Handstitched

This'll throw ya!!...and way off topic. I used to be in the fibreglass pool industry . Injuries were common. If I ever got a *FG splinter in my finger etc, the only way to get it out is to slice open the finger & pull it out....and rinse it out with acetone to sterilise it. I dare you to , the next time you cut yourself !!!!! *(A lot different to wood splinters) You were saying?? HS

Yep, I hear ya . If I try to make a walking stick, I'll try to use the thicker part of the branch. I would guess the age of the wood is a factor. I might try one . I'll find a suitable branch, clean it up, cut it to length, and put my fat a***s weight on it . If it don't break, I'll turn it into a walking stick . HS

Geez, talk about great minds thinking alike. I thought of wax or a wax based conditioner ie: shoe polish HS

Well done friend, back on topic That could be used on those that don't pay their accounts on time. Do walking sticks need to' flex' a little, or not ? In the last month, we've had some wild weather, and a lot of branches and debris have fallen down . And after reading your thread, I have thought about walking sticks. Normally we cut the branches up for fire wood , or just put them in a pile and set fire to them (we can do that now) . But perhaps I could re-use the wood for something else. Just a thought. HS

In the very beginning, I cut the tips of my fingers cos my fingers were just over the edge of the ruler while cutting . I never did that again . The only injuries I occasionally get is from hand stitching. I've just learnt to be careful with anything that cuts, scrapes , slices , pokes, pierces and any other sharp tool. I also keep my fingers away from the business end of sewing machines. I learnt that from Mum after she put sewing machine needle through her finger many years ago. Just learn to be more careful HS

This thread has gone from sticks to 'd...ks' , and heres me trying to get it back on topic, fat chance....pardon the pun My gut hides everything . ' Nothing to see here' HS

They were good finds. Even the best can make mistakes. I've been going to op shops for over 30 years. Very rarely do I buy new clothing . You can find some great bargains in op shops . A lot of my jeans are ex$y brand jeans and ex$y brand shirts etc. some are brand new, at a fraction of the RRP. In some cases you're supporting a good cause too HS

@Lakil7 Is the needle bent or damaged? Even the slightest bit of damage on the needle can put things out, from experience. Try a new needle. Also, just check inside the shuttle case, making sure theres no debris, bits of thread etc. inside , and check to make sure the needle isn't striking the thread plate, you'd hear it if it was. Hope this helps. HS

F***k me !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nearly spat my bourbon all over the screen OK OK ...now lets get back on topic...if we can !! HS

Any pics? I have come across what supposed to be 'quality' leather belts in the past , only to find theres a cardboard core down the middle. An old story no doubt. HS

My teenage mind went a bit silly there for a moment, .......and so did chucks it seems LOL HS

There are also a few entries on this site regarding Champion sole stitchers. They or their owners may, (or may not) yield some info . They may have some parts for sale . HS

Mix one of those blue pills in the stain, the stick will last for ever . Thats just silly . Sorry Frodo . HS

I need a cigarette ....I don't even smoke HS

The "Walmart" customer may go to another leather worker and get the same quote or perhaps more. They will soon ( hopefully) realise that custom leather ain't cheap, and go back to you for the job . Its all the mods, adjustments, etc. that take up a lot of your time Stick to your guns...pardon the pun HS

Thats pretty much how I do a lot of my wallets. All cards or a variation of a pocket or two at the back for cash, and plenty of room for cards. I don't do the ' everything including the kitchen sink' type wallets that turn into a small paving brick by the time they're filled up. Simple and very practical. So love the colour too Nice rich deep colour. Looks like a nice mahogany? And you like fishing in Canterbury too Is that fly fishing? I like it Well done. HS

That had me in stitches I have a friend I might send that to. She drinks wine like I drink beer, she doesn't cook too much either. Mostly ' ding food' . You know, microwave...bzzzzz....ding !!! Hear hear !! A totally different flavour, love cooking outside . I'll have to try and fix Dads lawn mower, ( now the weeds have grown back) he's fiddled about with it so much over the years its pretty messed up , it only sorta goes. I'm trying to avoid having to buy a new one. Not good news about your truck . Uni joints & diffs can be a PITA ( pain in the ar***) to fix. Been there done that...( Landy's ) ....not fun . HS

And why not show them off ? You do great work, love the baseballs Thats one stitch I haven't done much of . HS

Theres someone on here that may be able to help with some info: https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/105697-wilhelm-pedersen-8-splitter/?tab=comments#comment-703716 HS

I have also used skiver blades, and like with all blades, they can be lethal , take care HS

A lot of the time I just use water and paper towel . Rinse well in water, and clean/dry brushes with paper towel . The paper towel removes pretty much all of the dye, both water based and alcohol based. Simple. HS

Too true I won't go off topic too much , but its been a while since I made holsters. I may even just do a few carved ones for display , like the hats. HS

The colour of the wine looks awesome Sounds delish too , and yes, marinades do come to mind . Nice to see you incorporate it with your work, along with a flint lock pistol . The one thing you wont see over here is corks in bottles of wine, its all screw tops . I'm half way making a few insulated wine bottle carriers . I have a bit of spare time now, so I may be able to get them finished. Won't be long before the Christmas leftovers come out of the freezer for soups. Its cooled right down here now, everything is nice a green , cool damp nights, totally different to a few months ago , we were frying our a**ses off. HS

This is a discussion that we've all had before, but you're absolutely right . I won't go any further as it will very quickly go off topic @Spicytacoman good luck finding your ideal machine . Its not an easy choice . HS

@hsherrill The hat looks awesome I've only done a few hats like that. Not much demand here. But they do make good display pieces on my stall. Might make a few more . What is the second item with the blue lace? Looks good tho.The saddle bags and the rifle case look great as well. Same again, theres a gun club in my town, I can hear it from my place, but no demand for rifle cases, holsters etc. Perhaps they're just happy to buy whatever they see at the gun shops....I dunno can never tell. Well done HS