2MadJacks

I ordered my needles from artisan at the same time I bought the machine. And I too have thought about using only one wrap on the top or maybe even the side but I have not tried this yet. should make things much quicker. before I bought this machine I dealt with an older gentleman on an old Mercury simalar to the toro 3k. with the mercury he said he only used one wrap on the side tension unless he was sewing thicker material, then he used two wraps. James

knitting needle i think, maybe?

I use a #18 neddle with #69 thread and when I start sewing whithout and other adjustments. My bobbin thread is being pulled up to the to the top so.. the main tension (on the side of the machine) is to tight. After backing it off some and once I get pretty close to where I need to be I then adjust the top rear (minor) tension. I don't adjust the bobbin tension at all. To me this is minor, believe me, I'm not wanting to make you think I enjoy doing this. but it is cheaper than buying a new machine. also if you still feel like you have to adjust you bobbin and thats whats bothering you the most, have you maybe thought of just buying an extra shuttle hook and bobbin just for lighter work? Don't know just a thought. James

I too have the toro 3k and I just wanted to let you know that it will sew with threads as light as 69 and as heavy as 415 with just a swap of the needle and a minor adjustment in tesion. this machine sews very well. James You can download the manual at the artisansew.com

Thanks for the post Jake!! Your stand looks very nice and will be helpful to those of us looking to build our own. Thanks again, James

Well... I have to admit that I was a bit grossed out and blown away last week at your idea. Although I was very curious of what the response would be from everyone. but after hearing your latest points with brain tanning along with the egg painted masterpieces, puss like milk, lol. you MIGHT be onto something. Let us know if you try it out and how it works for you. I still not saying that I will try it. Even though I love deer hunting and do my own butchering, I just don't know. good luck in your new experiments. James

Wow, I have to say that this is one of the most amazing things I have seen on this site yet. Between the honor of making the urn and the friendship it sounds like this world could use more people like Larry Huston and Phil LeDuc. Just amazing!! Thanks for sharing, James

Hey thats a really cool rustic look. Nicely done. Can we get a look at the inside? James

Where in NE Oklahoma, I live in Sapulpa just south of Tulsa. Have a Toro 3000 I bought this last summer and absolutely can tell you it is well worth spending the money. I am also new and went the wrong direction in buying two used machines first. What a disaster that was. But if you are ever near Sapulpa, your more than welcome to come by and check out my machine. James

Thanks RandyC and Rustyriggin so now I know at least two that have done well for themselves after attending. Denise you have a good point. I will call maybe today or monday and ask for the instructors and their saddle making history. I have a friend that went there back in the 70s but all has changed since then. Thanks folks for your quick responses, James

I am thinking of going to the boot and saddle school just for the saddle portion. And was wondering if anyone here has attended this school or could give any advise. Okmulgee is just about 45 minutes south of Tulsa. Thanks I would appreciate any type of advise. As it stands right now with my wife in nursing school, I wouldn't be able to start until this fall. Thanks again, James

Wow, sweet work. Nicely done, James

Thanks Tom and Tiny. I appreciate your comments. Hope he is the coolest dog around and I drew the flames myself (I suck at flames). Got lucky with these, probably because they are so small. thanks again, James

Thanks guys, all of your comments mean alot to me. I'll keep in mind what your saying about logos. although my defense is - deny deny deny! I found it on the street. lol Notice no makers mark. Thanks James

Okay so here is a collar just finished up for a friend. some of you may recognize the skull. fairly plain. The dog is a great dane and is only 5 months old so this was just a good practice piece. I lined it with creamy color chap leather. Taking any tips or suggestions. Thanks James

Thanks Panther, went to his site and his work is truely amazing! Rawhide, I really appreciate the info, that was more what I was asking about. Awesome craftsman!! Thanks again, James

Rawhide, Okay so I haven't been doing this leather thing very long. So this may be a dumb question but who is Peter Main? can you tell us about this very tallented person? I just notice you always post his things and was curious. Thanks James

Wow, that looks sharp. Glad your back into leather. Looks like you can definetly teach us newbs a bit too. Looks good, James

Hey I really appreciate your comments. I use the toro 3000 , cant stand sewing by hand. takes the fun out of it for me, hate it. but thanks again, James

thanks for your comments. I got my stamp from harpermfg.com but there is a thread here under tools by tom swede labeled "makers stamp" . sounds like they are much better priced and I would have found this forum first. would have saved me about half the price. Thanks again, James

Hello name is James, and I guess its time to quit looking and finally get up enough courage to post a project. first off this is absolutely the best forum I have ever seen. Everyone is very helpful from the masters to the newbies. So Thanks to all. So here is a belt just finished this morning. Was looking to get some feedback on what you think about it and what can be improved. I usually do my edges differently but thought I would try out hidepounders method. We all know his edges are second to none. Well obviously I didn't follow directions and won't be de-throwning the king. I knew better than to try something new without testing first. anyhow here is the belt so lets hear what you think. Thanks, James

Is this located in minnesota as well? Thanks James

I think this would be a great idea. Can't wait to see it. James

I like to skive the lining down on the buckle end just before the fold for the buckle. this is the only end that doesn't have a lining all the way. good luck, James

Looks Great, very impressive !! Well done, James