ShirleyT

Spence and Gary - Thank you so very much, both of you. (That two pence is priceless, by the way.) We will err on the side of caution, and limit our liability, by going with a standard buckle type - lots of experience there. Y'all are the BEST! Thanks, again and again. Shirley

We would like to make a martingale style dog collar for a friend's German Shepherd. "Bella" wears a collar now that is 17" end to end, nylon with a quick clip, not a buckle style. How do we determine the proper finished length? If we make it big enough to go over her head, will it be too big around her neck? We will be using a martingale chain, not buckle (adjustable), with a leather band. The chain has two d-rings and one circle and is about 2"... Help? Pretty please? Thanks! Shirley

These are commonly used to make custom orthotics. We'd like one for wet-forming. A used machine would be perfect for us. Anyone?

Our major cutting table 5' x 8', is HDPE. We ordered the large sheet from a manufacturer and basically, built a table around it. A side of leather fits well and also serves as a worktable when needed. Punches work just fine and are not damaged, knives aren't dulled. When scratched, gouged, we simple sand it out. I've been told that we can also take it to a woodworking shop to run through a large planer as needed - we haven't needed to yet... We store rolled up hides underneath in white PVC irrigation-type pipes that run the width of the table. This keeps the leather out of the light, off the floor and easily accessed. AND, you can find HDPE at any kitchen store (and Wal Mart/Bed, Bath, & Beyond as well) as cutting boards. Super cheap in just the right size for the boards you're talking about. Love your mask and corset! Shirley

Valerie Michael's "Leatherworking Manual" has a project for a wet-formed handbag using a two piece mold - (flat back/curved front) that we have adapted to make various bags and accessories. Making the mold takes some time though it can be used over and over again. Most important is to get the wood form super smooth and then seal it (waterproof) lest the water from the leather deform the mold. Have fun - sounds like a terrific design!

Hey, y'all - anyone have any leads on Z999 series stamps? Keeping my fingers crossed!

on pins and needles...can't wait! Thanks for sharing this project. wow!

We prefer skiver for linings - we glue in first with acid-free PVA white glue applied lightly to the entire surface to be covered and bigger than the piece to be lined. Glue flesh side to flesh side. Use a brayer (roller) and ever so carefully roll on liner so there are no bubbles or wrinkles. Once dry, trim to edge. Piece is lined and ready for construction, i.e., ready to sew pieces of bag together. You can do the same thing with fabric though it can wear through and is difficult to repair. To make a fabric liner, basically sew a "bag" together of the lining fabric using the same pattern pieces of the exterior bag. The seams will be inside out so the backside of the fabric is against the flest side of the bag itself. Stitch in just the top of the fabric bag to your handbag. This type of lining, assuming you are using quality fabric, will last fairly well. Once it needs repairing you have only to remove it from the top and make another. Visit the handbag section of a department store and look at the hobo style bags. You'll get the idea pretty quickly once you see it in place. Best of luck, Shirley

Thanks so much; this info is most helpful. You guys are so good to spend the time helping me out.

Dear Bruce, Thanks so much...that's one more than I found. I truly appreciate your help. Regards, Shirley

Hello, everyone. I have an opportunity to purchase a Nippy skiving machine, 15 -20 years old but not used in the last six and low volume before that. The current owner once made handbags for a living but suddenly, and tragically, stopped when her son died. She would now like to sell her machines and remaining inventory. I have a sense that her idea of what they are worth is a bit high. I have no idea of value though it appears to be in good shape. Do any of y'all have any idea? Thanks. Best, Shirley

Awesome! We'll give 'er a go! Thanks, Shirley

Here's more complete contact info for Norm: I have email for Norm Lynds as: sagerat2003@yahoo.com Norm does lovely work and the scalpel holders were $20.00 when I ordered a few months ago. Address is : Norm Lynds, 14205 46th Ave. S.E., Snohomish, WA 98296 He is a member of PSLAC and can be found on/through their website as well. Norm also made us a petal lifter and Dremel burnisher; equally excellent. He accepts PayPal at his email address.

We've had several failures where after a few cycles of wear the snaps won't hold anymore. The Jiffy Rivets have a high failure rate in that the caps don't hold and don't have much structural integrity.

We use scalpel holders made for us by Norm Lynds. Not only lovely, but affordable, durable and easy on the hand. Blades are inexpensive - great way to go for filigree and way better than Xacto type. Email for Norm -Norm Lynds [sagerat2003@yahoo.com]

We've been making a bunch of leather bracelets, cuffs, vambraces...and we're having problems finding the best, toughest, longest-lasting snaps and rivets. We've used Jiffy Rivets and Ligne 22, 24 from Ohio Travel Bag. Durable dots too... We're open to all suggestions and ready to experiment as what we've found so far just don't seem to hold up as well as we'd like. What have you all found to be quality that will stand up to use? Help?! Thanks for making the time to share; we could really use the advice. Shirley

It could be a "Lift the Dot" Fastener commonly found on boats. Try: http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Lift-The-Dot-Fasteners

Turtle Feathers carries a great hand cleaner - ReDuRan - that works great and is on sale right now. We've been using it for a while and find it takes dye right off of our girly hands just great. And just like Brylcream - a little dab'll do ya. http://turtlefeathers.net/ http://turtlefeathers.net/text/angelus/cgdye.html

Thanks and Bob and KingsX - I appreciate the helpful replies. Shirley

I seem to recall a discussion some time ago about hanging sides on the wall - anyone remember? I'm looking to maximize space and storage. Let me know what y'all do...I've got most of my stuff in PVC pipe under the cutting table but I've run out of room there...any help you can offer would be most appreciated. Shirley

I've got a request to make a headstall, not our typical endeavor...yours is inspiring! What weight/type leather did you use? And Bruce - pardon the ignorance but where could I find info/diagram on the knot you described? Thanks, y'all.

Barry King makes a TERRIFIC glass slicker! http://www.barrykingtools.com/handtools.htm

I can't seem to find "Campbell Bostworth matte plus" anywhere...help?

Thanks for the advice... We better get crackin'!

RDB - Great looking belts! We are about to embark on a summer market venture and have no idea how to stock belt sizes...Would you, pretty please, offer your thoughts on the mix that works best for you? It makes my head hurt trying to figure it out. (Blonde moment.) Our design style is a bit different than yours though I imagine we'll be selling to similar customers...any advice would be a huge help. thanks!