 531b -8bl that I believe is the same as a Consew 206rb1. I would like to stitch close to the edge on turned edges. What would be the best guide? I think I can get a roller guide or a presser foot with a built in guide. What is the best method?

There is a supplier in Indianapolis called Landwerlen that has some cheap Wicket and Craig black bridle sides. I don't think they are quite 11-12oz but they are $130. At their price I might get a few myself.

Sold

Here are pictures of the machine.

I have a Singer 111w155 that I am selling. It has an older table and a new servo motor. There is a repair on the takeup lever that does not affect the function. The table has a little sway in it (like a lot do). Overall it is a good looking old machine. It sews great, but I found a newer machine with reverse and I decided to sell this off to make up some of the cost. I am in New Castle Indiana and I would be willing to deliver within 1 hour. I am asking $500 with the new motor. I can't ship it, but you are welcome to come and look at it any time. Bring some leather to test it out! I prefer calls at 317-361-2601. I will also respond to PM on this site. I will be posting pictures later today.

I ordered two locks from them. They shipped on Wednesday and I got them on Friday. I couldn't believe it. I am in Indianapolis.

I see now, that makes sense. Thanks for the reply! By the way, what should something like this cost? I am trying to decide what to tell the guy before I invest a lot of time and money in this bag.

DebHop, thanks for sharing the pattern. I got a call to make a sissy bar bag and I was wondering what the best way to attach it. Is there a generic attachment style or will I need measurements from the actual bike. What is the best way to attach a bag to a sissy bar? I am also thinking I might need to make some sort of floor support so it doesn't collapse over the edges of the frame. BTW, it is for a new model Indian. Attached is a picture of the bike and an Idea of the sissy bar...

Wow, I am not a mechanic, but I think you are overthinking things on the stitch length. When you set it to 5spi, is it stitching 5spi? If so, I would think that your stitch length is set correctly. To answer your #2 question, I have a 111w155 and the lowest stitch length indicator it has on the wheel is 5.

I use a punch to make a dent in the flat side, then I drill it out being careful to stay in the center. Once you get through (for the most part) you can pull it apart with needle nosed pliers.

Thanks Monica, we shall see.

Don't forget to stop by No.9 grill while you are there.

Thanks Thor.

I am also from Indiana. Where abouts are you? I live in New Castle and work on the East side of Indianapolis. Maybe we can get together sometime. Nice saddle by the way!

Sorry for the late reply. This is croc. I dyed it with spirit dye and after rubbing it down with a cloth it ended up with a pretty nice finish.

Update: I have a potential buyer for it. Since I posted it on my blog, someone contacted me about it and I think it is sold.

Thanks, it was originally for a customer, but he backed out, so I guess it is for me. I have come to really like it though. I was partial to tan briefcases, but this has really grown on me in the last few weeks. It was a lot of work. I learned a lot and I am pretty sure I could knock another one out in 20-30 hours.