Tramps Leatherworking

There are some great instructional videos on youtube, and like anything else, it takes practice... You will not regret buying a machine.

The carving and dye job are very nice... Good Job!

I've never made a saddle for a "real" horse --- just iron Horses (Motorcycles), but that looks like a damn fine job...

I learned after looking at the amazing craftsmanship by Hidepounder on his leather rope bag --- I should take up bowling...

Welcome to the site from a fellow Hoosier! You have found the right place to learn, there are some very impressive leather crafters/artisans that hang out here, so jump in and hang on...

As i stated in an earlier post, we all have our opinions and experiences with these machines, but the fact that I have two machines that are 90+ years old --- that have not been rebuilt --- and are still sewing like a champ, is quite impressive and a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that went into building these old machines... I have done nothing mechanical to these machines but keep them oiled...

it appears the outer end of your bobbin hold down clip might be sitting too low causing a gap that is catching your thread.. I have a Consew 227R-2 that I just looked at and the outer end of the bobbin hold down clip is sitting just above the edge of the bobbin case... If you look closely at northmounts pic in post #3, you can compare it to yours... Mine looks just like his, the hold down clip is sitting just above the edge of the bobbin holder. The tread should NOT be able to catch on that corner like in your pic... Does that make sense?

Chrome tanned Latigo is a softer more pliable leather. This leather is produced in either dry or oil tan finish and is ideal for saddle bags, and general horse gear with the exception of any strap goods as chrome tanned leather is subject to more stretch. I have not used this for dog collars, but I think it would serve your purpose. You should give them (Zack White) a call and inform them of what you intend to use this for, I'm sure they can help you make the right choice.

Ask and you shall receive... http://www.zackwhite.com/Latigo-Sides_c_279.html

There is lots of great information and people here --- welcome to the forum...

We all have different opinions and experiences with these machines --- I have two Singer treadles that are over 90 years old and I use them daily for leatherworking. They are easy to maintain and setup and both sew like they were new. I also have new machines that are much more finicky... It would be very interesting to see how many of today's machines are still in use and sewing perfectly 90+ years from now...

Hi, welcome to the forum... I could go into detail how to clean up your stitching lines, but watching this video might be more helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zTOqJCWbfY Happy Leathering!

I don't make mistakes --- I just learn new ways not to do something...

I agree with Bill, marketing and name recognition is the key... Steve Jobs' real genius was in marketing --- convincing people they needed a new phone every year was Genius, and it made him very wealthy.

Jazzman, Although, I am an huge advocate for using the proper tool for the job at hand --- I also allow a particular tools limitations to influence when and if I need to purchase something different... Use the Mallet and you will learn its limitations, and then you can decide if you need a more specialized tool...

There is also a method using heat sublimation...

2012 Heritage...

Welcome to the forum! Remember --- Vincent van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive --- beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

The reason for tempering/slicking your leather is to compact the fibers and take some the stretch out of it --- rubbing leather with a glass slicker when it’s wet will compress the fibers and compact them. You will typically temper stirrup leathers on a saddle. Why? Well, because they are going to carry some of your weight, and if you don't they will have a tendency to stretch out on their own. Tooled belts that are single ply are good to temper as well, since when you stamp them the will have a tendency to stretch --- not only in length but also out of shape. And it does seem to give stamping a crisper appearance, but it will usually take more pressure to achieve the desired results. I do not use a slicker when tooling, nor does anyone I have learned from and most of their stuff looks great, so I think it just comes down to personal preference.

Is this a walking foot machine? How much tension do you have on your presser feet? On some machines I have actually had to lift and lower the presser feet after each stitch on sharp corners to keep the machine from distorting the bottom layer...

Nice job!

I use Osborne --- it's hard to beat them for the price...

Very nice, I think those will fit on my Harley...

Very nice!

If you have an electrical extension cord and someone close to your shop has an out of doors electrical receptacle, well there you go --- problem solved...