LumpenDoodle2

Second the double sided tape, as it’s less faff than using glue. Definitely worth giving it a go, it might suit you.

I’ve also bought tools from the Czech chap too, and can’t fault the tools in any way. Good quality, fast delivery, and at a reasonable price. Looking at the stamps in your 2nd link, I feel a need to spend some money.......

Instead of using a self healing mat, I use a polyethylene cutting sheet the full size of my workbench. I’ve found that if you use a round knife, the cutting sheet doesn’t ‘grab’ it the way a self healing mat does.

I would suggest that you should buy yourself a cheap and cheerful swivel knife to start with. That will give you a basic, no frills knife to start practicing with. It will also give you a starting point for finding out what suits your needs, whether it’s a wider/taller body, or blade angle. Basically, you’ll get enough ‘hands on’ experience to work out which knife you want to pay out decent money for.

Screwfix own brand works well, and because of the turnover, you know the contact cement hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for too long. It’s also cheap.

Message with details on its way.

I like the look of your odd looking nails, and I might have a project for them. And I am more than happy paying postage.

Off topic, I know, but first time I tried to use it.... welding mask on, eyes closed, head turned away from fully extended arm holding welding torch........ Not successful.

Chrisash, you’ve hit the nail on the head on all points. None of the questions can be really be answered in anything but a general way. Outlets, prices, best thing to make, are all too variable, and with todays market, a one man/woman band selling around the world is almost the norm. In most leatherwork, it’s the niche market which provides a reasonable income, small scale mass production gives a consistent income, one off customer personalised items (IMHO) provides most fun. Building your market/customer base takes time, and a shortcut can’t really be provided by answering a few questions. I don’t want to discourage you, but also consider that if someone in your area is making a living selling a leather product, with the best will in the world, would they honestly be inclined to want to openly hand over their market to someone else. If you discover that product/market through your own research, and start getting business from that, then more power to your elbow.

It’s an engineering forum, I got a welder, and then wondered how to work it.

I pass mine on to folk I know on another forum. They get used for practice, washers, other little projects, whatever, and since they have been such a welcoming, and friendly forum in helping me start a hobby I had zero knowledge of. I am happy to be able to give something practical back to them.

See, that’s where you’ve been going wrong all this time. Garages were never meant for cars, they are where your tool collection lives. Also the shed, the car port, and the spare room.

You can never have enough tools, not humanly possible.

I bought a cheap set of half round punches several years ago, but only use one size with any regularity. One point to make, is that the quality of the edges was poor, and took a fair bit of work to make them useable, but at the price I paid, I had expected that.

Nothing better than using tools you feel comfortable with. It also takes a lot of the stress and even fatigue when working on pieces.

Looks good, how much more stable do you find the ring, compared to the standard half saddle. Also, would tig brazing also cause distortion?

I will also do repairs, and quite a few ‘expansions’ on rigs for folk (you know how a leather belt can shrink over time), and I’ve had a couple of customers proudly tell me of the hundreds of pound they’ve paid for the hand carved rig. On inspection, it is obvious that the whole pattern is embossed. That is why, if I have one of those customers who ask lots of what many call ‘daft’ questions, I really don’t mind. Even if they eventually don’t buy from me, at least they might now have a better chance of not being ripped off. Sometimes just a bit of education, and time spent in explanation can work wonders.

Well put. Cricut got all protective over customers using other companies software, and for a while, if you wanted to do your own designs, then you had to buy an older machine, and use ‘‘Sewalot’ software. Also, buying cartridges at £25+ a pop, was an expensive way to get a font for a one off project. The Maker seems to have finally got back to being a proper creative little machine, again. Thanks for the review, and look forward to more.

My great grandad was a master cooper, along with several siblings, and sons who were also coopers. The trade has kept going here in Scotland due to the whiskey trade, but massively reduced compered with g. grandad’s day. The reduced trade means that prices of barrels are now higher, that, and the fact they are also much sought after as cool decor. Saying that, I live 10 minuted from a huge whiskey bond, and the size of the wooden barrels stored there, never fails to impress. Maybe someone could chaff them for some staves, and build bespoke clams. The ancient clam I use is a good 3.5 foot long, and I have sawn a couple of inches off to make it more comfortable to use. Image not mine, and no idea if actually made from barrel staves.

You beat me to it, that is where I got mine.

I’ve been using my Cricut to cut out the fabric, works not too badly as I preload several mats at a time, and let it get on with it. I think the biggest problem is getting decent elastic. I was informed by a friend this morning that recycling her hubby’s y front knicker elastic doesn’t work.

Your actions are greatly appreciated.

Since the seat pops off, you could alway make a bigger one to fit?

Just had a thought, how about using one of those drumming/drummers stools. Adjustable, solid, stable, and cheap. It can even be easily folded up when not needed.