Dan Miller

Here are a couple (or three) photos of some chairs I've been making. These are Roorkhee chairs, of the British campaign furniture era. The basic design is by Chris Schwarz (former editor at Popular Woodworking magazine), with some minor changes of my own. The project started out to make three pairs of chairs; a pair in maple, a pair in black cherry, and a pair in black walnut. Could not decide on leather colors from the outset, so finished a pair in maple, one with dark brown latigo, the other in cognac latigo, one cherry chair in dark brown latigo, and the one walnut chair with cognac latigo. After seeing all together, the walnut chairs, I think, will work better with either a more red or true black latigo. Oh, and by the way, these are about the most comfortable camp/lawn chairs I have ever used, and come apart for easy packing.

I get my brass and bronze finish washers from Jamestown Distributors.

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately, something has come up that will force me to miss the auction. :-( Dan

Hi all, I've only just started to think about acquiring a sewing machine, and have been trying to digest Wizcrafts's excellent series of posts. In the meantime, there has just been a local auction posted that is advertising "70 Singer heavy duty industrial sewing machines-dbl. & single needles" and "Consew Industrial sewing machines-dbl. & single needles." For current projects, I am interested in being able to sew two layers of 9-10oz latigo and also to make heavy canvas carrying sacks with leather features for the campaign chairs I am making. Who knows where this will lead in the future. Here is the link: http://brzostek.com/auctions/121715-ridgeline-industries-7173/ - can anyone look at the photos and let me know if any of the machines appear to be of the appropriate model, or alternatively, let me know which models I should be looking for during the preview? Thank you very much! Dan

Hello All, I am a budding leatherworking, living in upstate New York, among the Thousand Islands that straddle the border between the United States and Canada. I got interested in leatherworking when I made a pair of Roorkhee campaign chairs (photo of chairs, wood unfinished, is attached). Not only are these about the most comfortable camp chairs I have ever sat in, but I found I really enjoy leatherworking. Not surprising, since my great- and great-great-grandfathers were harness makers in Westport, New York. I remember as a very small child being in the shop, which was still intact back then (very early 1970s). Unfortunately, the shop was dispersed, but I am fortunate to have inherited their harness horse (see thread in antique tools section). I am also a long-time woodworker, wooden boatbuilder using traditional techniques, have built several timber framed buildings, am an avid birdwatcher and enjoy canoeing and photography. I am looking forward to participating in these forums, and am hoping to develop my leatherworking skills, particular in making outdoor-oriented goods. Cheers, Dan

OK, so I've just about worn out my second pair of the best sneakers I've ever owned, and of course, the company that made them ("Simple: The Original Antique Modern Shoe") got bought out and immediately shut down a couple years ago. My question is, is it possible to learn how to make a similar sneaker myself? I've got a pair I can dissassemble to make patterns of the various bits from. I'm developing basic leatherworking skills, and am not afraid to tackle a new learning project. So, where do I start? I looked at a number of uTube videos, and nothing was quite right (maybe I'm not looking in the right spot?). Where does one buy rubber outsoles, etc.? I've attached a photo of my current pair, three years old, and still the original laces(!). Or should I just toss in the towel and buy a pair of Converse All-Pros? Thanks! Dan

Hello All, I've been lurking here for a while, since becoming interested in leatherworking while making a pair of Roorkhee campaign chairs. My great-grandfather (and his father) were harness makers in Westport, New York. I am fortunate to have inherited his harness horse, and have attached some photos to this message. I don't know much about these yet, but it appears to be a well made one, with the rear legs being turned, and the seat supported by adjustable threaded pegs and a center spindle that is off-center. I would like to use the horse, as I am gearing up to learn hand-stitching. However, the strap connecting the foot lever to the clamp is set too loose (jaws won't close), and the leather of the strap is old and dried out. Is there a way I can rejuvinate the leather in order to use it (and maintain originality), or shall I make a replacement strap? (I am pretty sure I can remove the old one intact in order that it could be reattached in the future to maintain originality. Thanks for any comments! Dan A couple more photos