Tramps Leatherworking

Try The Thread Exchange... http://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?

Thor, there is no issue with what you described. Sometimes on thin leather I use two straight edges on each side of the item with just the edge to be sanded exposed, and then clamp them in the stitching pony, it works quite well...

On thinner leathers I use 600 grit...

There is nothing wrong with using vinyl for motorcycle seats, some of the most famous names in seat building do just that. Yes, you can use vinyl and leather together in seat construction --- I have made several seats that have a leather top, and vinyl sides. If you are covering a cruiser style seat, that is actually the best construction method. The leather top adds breathability to the part you actually sit on, and the vinyl sides add flexibility, and less seat maintenance.

Nice job! Personally, I like the rivets, everyone has different tastes...

That is pretty flippin' awesome, I like it...

Very nice, a lot of thought went into that, and it shows...

That is truly unique, nice job!

I have bought leather at the Indy store also, and they always call the manager and bring out some leather they have "in the back." I truly believe they keep the lesser quality out on the shelves for the people who may not know exactly what good quality leather is supposed to look, and feel like... The leather I have bought "from the back" is much better quality than what is out front.

Very, very nice!

Very nice!

Nice job, love the embossed gator...

"Customer service" is a phrase most companies throw around shamelessly, but very few practice. Remember when you could go to a service station and the attendant would fill your car with gas, check your oil, clean your windshield, check the air in your tires, etc? Those days are long gone, and we are partially to blame. I have always said that we consumers are our own worst enemy --- one of the richest companies in the US is a company who makes nothing here... It's all about the bottom line, nothing else.

I love these old machines, thanks for posting...

Twisted, what thickness of leather are you trying to use for the side panels? I have used 4-5 oz and wet formed with good results on cruiser seats. Also, a lot of custom seat makers use vinyl for the sides.

I agree with howie696 on the maul, a 2 lb. is better for larger stamps --- for most everyday tooling work I use a 1 lb. Barry King maul. If you are not ready to drop the money on a maul, a rawhide mallet will do just fine--- I would also probably switch out the pear shader for a thumbprint tool... I would buy a good swivel knife right out of the gate, it will make a huge difference in the quality of your cuts... For the small lettering and tight turns you will probably want to include a 1/4" angled swivel knife blade.

I, for one, am very glad that most of those "what if I did" questions NEVER occurred to me...

When buying supplies I always go with the vendors who offer free shipping when you spend a set amount -- Since I hand select all my leather, I go to the source, so I pay no shipping other than my gas of course...

I love the rustic/distressed look of that bag, good job!

Foggymtn, there are tons of machines on the market that will sew what you are describing. Depending on where you are located (shipping costs), we have vendors/dealers who should be able to hook you up with a great new, or reconditioned machine in that price range... Nick-O-sew is in Tn - Toledo (Cowboy Bob) is in Oh, - I believe Cobra Steve is on the west coast - Techsew is in Canada... These are all great dealers and should be able to take care of your needs. (My apologies if I missed any of our dealers)

Yeah, YouTube is full of geniuses with video cameras.

Good job, nice looking bag...

My process is close to Dwights --- light coat on both pieces --- air dry for about 5-10 minutes --- stick them together --- set up the machine and sew...

Very Nice! A+

I polish my awls starting with 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and then finish them with HAPPICH simichrome metal polish, that is great stuff for polishing metal to a mirror finish.