Syms

Was excited to see that someone posted the same question I have right now...sad to see nobody responded!! I guess instead of creating another new thread, i'll re-up this one. Would love any tips on working with croc. I have a few hides with me and currently trying to make a strap with the belly part of the hide. I am finding it hard to cut, as well as tough to work with in that the parts i'm looking to fold technically can't fold mid-scale...can only fold between scales? is that normal? Anyway, tips would be awesome. Thanks!

Beautiful straps! Those look extremely well made...thanks for sharing! I love the way you've finished your edges. Would love to hear more about what you're process with finishing edges entails! Thanks@

Hi Tex Shooter, Thanks for posting this! Could you tell me a little bit more about the different in working with tiger thread and twisted poly? Also how is the tiger thread better? I'm still trying to figure out different types of thread and what is best for my applications. Would love to hear more input. Thanks!

I'm picking up one of the 6 and/or 12 ton arbor presses for my uses. The 12 ton is much larger and isnt good for people who want something benchtop. The 6 ton from harbor freight looks to be benchtop size....and 6 tons should be enough for dies. I tried Elfita.com and the web address doesnt exist. Trying to see what you've decided on doing.

I've been looking at getting a manual clicker as well....came across a thread yesterday with people discussing a very simple modification of an arbor press that makes it essentially a manual clicker. If you do a quick search on "Arbor Press" you will find this thread. There is also a link to a PDF with instructions and pictures of how you can do it. Will probably cost you a fraction of what a clicker costs.

Hey All, Sorry to bring up this older thread but i had some questions for some of you who have have modified their arbor presses to use as a clicker (this is a genius idea!). Thanks Camano Ridge for linking to the instruction guide for the modification! I'm looking to possibly do two of these, one of 12 ton arbor presses for larger cuts and one of the 6 ton benchtop arbor press to keep on the bench for quick small cuts/stamps. Anyway, this modification guide recommends 1" thick steel plates and 2" thick cutting boards. Is that overkill or is that totally necessary? What thickness plates and cutting boards are you guys using and how is it working out? Would love to see some pictures of your own arbor press modified clickers! Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone, I came across a local shoe repair shop that was closing down after 50 years of business in my neighbourhood and he was looking at selling all his machinery. I came across two things that peaked my interest...an old Skiver as well as an old leather cutter. I bought the skiver, but left the leather cutter for now as I wanted to find out more about it before buying it. The skiver is a Frobana skiver. Does anyone have anymore information on this thing? When year this thing might have been from, if there are owners/instruction manuals that may be found somewhere, and more importantly, whether parts are still available for this? The blade is cracked where the screw points are, but looks to still function. The wheel still turns smoothly and thicker leather seems to still glide through quite easily. Although it does leave teeth mark on the top side which i may have to find a way to work around. This second machine is a really old leather cutter. It seems to still function quite well, the wheel turns quite easily, but the blade itself is chipped. Not sure if this is really that useful but interested in finding out more about it. I can not find any identifying marks determining the brand or model so i'm hoping someone may recognize it and can tell me more about it? Would also be interested in what people who do know more about these feel they are worth? Thanks in advance!