bikermutt07

How much are the 3.85 Crimson Hides?

If you wouldn't mind could you give us a little breakdown on the different leathers? I have cxl, but have always been a little cloudy on the difference between it and Derby and Dublin, and Essex.... They all sound too similar to differentiate between on their website. Thanks, if it's not too much trouble. And I'm pretty clear on Shell.

Update. I have had the 00 for quite some time. I use it the most.

So sorry to hear that. I could buy some scrap Friday if it will help.

Great job.

That's better. Gotta see them blades. Sheath is excellent. I love the 2 tone.

How is this machine utilised? I saw where it is called a creaser, but it looks like it would be useless for anything wider than one set of rollers..... Somebody educate me, please? Thanks

My apologies, I thought it was hand sewn. I have just started playing with machines. I never knew how intimidating they could be.

Welcome abound. When I first started I would not use contrasting thread. It hides the mistakes a little better. Where as contrasting thread makes them pop a bit. I think you are off to a great start. Hit me up if you're around the Bossier area. I have a free piece of granite for ya.

Not really. I decided to go ahead and shoot for a lasted boot and got discouraged in the design phase. And I am starting to get busy not only with work, but side work as well. I will get to them eventually. Lol

Great job and welcome aboard.

Fourthsies....

I'm pretty sure that is just waxes. What is known as bloom, I believe.

I have the 8 inch Weaver Heritage model and I am happy with it. I do not know how old it is or if the current offering from Weaver is of the same quality. I bought mine used. I just recently honed the blade. What a difference?!!

The main problem with exotics is they are a smaller harvest item. You will rarely find them cheap. Different exotics pop here every now and then. And they are usually gone by the time I see the post. I have not seen a good source for alligator myself in the manner for which you are searching. However, @nstarleather is one of these "jobbers" you speak of. But, I haven't ever seen him display any exotics. His stuff is mostly high end shoe and bag leathers. It is beautiful high quality stuff that he passes on to us. Good luck in your search.

I'm really sorry for your loss. If I'm being honest, I haven't heard a good thing about their quality in the 5 years I have been doing leather work.

I'm betting waxes.... Give it a rub. And maybe a little heat.

I was going to suggest Laslo Vass's book. Totally a coffee table book, much to my disappointment...

I bought the Wuta hole punches. They are excellent. I also bought the whole set of half round punches. They needed a little touch up on the belt sander. They are great now.

That is quite a collection. Do you make shoes or just collect them?

You can squeak by with very little in the beginning. The best bang for your buck (in my opinion) will come from Wuta. Their tools are great and reasonably priced. Kevin Lee AKA Crazy Cut Leather will be a step above on pricing and quality , not that there is anything wrong with Wuta. I have been very happy with both companies. They are both out of China and make quality stuff. As a beginner, you could do a lot worse. Anything from these two will be higher quality and for the most part less expensive than any comparable item at Tandy. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153093879880 Here is a great well thought out kit.. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153433833827 And here is a little higher end kit... https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153432722499 And a few items from Kevin Lee... https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153422400512 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153381008578 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153077040125 While you are waiting on these tools pick up a copy of Al Stohlman's Leather Tools and the Art of Sewing. This will give you plenty of reading while you wait a few minutes for your tools to arrive. I have been dealing with Wuta for about 3 years now and nothing from them has ever broken. Any issues I have had, they jumped up to fix. Great folks to deal with. Kevin is a newer find for me but he has some really great upper end tools that don't break the bank. I suggest browsing both of their eBay stores. You won't be disappointed. Good luck.

Interesting information, thanks. I however, don't need another part-time hobby. The few I have are plenty expensive enough. But, it's always fun to daydream.

Oh, I don't have any first hand experience with either. Don't some of the shoe Sanders use a belt system? I have seen what they get for belt grinders and man them things are expensive. Even if the shoe machines are set up slower, couldn't you manipulate some pulleys? I don't know, I'm just daydreaming out loud.

Thanks

Me too.