Tramps Leatherworking

Ray, Disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate is one of dozens of varieties of phosphates used as food additives. It’s derived from mined phosphate rock which is purified to isolate the phosphorous and further processed to add sodium or other desired molecules. “It is basically a mineral that comes out of the ground and is then processed into a synthetic chemical." Phosphates are used for an array of reasons, serving as leavening agents to fluff up foods, in nondairy creamers to reduce acidity, in lunchmeat to keep it moist, in bread to keep it from molding, and in cheese to help it keep its shape. It’s also used to prevent potato products from blackening and to keep tuna from discoloring or drying out. I think I would worry more about being ran over by people driving and texting on cell phones...

Mike , did you learn that after discovering the Sun causes cancer also?

There are many places on the net that sells motorcycle jacket patterns --- If you have an old jacket, or can find an old jacket at a second hand store in your size you can reverse-engineer it and make a pattern from that... Good luck, and be sure to post pictures when you are finished!

I just finished reading that book again, it is a good read...

I concur with Constabulary, unless there is a mechanical issue, I would not disassemble the machine any farther than is necessary to give it a thorough cleaning...

Ultimately, it's a matter of what "feels good in your hand", mine is a 1/2" barrel BK and it is perfect...

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!