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dikman

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Everything posted by dikman

  1. dikman
    Once someone mentions holsters it makes the machine choice easier - because there is very little choice! Either a 441-class machine or one of those "one-arm bandits", such as the Cowboy Outlaw. Nothing else can handle the heavy thread, has the clearance under the feet or the sheer punching power needed.
  2. dikman
    TomG, that book sounds interesting. Boiling acorns? Is that all there is to it? I wouldn't mind giving it a try.
  3. dikman
    I think you're wise to give this a miss. If this is basically going to be your main machine then my advice is to buy a "proper" walking foot set up to do what you want. Don't get fixated on having a "brand" name, there's nothing wrong with buying a clone from a reputable dealer. Buying used is fine IF you have some idea what you're doing - I didn't but I bought them cheap and learned a lot!
  4. dikman
    That is an interesting idea, using a fishing reel to control the tension. Could be more difficult to set up (and look funny) but a large baitcaster reel should work well, they generally have very good drag systems. If I had a Tippman Boss I would do it, just 'cos......
  5. dikman
    Me too. Not worth the risk, if something went wrong you'd kick yourself for being impatient.
  6. dikman
    I don't know about this model but the Pfaff binding models have a back-and-forth motion for the (smooth) feed dog, not the normal reciprocating motion with a toothed dog. Changing the feet and needle plate is easy, the feed dog motion not so easy, IF it can be altered. My advice would be to get a machine that is set up to do what you want to sew. That Tysew looks like a reasonable machine, you just need to make sure it will handle the thread size you want to use and has the clearance under the feet.
  7. dikman
    Hi Mike and welcome, I must admit the above statement has me puzzled, oil and water generally don't mix too well.
  8. dikman
    Wow, could be a case of "find the leather"! Doesn't set a very high standard for a replacement, anything you make has to be better. Reminds me of my Triumph "genuine leather" saddlebags, they started splitting at the folds and delaminating. As Tony said, reminded me of some version of leather particle board.
  9. dikman
    One post says one machine, other post refers to several, poor spelling in other post, no photos or details of machines in either post (and not asking for help to post them) - not off to a good start. Perhaps I'm being unduly harsh but these days one tends to become easily suspicious.
  10. dikman
    I've got a couple of those, used to use one at work many years ago. They're much better to use than more "traditional" staplers.
  11. dikman
    In that video I have to question whether what he does is any different to just dampening the edge with water because he wipes it off almost straight away.
  12. dikman
    0630 - that's a bit uncivilized. That red car looks like it's run into the tree.
  13. dikman
    Ah yes, spalted maple makes beautiful handles! Nicely done.
  14. dikman
    Besides your problem loading pics I don't understand what's wrong, from your description it sounds like your stitches are ok?
  15. dikman
    I sometimes feel the same way. I have a nice collection of pocket knives but I can't carry one without a bloody good reason or I'll be charged with carrying an offensive weapon! Such is the parlous state of laws in Australia. That boot knife is a great way to carry a knife if you wear boots, it doesn't get in the way but is readily available when needed. Oh, and I didn't mention that I like the stag handle, they just look "right" on a knife.
  16. dikman
    Nice job on both, the colour sort of matches the handle. As an aside, that knife would get you arrested here.
  17. dikman
    One thing I would not do is try and remove the leather. Given its age and how thin it is it's likely to be very brittle and will probably tear. As for glues, you could try shellac again or perhaps a very thin layer of contact cement (maybe the water-based type if you're concerned about solvents).
  18. dikman
    I still consider myself a novice at leatherwork but my first thought on reading your post was "hard leather so bigger needle needed".
  19. dikman
    Speaking of mineral oil, I recently bought an electric shaver and the instructions mentioned regular oiling of the cutters, so naturally I looked up the MSDS of the commercial oils. Guess what, it's mineral oil! This stuff is turning into a "wonder oil" for many things - leatherwork, firearms, shavers, baby products, the list keeps growing.
  20. dikman
    Whatever they want it to? It's a very vague term but sounds good to the uninformed. Based on looking at the MSDS for many such products it's a safe bet that the major constituent of virtually all of these products is the ubiquitous mineral oil. Probably the cheapest bulk oil for them to use. Add (very) small amounts of lanolin, beeswax or some other natural product, along with something to make it smell nice, and you have a relatively cheap-to-make product that is often described as "all-natural ingredients" and can be sold for a high profit margin.
  21. dikman
    You've been a busy boy! For some reason your travelling light fixture made me smile , don't know why as it's simple and effective.
  22. dikman
    Welcome mate, turtle or not that holster is very nice work.
  23. dikman
    I'm guessing that you also said smokeless powder was just a passing fad? Yep, I reckon there would be more of a market for them, too. Lots of leatherworkers have arbor presses.
  24. dikman
    Not the prettiest job I've seen (sounds funny coming from me!) but an effective solution to adding a speed reducer. The only thing to watch though is when winding bobbins, don't get any slack from your spool as the winder being so close to the pulley it could get "interesting" if the thread got caught!
  25. dikman
    Personally, I wouldn't go with the Pfaff. They're a quality machine from a top manufacturer but it may not be the best choice for what you want to do. Many of them were set up as binders which means the feed dog will only be back and forth rather than the lift and move type. Clearance under the feet is often not as great as some other machines and I agree with kgg, I doubt it will handle #207 thread, max is likely to be #138 but will probably be happier with #69. Look for another machine, in the long run I think it would be a better move.
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