Thank you so much for all the help. It's been a while since I posted this, but i did end up resolving my problem. I forget what was actually wrong with it, but I think I was pulling the handle backwards as opposed to pushing it forward! Derrrrrrrr.
Anyhoo....... I ran into another problem. I have a belt I'm making (already running behind on it) and I tested the thickness, got it where I wanted it, put my belt in and pulled...... cut it right in HALF!!!! My throat still hurts from screaming. I messed around with it and thought I was in the twilight zone. There seemed to be NO WAY the leather could be cut thinner than my set depth. The more I tested the more I was in the twilight zone. THEN, I came here and reread the posts. Didn't think about the blade position. The roller bar can only go up and down, and the blade front to back. So I adjusted the blade forward a bit, still behind top dead center, and VOILA!!! I've tested so many pieces now, so I know I'm good. Just thought I'd mention this should anyone else need the info