Tramps Leatherworking

Welcome to the best leatherworking site on the net... I think you will find that your pony will be easier to use if the top part of the clamp is angled down at about 45 degrees (think roof of a house). It will give you much easier access to the workpiece when sewing and using the awl... The sewing gods also dictate that anything your thread can catch on, it will --- while it may seem like a good idea, the hooks on the pony will most likely just be thread snaggers... Overall, not a bad design... I would also suggest watching a few saddle stitching videos on YouTube --- while not "Rocket Surgery" it can be a little frustrating if not done properly... Good luck and have fun!

Yeah, click on one of the advertisers on this forum, I'm sure they can help you out --- I know Weaver sells those needles...

You asked for opinions and you are receiving them, I don't think anyone would suggest that you just leave a classic machine of any kind to just rust away --- if the mechanical/structural integrity of the machine is at risk, then by all means I would restore it... The machines I have were very well taken care of and required only a good cleaning --- the sphinx decals are still in very good condition, although somewhat worn... Good Luck with your choice.

Stropping, what you are asking is a matter of personal taste --- I have two 90+ year old Singer treadles and all I did was give them a good cleaning and left them in their original condition. I think it gives them character, and I get a ton of compliments on the machines. I use them daily too, by the way...

Not bad --- a little more practice with the machine and you will be fine...

You might want to contact Barry King Tools directly, all the tools I have bought from them have been excellent quality...

Weaver sells conveyor belting for about $27.00 per 1' X 6' --- it is basically the same thing at a much better price. You can buy as many feet as you need to cover your workbench, it makes a great cutting/pounding surface...

I like it, good job!

Nice seat and bike!

Dwight, that can't be a real leather shop. it is too clean and organized --- you may not even be a real leatherworker...

I have a Consew 227 R-2 which was set-up great by Nick-O-sew and it will not sew even 138 thread with a 22 needle, it may not be your main issue, but I would try a larger needle for the 207 thread you are using... Probably at least a #25

Grumble, an inexpensive motorcycle cover, or even a tarp can go a long way in protecting your bike from the elements when stored out of doors, or you could just park it in a spare room of your house...

Karina, thanks for the response --- I was concerned the dies would work only with their brand of snaps, I use CSO snaps...

Been thinking of getting one of those, but I need the good, bad, and the ugly... Need some feedback on anyone who has owned one for over a couple months.

No Hype, no frills --- just the way it should be... Looks great! I can't figure out why more people don't use white thread on Black, it makes for a nice contrast...

Nice job on the seat! I love those old Singer machines, I have two 1920's era treadles that I use almost daily --- it still amazes me what these old machines are capable of sewing...

Friends and family always think they get a huge discount, you either have to accept that, or gracefully decline... When a friend/relative asks how much I will charge them for one of my items I always tell them "More than you are willing to pay." They usually agree...

Ooops, for some damn reason I thought this was my Intro thread --- never mind!

I lived through that era, and I don't ever recall a hippie having anything that looked that nice,,, Good Job!

I do hand carved/tooled leather biker patches also --- they should incorporate your changes to their logo, and something tells me they will... Again, nice job!

Nice job! Cool logo, your design?

Thanks, yeah I've been around for a while, nice to meet you...

Yeah, what she said...

If you do not have access to a machine, then I would probably make the straps from leather --- canvas straps would require quite a bit of sewing --- If you want to go with the canvas, I would make a canvas strap then sandwich the ends between the case and a small piece of leather on top of the canvas, then saddlestitch through the three layers. I hope that makes sense...

I'm with the "wear it like a badge of honor" crowd, I have two black fingers right now...