alpha2

Thanks for the tips.

10 bars = 145 psi! That is way to high. But yes, a 10 bar compressor will work if turned down low. I airbrush at around 25 to 30 psi which is around 1.7 to 2 bars. It's very important for the air to be dry. The pressure may vary depending on the tip and viscosity of the dye.

Where do you find cigar boxes? I don't smoke, so that won't work! Jeff

What Gaypl said is true. Not every inch is the same, and not the cost of every thread, or machine, or any of the other variables. Figure out your cost for an hour of labor, and materials. Then, figure your skill level, the going rate in your area, any other considerations of your local area. New York City won't be the same as some backwater shop in the jungle. Only you know what an hour of your time, in your area, with your machines,etc. are worth. Sorry, your post just made it in before mine! I can see that it is totally different where you are. In that case, you would be a better judge of that than I. All I can say, is aim high, you can always come down, but never up!

Here is one way. Adjust the edge distance for a double line. https://www.tandyleather.com/en/border-tool-3204-00.html

score another win for the forum!

I don't know, but I like it! Hope someone on the forum knows the answer. I searched the closure on Google Images, and found nothing like it. Jeff

You're a better man than I, Gunga Din!

There are tools specifically for that, or you could use an adjustable border tool, resetting it for the two different edge distances. That method can be fraught with peril, however. Go SLOWLY and carefully with the second line. Jeff

My understanding is that the tariffs are targeted to goods also made in the USA, goods that China has massif tarriffs on our goods coming into China. I don't see many US made industrial stitchers, if any, I could be wrong. Jeff

The idea is to let the dye dry thoroughly, then buff with a soft cloth, or buffer, until the cloth comes away clean. Then put whatever conditioner you want on it, if you use conditioner, like TomG said, Leather Balm/Atom wax is good. Buff again making sure cloth comes away clean again, then seal. I also use Resolene/water 50/50, multiple THIN coats, drying between, then buff again. If Resolene is applied too thick, it can crack when flexed. I airbrush it on, but not everyone has an airbrush. Jeff

What Rodney said... Looks good to me! And I'd love to try your sourdough. Jeff

My CowBoy came with a removable table. I know someone on here, probably Uwe, makes one even better. Jeff

Welcome aboard, Frank! Very nice looking work. Jeff

So, Fredk, you're saying I might be wrong about WTB meaning "wanting to buy"? Could be "Where's the beer"?

That is a lot of stitching! Fantastic piece all around. Jeff

Trust me, we don't hear much over here, either! Especially the multitude of self defense shootings that go unreported.

Congrats, JLS! Free at last!

Reminds me of my favorite "Scotty" (Star Trek) quote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIMPbPDwj_g

Yes, the buffing is key. You can't buff too much. When the dye soaks into the leather, it leaves some pigment on the surface. If you think about it, when you put a topcoat over that pigment, you're just adding pigment to the topcoat!

Don't worry, you're not the only one to make something too small! I've done it more than once. More than twice... That's not bad for a second project, either. Every time you do one, you know what you'd do differently next time. You might use a lighter weight thread next time. The nice thing about simple projects is that you don't have that much time or materials into it, and you can do a few of them to perfect your technique. Jeff

Good luck. This has a certain smell to it. I could be wrong.

Fascinating book!

If it's priced right, you could use it as a pattern and make another. I'm afraid there's not enough room in my tiny shop for another chair! Jeff

Great job, and that fly looks so real! Jeff