SteveBrambley

Hi,Yes, you are quite correct, you will find details of a lot of our machine in the Needlebar Gallery. I was going to mention that, but I forgot!Steve Hi,Thanks Ray, I look forward to hearing from you.Steve

Hi Daniel, This is one of the many machines I use, mostly for closing and edge binding bags; couldn't live without it. Take a look at one of the photos of our workshop that I have posted in the 'Members Gallery' you can just see it poking out at the bottom right corner, next to the blue riveting machine. Steve

Hi, The big machine is a Singer 11-38, I understand that it is one of the largest machines Singer ever made. I use it for anything that is tubular or cylindrical, as the feed is both up and down the cylinder which is 30" long; the 'Bucket Bag' in my earlier photo was made using it. You are correct that you saw two strap cutters, however, one is a BUSM the other a BUSM clone, made by B & J Wright; there is a Merkle machine there, but it is an automatic hole punch, for straps and belts. The unidentified machine, I think you mean, is an 'Epoc' automatic eyelet setting machine, again made by BUSM. I just had a look at your website/blog and I see that you have a BUSM 'Pilot', you can't see it very well in my photo, but there is one there. Perhaps if you wish to organise a visit, you can show me how to thread the bobbin properly! Steve

quote name='UKRay' date='Sep 29 2008, 05:47 PM' post='64127'] Welcome Steve. I'm based in Ludlow, Shropshire but my dear old mother comes from Ottery St. Mary near Exeter! We would all appreciate seeing a few pictures of your workshops and machinery and examples of your work - on a personal level, it is great to have the opportunity to learn from a specialist like yourself. Enjoy the forum. Here's a few pictures of our main workshop. Sorry they're not very good, the lighting is not to good, and my camera is pretty basic. This building was once the village wheelwrights shop and dates from the early 19th century. Steve [attachme t=15771:riveters...ters_etc.jpg]

Hi Corvus, A 'Bucket Bag' is a traditional type of ladies casual bag, that can come in various sizes. It is called a 'Bucket Bag' because that is, more or less, how it is constructed, like a bucket. Steve

Hi, Here are two samples of my work. The rifle magazine was made for a target rifle shooter in 3.5/4mm saddle shoulder. The bucket bag is a Waxy Butt Split, with saddle shoulder trim.

Hi Daniel, It's me again. Art is quite correct, although the Puritan has it's uses, I think you will find that the Artisan/Toro 3000 will be best for your job. We have a 'Typical TW3-441' which is exactly the same machine, and find it perfect for most purposes. Steve

Hi all, Many thanks for your kind welcomes. I will certainly post some photos of our workshop, as soon as poss. I will also send some pics of a machine or two. Thanks again. Steve

Hi, I thought that I'd better introduce myself. I'm a third generation leather worker, and have been working in our family leathergoods manufacturing business for over 40 years. My grandfather started this in 1915, after he took over a harness maker's shop that, I belive, dated back to the 1840s. Grandfather actually learned his trade when he became an apprentice to a shoemaker, after leaving school in 1898. It was then run, for many years, by my father, and was then, in turn, taken over by my brother and myself, who continue today to make all types of leather bags and cases, mainly for the sporting-gun trade. Over the years, we have accumulated a varied collection of leather working machinery, including over 20 types of sewing machine, some of which are very rare these days. Steve

Hi Daniel, I'm new here, but I came across your post regarding the Puritan machines. We have a 'three row' version of this type, which I use for making heavy leather gunslips (they were originally designed for closing shoes and boots), these machines seem to be fairly 'bullet proof' and, as they are a needle and awl type machine, will sew through very thick materials (even thin aluminium!). They do take a bit of getting used to as they are a bit tricky to 'cast Off' and as there is no reverse feed to back tack you are left with a long tail end piece, that must be folded back and tacked into place to stop the whole lot from unravelling. The one that I use is of the older type, but you can get a more up to date version. Both types work the same and parts are still available and you can get more details from: www.puritanindustries.net/index.htm Regards Steve