MADMAX22

Go to a hardware store and get some tnuts and some counter sunk machine screws. 6/32" is the correct size for the counter sunk screw to fit in the snap bottom and retain it properly. http://www.lowes.com/pd_58099-37672-490641_4294856646+4294838086_4294937087_?productId=3035965&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Tee_4294856646%2B4294838086_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1%26page%3D2&facetInfo=Tee

Looks great, I like it.

you can change the angle that you punch with the awl. Also you can change the lay of the thread by which side you start with and which flip you toss the half knot if you use one.

Haha the days before a easy to use internet when you had to learn by trial and error. Point well taken Kevin.

http://www.bootmaker.com/manuals.htm http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25254

Thanks guys good info to have.

Hey all since I am a new owner of one of the cb4500's I have been thrust from the handstitching realm into the machine one and find there are alot of things I have no clue about. Now I understand the needles and such can get blazing hot while stitching away and that you can use a lubricant either ones made for that purpose or something like lexol leather conditioner. Now what I am not sure about is do you forgo this when using bonded nylon or poly since it is prelubed of sorts. Also I assume the thread lube basically allows the thread to feed smoother, cuts down on heat at the needle area, but also can not let the stitches lock in as well (I think correct me if I am wrong). Now to the point of waxing the thread. There seems to be some types of liquid wax (water soluble) that I have scene, also read about this stuff Frankel stitching wax. Now does this give ya the same basic situation where it helps to lock the threads in place like wax does for handstitching? Also can this be ran thru this type of machine with out causing undue stress or potential problems? What do all you experienced folk use in your shops and what have you learned to avoid? Thanks a bunch ahead of time.

Great work as always. Really like how you did your edge seem. That custom brass work sets it off as well.

Ill have to say I appreciate Steve, Bob, and Ryan as I am just getting into sewing machines for my work. Picked up a CB4500 (from neels) and also got a 211G155 from craigslist. Finally got to talk with Steve this morning and Bob also to get some parts for my 211. Ryan was great with helping me with the few questions I had on the 4500 although to be honest it came all setup ready to go. Would recommend any one of these guys to help with both questions and to pick up a machine from. They sure are making my head long plunge into sewing machines far easier. Cant forget our own guys Art and Wizcraft as well. All have been a great help to this greenhorn.

I have to honestly say thats not exactly my style (not a fan of bright green lol) but your abilities are without question. Flawless construction. Really some great work.

Sorry didnt look at this thread for a while. The way to put this on is have a nice warm place, furnace room or a hot summer day, something that will warm up the leather a tad and also the sno-seal. Apply one thin coat. At first it will be kind of oily/waxy feel. Let it sit overnight. If its nice and warm the stuff should have gone into the leather and is now relatively dry. I usually use a horse hair brush to buff it up afterwards. Oh also if need be add a second thin coat to it on the second day if it seems like it really needs it. Just dont over do it.

Thats some great looking stuff Cowboy. I think the carving and design looks killer. Stamping is pristine.

Great looking stuff as allways. I never get tired of looking at your style of work.

Keep checking craigslist, atleast thats what I do. Sometimes you may have to drive a ways but eventually stuff turns up on there. If I had the room and money I would have tried bargaining with this sale http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bfs/2360879047.html but no such luck right now.

http://www.campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=12

Congrats, I am jealous mine wont be here till tomorrow or Monday. Really hope tomorrow so I can play with it this weekend. How was the setup? This is going to be my first real machine. Kayak have you had any issues with yours so far, I have heard nothing but good about this class of machine weather it be cobra, these guys, or one of the many others out there. Would like to know if any one has had any issues though so I can have a heads up.

I am by no means experienced with sewing machines to say the least but I have been picking Art's opinion and a little of wizcraft as well. Not to mention reading tons of stuff both here and all over the web trying to find a sewing machine. I originally was going to try and find a used maybe older style machine but in the end after a couple of weeks of that I decided that for now spending the cash and getting something new that can do everything I want was the way to go. I really did alot of looking around and after deliberating for awhile due to the amount of money I was going to be spending decided on the CB4500. I purchased it from Neels saddlery after talking to him and Bob a couple of times. no offense to Bob at all it was just that I talked to Neel first and they were both as far away from me as the other. The price is pretty darn good over all. Got the whole package with flat table insert and everything should be here friday. The one nice thing about getting one of these cylinder bed machines is that you can basically turn it into a flat bed machine with the table top attachment. I also kept in mind the 16" arm for my own use as well as if I ever need to sell it. I cant give a review of the machine till I get it but I hope it is as good as alot of people say. Similar if not the same machine that is offered by Cobra and others, consew which was alot more expensive and went above my price range. I am in no way worried about purchasing from a one man show either. I think the smaller companies in my experience seem to generally have some very good customer service. No complaints about Neels so far.

Have you tried sno-seal or something along the line of picards or montana pitch blend. All of these do really well at providing protection but need to be reapplied on a regular basis depending on wear and tear. They usually result in a very mellow sheen. Its what I primarily use on everything.

personally that is one reason I just use the blue painters tape on the back. It is much easier to remove.

The higher end tools are nice, however one of the biggest determining factors in the results of your stamping is going to be quality of leather your using and how well you case your leather. With the craft tools you will get decent results for a while by just learning to properly case your leather and by using good quality leather to begin with. I was really surprised the first time I tried WandC leather vs the cheaper tandy stuff. Same tools and same technique and the stamping just looked so much better. Now that being said there is a fine point that you can achieve where the only improvement you will make is by purchasing higher quality stamps and such. Even then it will be after you have achieved alot of experience.