Tramps Leatherworking

Me too... Nice job.

From what I can see in the photo, it looks pretty good to me... What advice are you looking for?

I have had this machine (Consew 227R-2) for a while now, and I am quite happy with it... I have no complaints at all. It is very easy to use, and it is very versatile... It will sew 46 to 207 thread with no issues.

Hi Suzanne, I have put this machine through it's paces, and I am quite happy with it's performance... I can use everything from 46 to 207 thread with no issues at all... I highly recommend this machine, and the good people at Nick-O-sew. I think you would be very happy with this machine...

I agree with electrathon, I use my CSO head knife for skiving, and most of my other cutting... I have yet to cut myself with a round, or head knife, because I am very careful, and have respect for what any knife can do to your skin... I love it... The other knife I use often is a 7" Jeremiah Watt Straight Knife... I never use a utility knife, they are not stable/accurate enough for me...

If you are never going to take leatherworking beyond the craft phase, I agree --- otherwise, you will want better tools... The difference in the quality of your work may not be huge, but it will be noticeable...

Looks great, I like it...

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish... I have/use Barry King, Weaver Master Tools, C.S. Osborne, and a few Tandy Craftools...

Stacey, welcome to the forum! There are lots of people here who can help you improve your technique, and therefore, improve the overall look of your items... Read as much as you can on here that is of importance to what you wish to achieve --- you will be amazed at the wealth of information... So, grab your leathers, climb on, and enjoy the ride...

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, or a BK salesman, it's hard to beat Barry King tools for the price and quality...

These old machines sometimes get a bad wrap on here --- I have two 90+ year old Singer 127 treadle machines that I got for free, cleaned them up, replaced the belts and bobbin wheels, put them into use in my shop, and I have made lots of money with them... Do they have their limitations, absolutely, but so do the $2000.00+ machines we buy today...

Well, if the OP isn't totally confused by now i'm amazed... Just get yourself a decent servo (shop around for the best deal) buy a ball bearing SR, I have this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Nick-O-Sew-NKS-SR2-3-6-9-Dual-Speed-Reducer/151545749209?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28797%26meid%3Dbc151193770f4cb9b367fb8ec318f8f2%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D381157749794 mount them on your table, and enjoy...

This is why I use a properly sharpened head knife for most cutting, it eliminates most of the pull on the leather that can create a lot of head scratching when the cutting is finished... I also use a Jeremiah Watt single bevel straight knife so I can hold the flat part of the blade right against the straight edge.

Nice Job!

I have used it for years, and have no issues with the results... I use the original formula in the red and yellow can.

French Lick is about 100 miles south of me, I have never heard of this show... I might have to check it out --- they have a gambling boat there also if you are interested in donating your money to the house...

Not bad, I'm sure you learned a lot from the experience, and your next holster will be better for it, enjoy the ride!

I just bought a quart of Barge's thinner for about $13.00 --- I use it for thinning the Barge's cement, cleaning brushes, separating old glued items, etc...

I wouldn't worry too much about them, just use them and pound away...

I can't imagine why I would ever need one of these monsters, but they sure do look awesome...

Thor, Bob is right, over burnishing can cause the edge to become rough...

OK, I will go first... I don't think there is really a correct answer here, any of the major brands should serve you well. My latest machine is a Consew, and to this date *knocking on wood* I have had zero issues with it, and I would buy it again... That being said, my next machine will probably be a Cobra class-4. Next!

I have used plastic pill bottles, wooden dowels, felt wheel on a dremel, etc... For quite sometime, I have just used a piece of canvas --- when my arthritis is giving me fits, which is quite often, I will use the dremel or drill press and be very careful not to over burnish.

I'll make some Popcorn...