Randy Cornelius

Tandy sells a pattern pack for Motorcycle assessories that is good. I have made several off their patterns. I have also used the Stohlman saddle bag patterns to make some also. I have used ideas from both to use in motorcycle equipment as well as saddles. RC

I came out of the dark ages several years ago and bought my first round knife, the utility knife is kept to open boxes. I now have 3 different round knifes and I will never cut leather with anything else. A sharpe round knife will do more with less effort that any other cutting tool. It is worth whatever you pay for one. Randy

Anywhere that has shoe repair will have it. Sheridan Leather Outfitters carried it the last time I was there I seen it. RC

I know some you you really like barge but I will never use it again, simply because of the problems I have had in the past about it not sticking to wet leather. I have been using Duall 88 for the last couple years with great results. I find that the Duall 88 does not have to be thinned like the barge had to be. It remains the same consistancy from gal to gal. I have used Masters before and it works very well but the fumes it puts off is something else. I work in my basement and the exhaust fan will not draw out the Masters without it going through out the house. You also have to have a tax ID to buy Masters. Randy

I wish we were going this year but my oldest Riley is graduating from High School that same weekend, Wife seems to think I should be there. Riley would just as so go to Sheridan, He even called Dot Ries to try and get her to move the show to another weekend! As far as where to stay, right there in the hotel is where everything goes on. Lots of after hours stuff. There is a party at Sheridan Leather Outfiters and its just a short walk to the hotel if you drink a little too much! Be sure to make the King reception also, and the banquet on Sat night. Think of me while you are there. Randy

Yes, I agree, he has gotten a lot of my money over the years. Worth every penny too.

You can list them here on the market. I was not aware of that until someone pointed it out to me.

Danny Martin knifes are still available from him directly. He quit wholesaleing them. He was at the show in Ft. Worth and I bought a point knife from him, works good. There have been several good older Osborne knives listed on Ebay in the last few days. I have an old one that I use all the time. Would not give it up for nothing. If you look at older Osborne knives look for the ones that have a star on the back side from the name. They are the good ones with excellent steel. Randy

First talk to the folks at Artisen when you buy and tell them what you will be doing they are great about pointing out what you need. I have a wide range of thread sizes, 346, 277,207 & 138. I don't have the needle sizes but tell them what size of thread you will be using. I have 2 different sizes of needles that I use. the larger ones for the 346 & 277 and a smaller size for the 207 and 138. I have the right hand single foot and the double foot. The single foot I use for those cases that you have to sew up agains a fold like on a magazine case. I have white and black thread and that seems to work for most projects. Be sure to get about 6-8 extra bobbins. So you don't have to stop and rewind all the time. I keep different sizes thread on bobbins, always use the next size smaller thread on the bobbin. I always wanted the table top but I have gotten along without if for 3 years now so I don't see it as a need. I also dont' see a need for other plates as I get along without special plates under the foot. But they make several for different applications, talk to them and they will educate you. Great people to work with. This machine will be the best 1950.00 you spend for your business. Randy

I knew there had to be a better way. I have got to try this. Does the metal have to be real rusty before you put it in? Randy

I was brousing through the tools listed on ebay and saw some new edgers from someone who is making them out of what appears to be silverware handles? I was wondering if anyone has any information on these, I would not think that they would be of very good quality and hold an edge. They looked good / interesting. I could not figure out how to post the picture off ebay. Randy

Not a clue here. Randy

I would not count on anything being on the tree. Sometimes there is some markings or writing. I tore one apart one time that had the saddlemakers business card glued to the tree. I even tried to call the number but they were long gone. Most of the makers always put thier stamp on it somewhere. But some did not, one that comes to mind that was a very popular saddle maker that never put a stamp on his work was Ted Flowers, he made mostly silver parade saddles. They are very sought after by the Shriners in the Mounted Guard. Go ahead and post a picture some of us out there might know something. Also get a before and after shot of the work you do on it. Randy

A drift punch is one that is the same diameter all the way down the shaft. I have a couple different ones on my bench, an 3/16 and a 1/4 will knock out most rivets Center punch is one that has a point on the end for making a small dent to start a drill bit so it does not wonder. I have tried drilling out rivets in the past but have not had much luck. The heat does more damage than I like. Randy

He does make slim blades for what you are wanting.

Here is the easy way that will not damage your leather. I have a metal plat 3/4 inch thick with a 1/2 inch hole drilled in it. I lay the rivet over the hole and drive it out with a drift punch. Works well with Copper or with jiffy rivits and there is little danger of damage to the leather. Randy

Here is a picture of the wooden folders or rub sticks that my son Riley makes. If interested give me a PM I think he sells them for 20-25.00. He says there is about 2-3 hours work in each one.

You know I was a welder in my past life and could make these If I had a set of plans. Is there anything available that would give a drawing and measurments? Randy

I recieved an email from someone who is requesting information about the possibliity of making a saddle for a Camel! I have not asswered the inquiry yet. Thought I would throw this out and see what you all think about it. Will that card system work for fitting a tree to a Camel? LOL If I call up a tree maker will the laugh and hang up on me. I always like a challenge and something different but not sure about this one. Anyone out there with experiance? Randy

Sheridan style is very intricute, (can't spell sorry) will fine lines and small stems, scrolls and very tight patterns. The Porter syle has very large leaves, stems and flowers. You will see this on a lot of older saddles. There are several other styles that have simularities but the Sheridan style seem to be very popular an at the shows if you do not carve Sheridan style you don't seem to do as well. Here is a portfolio with Sheridan style carving as an example.

I do not own one but I have played with one at the show in Sheridan last year and they seem to work nice. Seem to be well made and with most of Weavers equipment they stand behind them. Randy

You can use a regular undercut beverler, Tandy has one but not really very good. Suggest you buy a set from Berry King. The other way you can do it is to use a pro Pedal tool. I think Tandy discontinued these but not for sure. You can wiggle the Pro Pedal under the edge of the leather between the cut an lift one edge. You acctually split the leather a little and lift 1/2 of it up to give it a 3-d look. Randy

I done a Kelllysearce/uk and came up with nothing. All my boxes have OTB on the outside and the say made in Belgum. Good luck.

I found 2 on ebay that I am bidding on but not sure if I will get them. Send me MP and tell me what you got in mind as far as a trade. Could you send me a picture. Randy

Yes, Too many $ They are proud of thier stuff.