UKRay

I have to fit a number of zip fasteners to simple purses and bags and wondered if anyone could spare a few minutes to help me improve my technique. How do you fit zippers? Do you glue the zip in place first before stitching? Do you clip the zip in place before stitching? Do you just stitch without any preparation? How do you neaten the 'loose ends' of the zip? What do you do? Any suggestions gratefully received as always. Pictures would be especially welcome. Ray

Thanks, Rick. I'm keen to see the book! Ray

Just so you guys know I listen to you, I have now purchased a used/reconditioned Adler 69-373 complete with an Efka servo motor and hope to have it delivered in a week or so. Thanks for all the help and advice, it really made a difference. Ray

Thanks guys. Most appreciated. I have just ordered 'Packing Iron' and will check the rest out asap. Cheers, Ray

I thought it might be a seat for a Morris Minor - Morris dancers are a whole new issue... and I don't want to go there! LOL I believe Mike Cahill is an expert on Morris dancing - or maybe that is clog dancing. I can't remember.

What is a Morris chair? Ray

I got rather more than I bargained for here! Thanks for all the advice and suggestions, Art. It looks like it has to be Sheridan as, along with meeting some old friends, its the vendors I'm looking to see. Having said that I'm keen to see other people's work too. This trip is getting more complex to arrange by the minute. Thanks, Gesa. The IfolG show is definitely on my wish list. Ray

I tried all of the above, but I've still got two of the durn things that I can't use. .. This is an ongoing hassle that needs a really effective solution if those needles are going to work properly. Has anyone invented a proper extractor? Ray

I'm looking at making a couple of replica holsters and would like to make them as authentic as possible. Has anyone got any pictures of original western holsters and belts they can post or maybe links to websites that have these images? Hope you can help. Ray

Mistake or not, I couldn't make it! Nice work. Ray

I just sell straps... all kinds of straps but I rarely ask what type of guitar they will be attached to unless the customer makes a specific request for something weird. Then curiosity takes over LOL. Individual people have their individual tastes. Some like a wide strap and others like a narrow strap. All my straps are made to order so the customer tells me what length and width they want. Get down to your local guitar shop and check out the range of straps in there, you may be surprised at how many variations there are. When I was doing my research on guitar straps I spoke to literally dozens of guitar players trying to get some idea what was required. Everyone came back to me with a different set of requirements - which, I guess, is why we all get to make plenty of custom guitar straps. I'd be interested to hear other people's view on strap length. Minimum and maximum lengths are always a very real question when putting together a stock item. Ray

This is all machine stitched. I make quite a few of these straps each week and wouldn't have the time to hand stitch. I use a big Highlead harness stitcher that seems to cope with almost any thickness of leather without needing any adjustment. It doesn't like thin thread though! LOL Ray

Thanks, Dirtclod, Barry does make some nice stuff - ...but I do believe the problem may be sorted out as a 'candy for stamp' deal is about to happen... LOL

If you use belly leather it will be easier to form tightly around the ball. Ray

The only hardware on my straps is a single snap on the adjuster - you can get those from Tandy Leather Factory and the 'strap lock' at either end which should be available from any good guitar shop. Hope this helps, Ray

Thanks for the kind words. No secret to the white thread other than keeping the work clean, dyeing the leather and burnishing it well, then sealing it properly before top stitching. Stuff we all do really. It takes a bit longer to do it properly but I like the results so it is worth it. Ray

I'd bet that was a tricky little beggar to make, George. You will be picking up bits of fur for weeks... Is the front panel just fur or fur on leather? The cantle frames it perfectly. Ray

Nice job, Steve. It is always a pleasure to see your work. ...I thought you were rich, Dirtclod. LMAO Ray

I've recently damaged my favorite old 1970s G548 stamp and would like to find another. Modern Tandy stamps are a pretty poor thing compared with the older ones so I'm either looking for another 'original' or maybe a hand made version of the same thing. Has anyone got any ideas? I'm happy to pay a reasonable price plus shipping to the UK via PayPal. Thanks, Ray

You are just as bad as the other two, Tony. I enjoyed your visit and especially getting to see some of your work. IMHO you sell your stuff far too cheaply! Make of that what you will... LOL Hope to see you 'down South' sometime. Ray

A couple of my 'stock' guitar straps. Pics were sent to me as a 'thank you' by the customer (who made a much better job of the photography than I could! LOL) Ray

Like most leatherworkers, I'm working on a tight budget, but I'd really like to visit one of the big US leather shows. As most of you know (check out the user name) I live in the UK so, given the cost of transatlantic fares and hotel accommodation, I'm keen that my United States experience should be the best I can find - so I need some advice. Which is the best US leather show and why? What are the essential 'what to see' and 'what to do' events - remember I've never been to one of these shows before. I'd be very grateful for some help. Ray

SOLD! It was good to meet you at last, Tony. Ray