YinTx

Metal zips mostly for aesthetics, but also my perception that they will last longer. I'll let you know what I finally end up doing, hoping for more opinions and suggestions before I dive in again.

I've been trying to make a zippered portfolio gusset for a 3 ring binder, but have not been having luck. Tried using the instructions from the Making Cases by Stohlman, but it is resulting in really tall dimensions and a zippered gusset that just won't open all the way up. Most commercially available portfolios use a single side of the zipper tape, resulting in a "U" shape at the top. However, the metal zippers I have (riri) will not function with only one side of the tape, as the shape of the teeth will not mesh universally. What type of zippers are you all using to accomplish this, or is there a better way? It has been really frustrating for me, and resulting in a lot of wasted leather and a very late delivery for a customer. I've tried contacting Buckle Guy regarding the types of zips available, but they seem perplexed and fixated on the fact that the image I have is of a plastic zipper, which obviously I don't want for leather, but was the only thing I had around to illustrate what I am trying to do. Thank you all for some help! YinTx

Merry Christmas to you, Ferg, and to everyone else as well. I pray you have a full recovery. Each day is a gift, something I get reminded of all too often. YinTx

Also, I've probably stitched less than 10 yards with that machine in 10 years. Feeling like I didn't get my $ out of it, lol!

Sorry it's been a hot minute since I posted and haven't responded. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any nameplate on this machine at all, only a sticker that says BGMC. It is a cylinder arm machine. The user guide I have been using is from a Cowboy 3200 and Techsew 2700, not sure if that helps. I'll give BGMC a call with the numbers you gave me when I get a spare minute. Thanks much for these resources, I'll check them out. Thank you guys for the info, when I get an opportunity to get the belt replaced, I'll let you all know how it worked out! YinTx

@DieselTech, I'm not sure but I'm on my way to check it out.

Impressive build, from tip to toe. A showcasing of many different skills in there, that most of us only hope to master one of! A tip of the hat to your, sir!

Your bag is really nice. Where did you get the hardware? I was debating getting some off of a wrecked bag...

Awesome work!

So, I think this is called an armshaft connecting belt, it is on a Bogle (Consew 226R style) sewing machine. I've looked on the Techsew page and Google, but have not found one. I see some on Ebay for what I think is a lot of money for a belt ($80+). Can someone let me know what this is, and where to get one? I'd like to get my machine functional again. Thanks! YinTx

Nice work! How many hours do you think that took?

Came out super clean! I like the edge wrap.

What an awesome presentation set! So many skills in all of this. Nicely done!

Thanks, I tend to overdo the gilding on leather work, and sometimes simpler is better. I just completed one with no stamping, no tooling, no dye work. Huh, kinda liked it!

Just fantastic.

I did another, and shortened the strap just a bit, but wanted to be able to get a grip on it with gloves on, since this is going to a ranch hand in South Texas. He seemed happy. Will post a photo when I get some time on my hands, maybe next month! I like that style also, very simple design. Thanks for the compliment! I think maybe these were more popular in the past. I've altered the design a bit, and made a lined version that came out pretty well. Haven't deciphered adding a thumb break to the inside of this design, everything I've conjured up looks a bit awkward and a bit complicated to fabricate. I think that is more suited to a flatback or pancake style. Would be interesting to see this for the glock!

I appreciate that. Lots of wrecked leather to get decent at stamping, still not the best, but it is passable! Thank you. Yea, this one I think would be mostly suited for ranch work, camping, hunting etc. I've done a few more designs with the suggestions, and tried my hand at thumb breaks, but I'm not sure this style works with a thumb break very well. Flat back and pancake holster designs seem work pretty well for thumb breaks, but I'll keep learning.

I may take you up on that, but will have to wait a few months. I am too busy to be considered retired!

There is a whole lot going on in that tooling. So many different textures and techniques needed to get to the end result. Excellent 3D rendering, down to the bowed boards. I've always been a bit baffled about how to get a good rendering of an object like a 2x4, and you have those types of shapes all over the place. Clouds, rocks/dirt, plants, framing with coverings, trees, on and on. Nicely done, I can only imagine the amount of learning that had to go into the end result!

Very nice. If there is anything I have learned, it is that nothing in leather work is ever _simple_. Not even a strap!

Excellent work! thank you for sharing with us.

Nice daunting work. I would have been tempted to put a backing piece of leather for the belt loops to attach to so they didn't damage the leather more. What are the decorative rivets? The backs look like cartridge primer and base.

Seriously!? Cool. Maybe I have it then! and I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't do that!

@MtlBiker, @Wepster, @fredk, @Wizcrafts, @Rossr Thank you all for the info! Rossr hooked me up for now, I may need to purchase some individual components to fit different work I do, so I'll keep all the recommendations in mind.

That is a neat flower! Did you come up with it, or is a pattern you have from somewhere? I like how it looks like the wind has it bent out of shape.