badger

Yes indeed, Thank you very much for the information. I've been experimenting with undyed Russet for a while now. I've lately been testing Fiebing's leather stain suspended in Neatsfoot oil . The results are pretty good. The oil takes the stain into the leather so it isn't just sitting on the surface. Stil working on it.... Cheers, Karl

Thanks a lot guys. Karl

Many thanks for the explanation. I'd also be interested to know what you use. Many thanks, Karl

What is the difference between 100% pure neatsfoot oil and 'blended' oil? Should I use either for specific purposes? What do I need to watch out for? I use the 100% Tandy stuff right now. Thanks, Karl

Nice idea! Really low profile. Karl

I want a treehouse! Karl

Peter, That's really generous of you, thank you very much. I'm looking for an original cast iron stand for my machine. I've been in touch with all the well known restorers/repairers and no one has a spare stand or knows where to find one. I'm planning to buy a Bradbury treadle stand of the same age, just to have something vaguely appropriate. Cheers, Karl

Wow. Just Wow. That's a fantastic rebuild/restoration. It's great to see the machine bought back to it's former glory. Thank you very much for sharing. How long did the rebuild take? Mine has a simple, plain flywheel with no decoration or adornment at all. I guess it's a later replacement. The handle is a red plastic affair and the wax pot lid is broken on one hinge. I'm having a tough time finding spares. I'm making a bobbin winder as I can't find one either. I'm really impressed with your machine. Beautiful. Cheers, Karl

Wow! You'd need to work hard to break one, it's seriously big lump of metal. However it is a casting. One way to break an iron casting is either a rapid shift in temperature..... another is to drop it. Cast iron's pretty brittle. It's a real shame these things happen. Particularly to a cool machine like a Pearson. I'm getting the hang of operating mine now. I'd still like to find a replacement wax pot and a new handle for the flywheel. If anyone has either, I'd be happy to buy them. Cheers, Karl

Wow, nice work! I love the design. The clean lines and choice of hardware are excellent. I really like the fit and finish. I hate over burnishing. The edges look lovely. I agree with UKRay, I think he's nailed it. I can't see why the strap would want to come apart. Cheers, Karl

Guys, Sorry for the delay, away in NYC for a couple of weeks on business. Got home to find some samples of oak-tanned leather from Bakers... Beautiful. I asked for an undyed Russet, London, Chestnut and Black. The leather is very nice indeed. I'll try out my oil finishes on them and report. Cheers, Karl

I'm new here too. These are lovely people, really friendly and helpful. A huge information and goodwill resource. Cheers, Karl

Nice one Kevin! Great work and a cool site. Karl

I just spoke to Sedgewick's. They said they supply Abbey Saddlery (as mentioned earlier) and all retail enquiries should go there. I also spoke to Andrew at J and FJ Baker and he's sending me samples as I write this. Thanks for all the help guys. Karl

Thanks for all the input guys, I've used LePrevo for a long while too. I make a point of stopping in the shop when in Newcastle. I never seem to leave empty handed, there's always something I never knew I needed! I'll get samples from all the suppliers mentioned. Cheers, Karl

I have a friend who's a fantastic leatherworker and I've been inspired by him for a long time. The problem with an erratic work schedule is that it's difficult to plan your free time...you never know when it's going to be. My Grandfather said you can't find free time, you have to make it. So, this year I'm finally getting my act together. I bought my friend's old Pearson #6 harness stitcher and I've got it working pretty well. I'm tracking down leather suppliers as I'm really not happy with what's generally available in the UK. I'm not keen on the Russets you can get from craft suppliers. I want to track down through-dyed veg tan leather. I have a few promising leads and some samples on the way. I like holsters and belts a lot. I really fancy making some Western rigs, traditional and Hollywood styles. I have a supplier who runs a small foundry and I'm designing my own buckles for him to cast in brass and bronze. I'll make the original models and he'll cast them up for me. It's a way or making something uniquely mine. I'm more a fan of clean lines and simple work. Not too fancy. I like the look of well made, nicely boned leather goods. What about you? Cheers, Karl

Beautiful! Karl

Hi Ben, Many thanks for your thorough reply. The information is very interesting. There certainly are a lot of factors to consider. I'll look into them. Hopefully this will help others with the similar problems. Cheers, Karl

I have a tendon condition. It isn't gripping too hard that's the issue, it's the size of the shaft of the tool. Larger diameter means less pain. I'm sure other people have similar issues, almost certainly among our older friends. Cheers, Karl

Barra, I have a plan to buy a cheap battery drill and mount it on a block on the bench. If I set the speed reasonably slow, it shouldn't need too much stabilisation, simply chuck the end of the bobbin shaft tight and wire into a sewing machine footswitch. Maybe attach a hinge to the baseplate. drill a hole to hold the other end of the bobbin and swing it up into place. This would leave both hands free to feed the thread on. Cheers and thanks for the input, Karl

Thanks Greg, I'll look out for one. Cheers, Karl

Hi Everyone, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I suffer hand cramping when using leather stamping tools. Is anyone aware of a commercially available grip or holder for stamping tools? I know there are various methods like sliding tubing over the stem, but is there anything out there which will hold a standard sized tool and make working with them more comfortable? Cheers, Karl

Greg, By inside and outside roller guides, do you mean one for the left side of the work and one for the right? The one I have bolts on to the right side of the machine as you look at it while sewing. Cheers, Karl

Skunks? Thankfully not. There is something else which might help get skunk off dogs. I don't know if you guys know the Chef's trick of washing your hands while handling something made of high grade stainless steel. It actually removes seriously strong smells. When cooking, I often chop fresh garlic. You know how that can hang around.... I wash my hands with dish soap at the same time as handling the grip of my stainless Chef's knife and rubbing it over the skin of my hands (stay with me here). Don't ask me how, but it actually works. There's not even a hint of garlic smell afterwards. Sounds weird, right? I wonder if you got a lump of smooth stainless steel and rubbed the dog's fur with it while shampooing, it might work. Dunno. Cheers, Karl

Thanks very much for that. Very interesting. I have the roller guide and needle steady that came with this machine. I'm looking forward to trying out the roller guide. I have a few ideas for a home made winder. Cheers, Karl