ElNino

Ray, Great idea! Cheers, Chris

I was also thinking about drawer pulls but I don't know if they will hold up to constant wear and tear, how much use would these collars get?

Scouter, If you're looking for QUALITY you might want to take a look at Will Ghormleys buckles http://www.willghormley-maker.com/OWCBuckles.html

David, Very nice, Johanna did a real nice job very clean and easy to navigate Chris

I've got a similar question in another thread, is there a guide for what needles to use for which thread you are using? Also I have seen threads that say egg eye needles are a bad choice but I can't find info as to what would be a better choice. Chris

You guys are really confusing me, I thoufght that the poly and nylon threads tend to be stretchy which would make linen a better choice what am I missing here? Or are we talking about handstitching vs machine stitching? Chris

WOW!! is an understatement Kathy that is a beautiful piece and only five hours? You've got my vote the detail is exquisite! Chris

Art, Thank you it does seem that at least for my first few pieces I will be using linen thread. As far as dying the thread I am guessing that I should dye it before I wax it, my next question is how do you size the needles to the thread? I plan on using Barbour Linen thread. Also I have heard people saying that the egg eye needles are not the best choice but that is all that I have been able to find in Harness needles. Cheers, Chris

I am looking for a good all purpose thread I am leaning towards unwaxed linen, I do expect to be making pieces that will be exposed to the elements and seeing as I live on the coast I should include saltwater. I expect to need 2 or 3 different sizes. I still haven't managed to find any local suppliers so I will still need to have my orders shipped which means it makes more sense to order a few rolls at once. BTW I just received my book order shipped USPS no duties or brokerage fees unlike UPS. Anybody in the UK have any suggestions? Chris

Hi Brent, I have been struggling with this one as well. Anne thanks for the link that cleared up the sizing for me. Al's book also talks abouty using linen thread too but I am also hearing about nylon and polyetster blends. One spool thread will mpre than likely last me a lifetime so I wondering which thread is the best choice and what makes it better, I have heard that linen thread will rot so I am really condused on which way to go. My other question is will waxed thread take the dye color? Cheers, Chris

Drac, Very cool!! Chris

Tom, Very impressive, at some point I would really like to talk to you about cold casting, your work is way cool Chris

Hey Clay, Happy Birthday Enjoy and may you have a fruitful and wondrous day

That link doesn't seem to be working but here is another one, I believe it is the same pony Warren is describring, the spring cafe hinges are a nice touch http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/tutorials...therstitch.html Chris

I'll have to remember that one :w00t:

Marlon, Thanks again. My book order should be arriving any day now so I will try and keep the dumb questions to the minimum Cheers, Chris

Marlon, Thanks, could you tell me what a Poundo board is made of and how thick it should be, I'm picturing a stiff rubber pad which will allow tool points to penetrate without dulling or bending the tip. Knotty Pine is about all you can get here so that's not going to be a good choice. Cheers, Chris

I am trying to source a protecto board or equivalent here in Spain could somebody tell me what poundo board is made of or what I could use instead of, I'm thinking maybe a good piece of cork board but I don't think it will be dense enough. How thick should it be? Cheers, Chris

Bob, Thanks, I can see that I am at the beginning of a very long road Cheers, Chris

I wish I had started this while I was living in the States for many reasons, Hell I was living in NNJ 20 mmins away from CS Osborne. My financial situation is nowhere as liquid as it used to be in the States either. On the plus side you can find a nice Cortico in the mountains and live the "dulce vide" for not a lot of money. Either way I'm not going to go rushing out and ordering a couple of grands worht of tools in one shot, this is going to be a very slow process and some "fork and spoon" tools that will just have to do. first I need to learn stitching and basic design so my first pieces are going to plain and undecorated, my first tools will be a Danny Marlin round knife, some Barry King Edge bevelers, a lacing fid from Bob Douglas and a few other odds and ends either from Tandy or Hidecraft, living in Spain means I need to establish a relationship with a supplier to hopefully ease some of the bumps in the road. I am looking at overstitch wheel sets and I am wondering how much difference in quality and performance there might be between say Tandy amd Jeremiiahs set at Horse Shoe Brand Tools. It really is a drag that I can't visit the stores or attend shows and classes but such is life. I would also like to get a Poundo board but I am also hoping that it is something I could source locally, what is it made of and does anybody have any suggestions. I am impatiently waiting for my first Al Stohlman books which Tandy says they shipped early last week but USPS has no record that they actually picked them up (sigh) Cheers, Chris

Could you send me the plans too please. Cheers, Chris

While surfing I came accross this sharpener from Olfa.... http://www.rotarycuttershop.co.uk/acatalog...ning_Tools.html

Likewise, thanks Johana great reference list

You gents are right on, I don't expect the tools to be the magic wand and man I hope I don't have to spend a couple of grand just yet I'll just be buying slowly along with my learning curve. I have just noticed a few references questioning the quality of the steel in some of their (Tandy) tools and having to ship everything over here I don't have the choice of touchy feely and returns will be a pita. I don't know enough to knock anybody I'm hear to listen and learn and I have found some incredible information here and as I said before I am in awe of the talent here.

Hi Larry, I don't rule Tandy out as a source, but.....here we go.... I lived in the States for 25 years and owned a small business. The way things are being outsourced makes it harder and harder for the small shop to survive.So without waxing political...in a nutshell where ever possible I try to support the "local" guy, hopefully this helps keep him or her around and in business, this also gets you a fine tool or product and I'm sure you will agree there is artistry and qc involved in custom work/toolmaking which is definitely lacking in High Volume Low Profit mass production.Other than that I work hard for my money and I'm really hoping to only buy once Cheers,Chris Steve, Do you have contact info and or a source for Robert Beard tools? Cheers,Chris