UKRay

I haven't seen the ad so am unable to comment - can you tell us where you saw it? Ray

Your idea sounds great though I'd be inclined to develop a book that could be sold as a download. This would mean you could automate all your sales and keep distribution costs down. Have a word with CitizenKate if you need some help deciding how you might achieve this. She has undertaken a couple of successful projects for me and I would definitely respect her advice. Ray

"The greatest leather artists of all time are currently producing their best works. I believe this is the Renaissance of the leather industry." Superb quote, Bob - we ought to have it on the front page of the forum! Ray

Keep up the good work! Ray

Jeeperaz - just let it go, fella. There are all sorts of folk in the world. Some give and others take. The takers don't end up with too many friends and eventually they move on. I say let 'em go while you stick with those folks who make a positive difference. BillyP - I was a bit concerned that I was making the water too muddy but you have got exactly what I meant. Leather can't die because there is nothing better. End of story. Ray

Personally, I'm more than a little concerned that people think leatherworking is a dying craft as I most emphatically don't agree. I would agree that certain aspects of leather work have had their best days, including some of the traditional 'horse related' industries but even these are being superseded by new demands for products. The rise in recreational horsemanship has never been stronger and this has created a demand all its own. Fashion is demanding leatherwork of all kinds and the race is on to find new colours, textures and ways of joining and decorating leather. It has spawned a myriad of 'supporting' industries making amazing conchos, unusual spots and studs, elaborate buckles, rivets and all the other hardware used by leatherworkers. Leatherworking tool sales are increasing worldwide - this is not the sign of a dying industry, more one that is moving away from old fashioned ideas and embracing new concepts and conventions. Okay, there are those who say that leather is being replaced by plastic but I'm afraid I don't agree with that either! No plastic can ever replace the look feel, smell and prestige of genuine leather. How many people would prefer a plastic belt to hold their pants up? Not many and, with the rise in concerns about global warming, oil based plastics are increasingly seen as environmentally (and socially) unacceptable. Leather, as a by-product of the food industry, is a lot less harmful to the planet. This is a time of incredible creativity in the world of leatherworking. In addition to traditional skills we are now using new and exciting techniques (computer controlled lasers, water jet cutting and gas powered thermal lances to name but a few). How can anyone say this is a dying art? That is patently nonsense as it is growing in popularity across the world. Okay, geographically things are shifting around but that doesn't mean it is dying - just moving! Just look at the facts: Initially the centre of the world's leather industry was based in Walsall, England, then, as the US market developed the emphasis shifted across the pond. Now we are starting to see the most amazing leatherwork coming out of China. How can anyone begin to think that the industry is on its last legs? It is simply developing and evolving - and obviously some people are having a problem keeping up! If you choose to adopt a doom and gloom approach to leatherworking you are doing the industry and yourself no favours. We need to recognise the positive aspects of leatherworking and reflect them to the rest of the world. We need to build the 'leather' brand and support it - IMHO, saying the industry is dying is neither true nor remotely helpful. Ray

I'm truly amazed to read this post. I can honestly say that in the time I've been associated with LW I can count on the fingers of one hand the few miserable specimens who have been 'dog in the manger' about their knowledge. Generally they don't last long here - about as long as those who make sweeping statements that don't stand up to inspection and those who are simply trying to stir up trouble. People on LW are hugely generous with their knowledge and expertise. 'Ask and you shall receive' would be a good motto for this board. Maybe the problem is that questions need to be asked the right way. Politely, with humility and respect - rather than issued as a demand or expected as a 'right'. People come here for all kinds of reasons. Some to learn and others to teach. Some just come for the company and fellowship offered by the board members. Nobody comes here to fulfil the intellectual wish-lists of those too idle to do their own research. Those of us who run businesses may not always have the time to respond fully to a poorly phrased question but I'm absolutely confident that most leather business people are happy to help in any way they can. I can cite numerous instances when business folk have done precisely that thing for me at a cost of hours hunched over a computer keyboard explaining fine details or even sending me tools, patterns and detailed instructions. God bless you all! RDB makes a very relevant point when he says that unique patterns and techniques aren't often shared - you are welcome to check some of my previous posts for my personal opinions on this, but essentially we all spend years learning how to make good patterns and developing better ways of doing a task and don't generally feel inclined to share this around the leatherworking community unless we are being paid to teach a class. These things are the intellectual property that makes our businesses unique. They are business critical knowledge and the foundation of our business success. If you want this stuff then do what we did and work for it - put the time in on the bench, read the books, watch the DVDs, visit and talk to other leatherworkers, learn to use your tools and try to understand your materials. eventually, and with any luck, the 'Force' will be with you! Personally I don't see 'second rate knock offs' here on the board and I don't see requests for help ignored; I do, however, see a huge number of people working hard to develop their skills, build their knowledge bases and businesses without expecting others to do all the hard work for them. I also see a vast number of innovative, exciting and often potentially commercial ideas shared with enthusiasm by an amazing bunch of people. Are you looking at the same posts as me? Ray

They seem to have a good range of stuff so thanks for that. Have you personally dealt with Packer, Caroline? How did you get on? Ray

Not me, Tony. My son now lives in Perth and has promised to send me some roo skins if I can find a source! LOL The veg tan is so he can make some stuff for himself. He tells me it is a great place to live though... Ray

I just invested in a new EZ-Up style tent from Gala Tent here in the UK and was delighted with the way it coped with the Welsh rain. Really strong construction and it didn't leak a drop in virtual monsoon conditions! The picture was taken after a long day trading so there wasn't much inventory left! Ray

Can any one help me find a good quality kangaroo leather (for whip making and braiding work) tannery / supplier in or around Perth, Western Australia? I'm also looking for veg tan leather suitable for tooling, also in the Perth area? Any help gratefully received. Best wishes and thanks, Ray

Berbo's contact details were most useful, Terry. Ta! I've used FHT, Lindsay. No problems and good consistent quality. Check out their pdf catalogue. Ray

Now that really is pretty. How long does one of those take to make, cousin? Ray

Many thanks, Al - and PM sent, JIm. Ray

Hi Jim, After reading your post I began experimenting with all kinds of leather. The process you have described is pretty much what I've now worked out for myself by trial and many errors. I'm still working on the boning process to get the 'finesse' just right but essentially, yes, I absolutely agree with everything you say. The stitching is relatively straight forward tunnel stitching but I'd like to be able to make a much finer stitch. My only curved awl is a wee bit big for the job - I broke my smaller one and don't know where to get a replacement at present. I'd also like to find a few more stitch marker wheels in different sizes... Best wishes and many thanks for your extremely valuable contributions, Ray

As a starting place, I'd be inclined to check out the Weaver catalog - see www.leathersupply.com I've had excellent service from them on a number of occasions. Nothing was too much trouble and Vernon Weaver is a nice guy to do business with. I'm sure other people will make suggestions, but I'd go for a foot press machine in preference to the hand-pulled variety as it gives you two hands to position the work accurately. Hope you get sorted out. Ray

Nice clean work. I'd use one of those! Ray

Nice work, fella! Ray

I use the Weaver staples (I've always amazing service from those guys) and set them with pliers. They look fine if you are careful. Sure I'd like the press and setting tools but I don't use enough for it to concern me. I guess I set about 500 a year and have never had a problem. Ray

Okay, that all makes perfect sense and pretty much echoes what i was already thinking. I'm staying put a while longer, I'm not going to be employing anyone, Denise and I'm making some serious changes to the way I do stuff... I also hate commuting, John! Thanks for all your suggestions, guys. I'm most grateful. Ray

Thanks for the suggestions, Art & Bob. The thing is, I don't particularly want to mess too much with the Highlead GC0618 as it is nicely set up to do a regular (and profitable) job - which it does twice or often three times a week. I guess I should be looking for another machine that might perhaps work soft leather even better. I wouldn't actually mind getting another Highlead GC0618 machine if that is the best machine for the job as I have been really pleased with it's performance; but it makes sense that a small compound drive cylinder arm machine could probably be the best solution. I have checked out a fair number of second hand machinery dealers in the UK but nobody seems to have a Singer 153W102 (or 103). Is there anything else you can think of that might do the trick? Sorry to ask daft questions, but I'm so NOT a sewing machine expert! Ray