rickybobby

Nice site! The explanation of different parts of the trees and their uses is a nice touch that most tree makers do not have (that I have seen) . I am using Firefox and everything works ( no issues with photos) You might check spelling in a few places. I saw the word "three" where it should have been "tree" in a couple spots.

That sounds like a great class! Timing a machine is something I have not needed to do yet but when I do, I will wish I could have gone to this class. Thanks for the information Bob.

I have found some really good information on YouTube with lots of demos. The manager at Tandy is asked quite often from people that just bought a machine but are having trouble. That is why he thought a class might help them. I thought that those interested in a machine may try some out and may also see why a machine set up for leather works better then those listed on Ebay that SAY they will work on leather but always disappoint when they use it at home.

Kevin, Thanks for the suggestions! I will go over threads & needles. As far as the different needs I thought the basic needs of most of the leather workers would be a place to start. Sewing two layers of 3/4 oz. , Chap leather to 7/8oz veg tan. these would be for the Flatbed Compound Feed, and Heavier veg-tan multilayer for holsters, sheathes, and gunbelts. The Long Arm Patcher could be a "demo" to show some how many uses this type of machine there is in our craft. The lesson plan will include any suggestions that some of our LeatherWorker.net members have. I could use some help, suggestions to get an idea of what to include. I have done holster and chap classes with my machines at the Tandy store, but the main focus was the class not the machine. I have never had all 4 of my machines at the store at once though! I will include a handout with information, websites, and course highlights and I always share any patterns I have if it fills a persons needs. A diploma! lol!! That and $4.00 will get you a coffee at Starbucks!

Hi, I realize that Phoenix is too far for most to attend a class. After talking to the TLF Mgr. again today, told him I was investigating the class possibilities, main questions, and concerns of fellow leather workers. That is what I am trying to gather from suggestions and questions from LW.net members. I agree a college course with the type of machines we use for leather work would be great and yes, a lot of our questions are answered here!

Hi all, I am curious to see if there is an interest in a beginner class geared towards learning more about how to work the new sewing machine you just bought? Or are thinking of buying. I spent decades hand sewing because I knew nothing about sewing machines (leather was just a hobby for me during that time). After I started working in leather full time I started using machines, they were at the saddle shops I worked in and I was able to use a couple different types. I still was unsure exactly what machines I would need at home. After speaking to sewing machine company reps I was still unsure (theirs was always the best pick ;>) ) I thought that if I could get some help from someone that was working on the same things I was that I could get some straight answers and if I could try some different machines side by side to see their limitations it would clear up a lot of questions. I know that many of you have stepped up your leather skills and took the jump into a machine, and most of us have never sat in front of one before! I am not that far from there! I have been approached to give a beginner type class with a few different levels of machines (that I own). A stitcher, a flat bed compound feed, and a lighter bottom feed, and a patcher. I want to make it clear I have been sewing with machines only 4 years and do not have the mechanics knowledge or history knowledge of the LW Forums experts like Wiz, Art, and some others here that have years of background and abilities with the skills to match. I still consider myself a beginner in sewing machines but with a little basic knowledge. I only bring to the table the fact that I am only scratching the surface and consider myself 1 or 2 steps beyond hand stitching. I see so many posts here that I can't help but think that maybe a class like this can help fill a little gap to make someone feel more at ease about buying a machine or helping them conquer their new purchase. I have no affiliation with any company, in fact I own 4 different company's machines. My only intent is to help those that the machine company cannot help over the phone, that is to give them some experience with feeling comfortable with their machine or some knowledge to purchase. If there is something I am missing or could be of interest, please post it here. Any and all questions are good ones and there is a lot of talented people here on LW.net that may have an answer. Thank you,

Rino, I owned one of the alum. body stitchers and never had an issue with the quality, durability, or performance. I have found that most of the time if someone has an issue with a Boss stitcher it is operator error. 1. Operator has not threaded it properly 2. Operator has not learned/experimented with how to set proper tension on upper and lower stitch 3. Operator has not learned to "Diagnose" stitch error. (thread pulling bottom stitch up or bottom stitch pulling thread to underside) You need to be able to know how to adjust the machine to get the stitch to cross in the middle of the layers being sewn together. 4. Operator has not lubed the moving parts. I have found that the lever rack and gears need a light layer of bearing grease. It made the difference in mine 100% And don't forget a drop or 2 in the shuttle area of the bobbin. The common problem with these machines is 99.9% of the time is the operator. You cannot unpack this tool, mount it to your bench, and expect it to perform perfectly without you learning a little about its functions. I have gone to someones house after they were ready to send the machine back and spent a little time adjusting, lubing, and rethreading it and had it stitching in 15 minutes. Tippmans manual is a MUST READ!! It will walk you through the adjustments and what to look for. Take some scrap leather and experiment, over tighten the upper thread and see what the stitch looks like. Do the same with the bobbin thread, see what it looks like. You can start getting a "feel" for how much tension both upper and lower need when just pulled with your fingers. They are a great machine. I have sold mine and gone electric to help with production but I do miss it for some jobs.

I have been lucky enough to find a bunch of the North & Judd Anchor stamped "new old stock" in the warehouse of a supplier here in phoenix. I have picked up some unique buckles and some that I have used on new tack for customers. I have told them about the hardware on their new equipment and most just say "oh yea, well, o.k." very few have any appreciation for the history of the findings I used. Thanks for the link to the history of it Bruce. Chip Sarchett (of Southwestern Leather Co. Phoenix AZ.) is the gentleman I have been buying it from, His father started the company about 60 years ago and Chip has been there since childhood, there is quite a bit of older stock at his place and every time I go in I find something else I can't live without! Chip has told me the history but it is great to get it in writing. Sorry to hijack your thread. I hope I added to it by giving a source for some of this extinct hardware. I feel so old! ;>) lol!!

Hi Casey, I was there for a couple hours today (Fri) spent most of the time talking to Lonnie and his wife Yvonne and then did some serious shopping for the strap beveling machine at the Weaver booth. I was impressed with the machine (tool? there is no motor, it is manual pull) so I bought one. Now I need to make a bunch of belts and strap goods to help pay for it!! I think it is a really nice show this year, they had a great turn out, it was tough to get near some of the booths sometimes.

Went again today (Fri) Lonnie from Gomph and his wife are there!!! Spoke to both of them and caught up on tools and old times. It was great to see them both !!!

Went today (Thur. 2-9-12) I had never been on the first day of one of these shows. Everyone is "fresh", smiling, and glad to be there, not yet dreading packing up for the drive home I suppose. It is a nice show this year. I was surprised that Lonnie from Gomph is not there but Barry King is there and I left some cash with him (but I took home a few tools I have been wanting!). It was a good turn out today, I am going back tomorrow to see a couple tables I could not even get near! I also had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Reis (Leathercrafters and Saddlers Journal) Cobra Steve (bought a machine from him late last year) and had an honor to meet and speak with Bob Klenda I purchased a couple of his chap pattern packs and the saddlebag pattern pack he produces. I took a look at them tonight and they are packed full of help and directions as well as the patterns. If you have never been to one of these trade shows I highly recommend it, and if you can sign up for a class or two, even better!

I use Square and it makes people feel very at ease. I think some customers actually made a purchase just to see it work on my cell phone on site! No monthly fees and, the equipment (plug in device) is free and as stated above "arrives in about 3 days". Money is deposited that night in the account you choose. Works great for my business.

I would contact Bob Douglas. I have seen some Calvary era leather tools in his stuff for sale but I never saw a stitching horse. He will be at the Wickenburg show this week I would think.

Very nice saddle. I like the tooling on rough out leather. I have done a couple smaller projects with boarder tools on rough out but not any saddle parts. Nice job!

I found this on line. http://borksaddleryhardware.com/ Herb Bork Bork Saddlery Hardware 823 S. W. 2nd St. Pendleton, Oregon 97801 To order, please call (541) 276-5207

I found with mine that it seemed very "stiff" and clunky when it was new, that is normal. I took the back off and the cover plate on the head and used wheel bearing grease anywhere things moved. It seemed that the grease allowed more movement then just the oil. After things were moving pretty well I oil everything that moved (including where I had greased it) and cycled it while doing all of this so I could see everthing that moved and needed to move. (Do all this with the thread out) Give that a try. Once in a while I would check and make sure the grease was not built up somewhere, I would just wipe off the excess and reapply once in a while. The track system on mine seemed the driest part and when lubed really made a big difference in the whole machine working correctly. Dont forget a drop or two where the bobbin shuttle rotates. Give this a try!!

Kevin, I hand sewed for years, then bought a Boss and like Bruce said "it was like joining the space age" I was thrilled, it worked great, my work improved, all was right in the world! Then there was about the fourth 50" belt that needed double stitching "ughhh!" I tried to talk the customer out of it because my arm was so tired from a couple of past orders, that is when I decided to go electric! I shopped around, Steve from Cobra had taken in an Artisan 3000 on trade after a show, I gave him my card number, loaded up the wife and dog and drove to California (from Arizona) and made a road trip out of it. The wife and dog had never been to CA. I grew up there, the wife loved it, the dog didn't seem to care lol!! My advice is go electric, you have some backup for reputable dealers from other members and the machines are all good, so think about it before the Boss. I really liked mine but I really like my 3000, even with the shallow throat it is wider then the boss. FWIW, my opinion only and my experience, I have been in the market twice for different sewing machines in the last two years. Both times I called Artisan, left messages, told them I wanted to buy a machine, and did not get a call back until I had made 2 or 3 calls. I bought the Artisan machine because Steve from Cobra had it, will warranty it, and when I call he answers his phone. Bob from Toledo Machine is the same and I have seen threads here on LW that the Techsew guys are great at customer service as well. Keep us informed!!! Rick

Great job on both. Glad to see you were able to find something that you can make without much noise. With this amount of talent you should think of moving and doing some tooling, your abilities will soar. Just something to think about later! For now make some more of these and start creating some cash flow!! Very nice pieces!

Hi Knipper, The Wickenburg show is a smaller show then some I have been to (Riverside,and Ventura Ca.) Both of those shows were many years ago. Wickenburg is a great town. There are some great sights to see. Check out the museum - It is on the corner down town, a short walk from the show. There is so many leather items (western style) made by many local leather workers from years ago. There is an entire wall of spurs and spur straps. Lots of items to inspire and try some new (old) style of tooling. I have incorporated a couple things on some projects I have seen there. I think it is about $9.00 to enter but well worth it! Bens Saddlery - It has been in business for over 60 years. A very nice store that carries a good variety of western goods and a whole wall of Boots and hats. One of the few shops that does retail and still builds saddles right there in the shop. Say hi to Bruce (owner) The Gun Trader - It is up the street from the show (most everything is lol!!) An old time gun store with a good selection. (Roger is the owner) Riata Saddles - Karens shop is just around the corner on Apache street. She is quite a leather artist and builds saddles as well (a very nice shop) and she carries boots as well. (a little more "girly" then Ben's Saddlery) Karen is a personable lady and is a wealth of knowledge! There are quite a few other places to see, I am missing so many but do take a couple walks around town, it is safe and well worth it!! Take a walk around the town, its only a couple blocks and there is much to see. Lots of history and some great buildings. I will look you up and take a look at your knives, I'm not in the market for one but do admire a nice knife!!

Beautiful work! You are one of the best!! I am sure all my tools are bent, I am going to throw them all away now!! Just kidding !! Thanks for posting it!! Rick

Wow!! I was not expecting that!! Incredible amount of work involved and it appears a whole bunch of research too. Very nice job and finish work. And welcome to the forum.

Cheryl, It appears as though you have ideas, tools, leather, skill set, in that order. Get some books!! There are some great books on making cases written by Al Stohlman that will help you execute this box. There is nothing wrong with trying but you need a little backup knowledge for a foundation, books on leatherwork can help with that. Then it is just practice. Many of the books are available online from Tandys, Ebay, Springfield Leather, and many other places. You have said in other posts that there is not a Tandy Leather store near you so there is no help/advice there. So you need to get as much information in writing as you can. Part of leatherwork is the collection of books and magazines that help us with our projects. They are as much of a tool as the bevel and maul are. I refer to these almost everyday for something whether inspiration or construction tips. Look up The Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal magazine ($36.00 per yr.) they have projects for all skill levels almost every issue and it includes the patterns and directions! Also there are many tooling tutorials on you tube. You have been all over the place with your work since logging on to the forum. You have gone from a business with a partner painting tack to tooling (with I assume no guidance), to boxes! Those are not a beginner project, to making things that you really need some beginner basics and background before tackling, then you post for help. We really don't know how to help because you don't have a question. You show something that you want to look like a rose or a box but we don't know where to start. I may be wrong (please correct me if I am, and I apologize if I am) but it appears you have not done enough basic things to build up to the projects you are trying to make and want a "magic trick" from someone to make it look right. Beginners log on to the forum all the time, upload photos of what they are trying to make but, the difference is they have not extended so far past their skill level and are aware of what they have done and, are asking for advice on how to make it better, specific questions like "how to make a smooth bevel" "how to make a leaf look curled" "how to make the edges slick" things that they have done but need a little tip or advice to make it that much better. We all try to extend our comfort zone and take our work to the "next level" but you need the basics first. Your posts are not like that. You have poured your heart out, shared your drama, made a few posts that well, maybe you should have cooled off before making. Take a direction for your work and it should be basic, perfect it and move on the the next level, perfect that and start building a foundation of skills. Get some magazines (even the old LC&SJ's) books and try some basic tooling and look to improve from there. The forum can help you then, no one can help what we don't understand, or have any idea what you are asking (besides a magic trick) there are none we all started somewhere and ruined a bunch of leather. There are some things I have made that no cow should have had to die for! I started with a bunch of tools a old cowboy sold me (he had no idea how to use them either) and the "Figure 8" book on belts from tandys. I pounded on my mothers kitchen table for months (35 years ago) before I made a belt for myself. I tried all of the patterns in the book, made a bunch of mistakes, learned a lot, and started making belts. I still made mistakes but I had some basic foundation to draw from to help. Cheryl, I don't want to discourage you, I am trying to help, with what I think you are lacking for skills you make up for in courage and enthusiasm. I want you to have the foundation to create whatever you want and that takes a little time and investment. Keep at it, consider what I have told you and if I am wrong ignore it and go on your way (please don't flame me on the forum) if I am right, myself and many others here will critique and ad pointer tips to everything you post.

Hi, There are a few adjustments that can be made. Too many to put in a post. if there was one example of a problem you were having with fit it could be answered but with no other information it is a tough question. I recommend Mark's DVD, several people have used it and posted great reviews. I have ordered several of his patterns and they are first rate! Mark, Thanks for the time you have spent on these, they are a big help. I have given them to friends as gifts (the pattern pack) and they have liked them as well!

I have used them by phone order, great experience overall, they were very helpful on the phone and the latigo is top notch. It has been a few years since i've been to Napa, the wife has never been there so it seems it maybe time for a road trip for wine tasting and leather!!

Nice job! I like the color, The flap, stitches all look very nice. Great job on the wet forming, there is no signs of wrinkles or scratches on the formed top piece. What are you using it for?