jeeperaz

Looks great. What Tandy store did you go to? I'm looking at taking class there just to get some basics... I live somewhat close to the one off I17 & Bell.

Thanks Art. That took care of the poor looking stitch. I still have an occasional issue with the thread getting stuck in what I think is the shuttle hook. Also, an occasional missed stitch on top. I'm going to change out the bobbin thread to something lighter and a different color so I can better distinguish between the two and get a better idea of what's going on. Stay tuned.

Disclaimer: I'm a complete beginner to machine sewing. I purchased this 31-15 awhile ago and had it cleaned and tuned back then. It sewed fine at the time but with very light weight thread used on regular cloth. Now that I've equipped it for sewing boot components (roller feed and single dog), it's time to start practicing. It's not going so good! I now seem to have two or more problems. The first of which I'll share pictures of. 1) You can see in the attached pic the stitching on the bottom is extremely loose. That's actually the best it's looked. Typically it's more of a tangled mess with no structure whatsoever. The example I showed is just sewing through a single piece of leather. When I try to sew two pieces together, I get the more tangled thread underneath. 2) The second problem I frequently have is the needle thread seems to get caught up in the shuttle hook. Just hoping for opinions or ideas on what to look at or try. I have tinkered with the tension on both threads but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference either way. The thread is 69 on top and bottom. Needle size is 19. I'd like to avoid taking this machine in for service as I prefer to learn it's function and maintenance myself. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Same here. Love the coloring.

I have essentially no interest in leather tooling but I freely admit this work is very nice. Well done Duane!

Here is a nice little tutorial (with pictures) about making coad/hand wax... http://wherearetheelves.blogspot.com/2007/...aking-code.html I got my rosin from: http://www.usrodeosupply.com/ - $10 for a pound. What was nice about them is you can get a 1lb bag that is mixed with both dark and light colored rosin so you can better tune the color of your wax. I heat my rosin and beeswax on my bbq grill in a small coffee can.

http://www.pilgrimshoemachine.com/

I got this info after emailing schmetz... ------------------------- According to our lists, the Singer 31-15 uses needle system 34 ®. Our catalogue number for this system is 12:05. Except the normal round point "R", this system is also available with the following cutting points for stitching leather: S P PCR PCL LR LL D ------------------------ Still looking for first hand info.

I have a 31-15 that I've refreshed and tuned/timed. Now I'm completely confused about needles so I'm asking for suggestions. I'd like to purchase Schmetz brand but can't seem to figure out the system. Can anyone tell me what they are using and where they purchased them? I'd like to order leather specific needles with various types of points but I can't seem to find a place that offers options.

Alex, Why did you change the presser bar. I'm new to bootmaking and want to change my 31-15 out to a roller foot. I actually have the roller foot, the single feed dog and matching feed plate. Just wondering if there is a need to change the presser bar. Also, how much do you want for a pair of lasts?

I spoke with Bob Douglas today at the Wickenburg show. He said they machine their own collets/chucks. I saw Barry King today as well and didn't feel comfortable asking.

Anyone know where to get the collets or chucks for awls? I'd like to take a stab(pun intended) at making a few handles for my stitching awls

I bought the razor sharp system last summer along with a harbor freight grinder. I never found it easy to work with nor did I ever achieve results anywhere close to what I expected. I now use a combination water stone which works well for me.

I like it. I'm new to leatherworking but everything about the holster (and it's contents) appeals to me. Nice job!

Parts are still available. It remains a very popular machine in the shoe & bootmaking world.

That's a really good price for the plate. Shipping is a killer though... brings it to over $110. I bought two 12"x18"x3" pieces for $24 each from Enco and used a free shipping code which is easily found via google. The catch was... the items had to be shipped UPS which limited anything larger than the sizes I bought due to weight. I couldnt imagine trying to move anything larger... 18"x24" is 180lbs. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=...PMITEM=640-0140