Handstitched

This blog may be of interest. http://blacktulipsewing.blogspot.com/2013/01/left-handed-sewing.html The only thing I have that is left handed ( in stock) is a few left hand knife sheaths. Mounted on the left side on the belt . So , I was wondering if these left hand machines come with left hand screw drivers & spanners ? HS

I agree. Its a big decision . But some basic market research is a good idea. Before I bought my clone, I just simply had a good look around town , and asked questions etc. over a number of weeks or more, and thought, ' what does this town need that it hasn't got' ? ( theres only around 1800 people here in my town) There was nowhere to buy a decent belt or leather case or anything what people are likely to use, mainly farmers & tradies etc.. and there was nowhere to buy any souvenirs for tourists, visitors . The horse ownership around town was also increasing. I bought my machine in 2005. Best decision I made. Its paid itself off. The Seiko machine came later for the horse rugs. That too well and truly paid itself off HS

And what if it doesn't ?? Unless you can sell them, you're stuck with an expensive " investment" . Just a thought. HS

I just use the tried & tested Al Stohlman method. The length of both arms for belts, long projects etc. HS

I had to google that name. I just use ordinary paper to make a pattern to begin with, a 'prototype' perhaps. Once the pattern seems to work and I'm happy with it , thats when I use heavier card to make a ' permanent' template. Quite often my leather comes wrapped in brown paper, I re-use that for pattern making. I try to re-use & recycle where I can. HS

@hickok55 Have a word with @RockyAussie He's used quite a bit of Croc. @Garyak I can see Cane Toad leather in that pic, spotted it straight away HS

@JayEhl I had another, perhaps 'ye olde' method of removing smells. Bi Carbonate of Soda. It was once used inside fridges to get rid of unpleasant smells, like mold, musty smells from left overs etc. I'm not suggesting put the leather inside the fridge, but perhaps inside a sealable 20-40ltr tub with some bi carb. It may take a while, but it might just work . We used it inside cupboards to freshen them up . A bit of bi carb and lemon juice ( or for the Aussies) some eucalyptus oil in the bi carb. Makes a change from moth balls. HS

The cigarette smell is maybe why there was an estate sale in the first place ? Would making something, like belts for eg. remove the smell? HS

That sounds awesome . There are so many different types of curry powder . Just to mention a few that I have , are: dukkah, madras, Malaysian , Vindaloo ....and so on. You can also make your own to suit your individual tastes. If you do just be careful with Turmeric as it will stain your kitchen counters, clothing etc. maybe even leather)?) Yet to try that. Glad you're enjoying new flavours. And yes, chuck steak ( gravy beef) is a toughy , slow and steady, like brisket . Maybe as Winter starts to set in here in Oz, I may even try a simple mild chilli dish . I don't mind a bit of extra spice, but I have to be careful with Mum & Dad stomachs The Griswold came up a treat . Just need to find the time to actually try it out. This thing called life keeps happening. HS

@fredk The ladies love it....apparently . Maybe I should try some eh? Ha!

Welcome to the forum Do you have any pics? May be helpful. HS

This brings back memories. I spent all day washing , shampooing , grooming a horse I once had , hooves and all, it was all nice and pretty, ....and what does it do? Roll in the dirt HS

@TomE G'Day, I am in the process of replacing girth straps on a stock saddle, as I have done many times. Looking at your pics, you've pulled the saddle apart . I'm not a saddler, but I have replaced countless girth straps because the original leather wasn't up to the task ( blue/grey hide) , torn between holes mostly , or they have simply snapped. What I have been doing is putting the saddle on a ' saw horse' onto my bench so its up high, , tying up the flaps, removing the the old damaged girth straps from the webbing, making new straps using quality harness leather exactly to the original, using the orig as a template , and then carefully hand stitching the new ones back on. But....its a pr**k of a job. Apart for pulling the saddle apart, is there an easier way ? I had to take a break from the one I'm working on atm . My fingers were getting sore and my eyes were going ' crossed eyed' Thanks HS

@CowboyBob Perhaps you can help with this: https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/100673-looking-for-help-to-value-items/ There is a Pearson #6 that the owner would like some help on, amongst other items. HS

@Spyros At a regular market I attend,, one of the other regular stall holders thats sells s/h...stuff, junk etc. , tried to knock me down on the price of a plain, but long belt. But as everything has gone up in price* , I wasn't going to budge on my prices . He kept trying to knock me down...I was having none of it, the harder he tried, the more I dug my heels in. He walked away in the end, I didn't care. However, at the same venue for an Easter market at the weekend, he came back...trying once again to knock me down... I dug my heels in deeper this time . " You drive a hard bargain over 5 bucks" he said. "If I kept knocking my prices down, theres no point in me being here" I said . He laughed, and paid me full price . *When I went to Perth to get some leather around 2 hrs away, I would normally pay around $30 -$40 in fuel, but as the cost of fuel has increased exponentially , I paid over $80 - . Its not just the cost of leather, but the cost of fuel to go and get it. I could get it couriered out, at a cost, but I like to see what I'm buying. HS

You have a lot of catching up to do . 'Mondoleze' ( Kraft) once owned our 'Vegemite' . You should have kept it!!! As ' Crocodile Dundee' once said, " you can eat it, but it tastes like s***t " . Its a bit like salty axle grease . HS

@Barnhart The first name that immediately popped up is ' Ed Bohlin' . Do a quick search on him and you'll see why And when you say ' parade' , I think of the 'Rose Parade ' ( see pic) Beautiful craftsmanship on that saddle though HS

I knew that I have seen those before. At a used machinery seller here in West Oz. It was listed as " shoe shop leather" "Sorry you missed this one, please look in our listings for more we may have, or phone us ***** . Price: $20.00" ( all sold) thats $20- each ...I think I did think about those a while back .....but thought....yeh...nah !! At $20 ???? Whats wrong with them ?? HS

Thats great new for all of us The relief you're feeling right now must be huge. Perhaps lodging a formal complaint to the trucking company may be considered ?? Have lots of fun playing with your new machine, you've deserved it . Happy for ya !! HS

Just started cleaning up the ol' #8 Griswold Waffle iron today. Its Good Friday in Oz, I'm not religious, but a good excuse to have a day off and do other things other than leather . I'll have before and after pics later. Happy Easter HS

No change at mine, still look like ' transparencies' on an overhead projector.

Coming along quite nicely HS

G'Day and welcome to the world of leather. If it came from a boot maker, the first thought that popped into my head was sole leather , for the soles of boots, shoes etc. as you did mention that its quite stiff. May also be good making leather sandals perhaps? HS

I either use a pencil, because most of the marks rub off with a rubber or disappear after shaping, bevelling etc. , or if the item is to be dyed black , I can use a biro ( pen) . The pen marks disappear when dyed black . Or if the leather is chrome tan in a lighter colour, roo hide for eg. I make sure I cut the leather directly on the line ....the line disappears. Too easy HS

Heres a few screen shots. Must only be in Oz.