Rhale

Ver nice! But why would you want to move to Maine from West Virginia? LOL

Perfect example of what people are talking about, more ranting and raving about nothing! I am sure JLS is a very talented guy, makes fantastic holsters and probably other items that I haven’t seen but really why all the attitude, ranting and raving about things! Most people don’t care about your or anyone else’s problems, you might try Dear Abby!

Jreeser, I have to agree with you!

Barry King offers a large flat sided awl haft, check his web site.

Very beautiful! What craftaid pattern # is that, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks Rodney

Looks good!

How did you paint it, and with what? I use f antique paste and tan coat all the time never had that happen? How long did you leave paint on to dry? Did you let the antique paste dry good? Did the peeling start when putting on the tan coat? I would tend to think the paint wasn’t the right kind of paint or it wasn’t good and dry!

I have a couple of those I got from Wal-Mart a couple years ago, don’t remember the price but for those without a Target nearby you might check with Wal-Mart they are good and handy tables!

One of the best leather workers around who is also probably the premier leather tool maker lives in your area his name is Robert Beard, I believe he lives near Farmington, NM you might want to check out his line of tools and his work. Welcome to the forum! Sincerely Rodney

Seems to me we used some kind of floor polish maybe a Johnson and Johnson? Been to many years ago but I remember using shoe polish and spit then just a thin coat on the tips of the paratrooper boot. Sorry probably not much help, I have tried pretty had to forget about spit polish and brass-o!

If you are using a good brand swivel knife blade just replacing and not stropping could get expensive! If you are just using Tandy blades I get it, but you should do yourself a favor and try a good blade it will make a lot of difference. Besides I have yet to see a Tandy blade new that didn’t need sharpened. Try a Barry King, Bob Beard, Chuck Smith, Clay Miller or about any other you will be amazed at the difference.

How much for 3 brown oil tan? Shipping additional I understand! Thanks Rodney

If you get the swivel knife and the beveling down good most everything else will pretty much be the easy part! I suggest to practice a lot on the swivel knife and beveling over and over until the cuts and beveling are both smooth and you are satisfied with the look then start adding in the pear shading, veiner,etc. It will most likely be pretty frustrating at first but stay with it and you will develop a lifelong hobby. If there is a Tandy’s near you they usually offer some basic classes for tooling. Enjoy, Rodney

I would certainly suggest you start your carving and stamping endeavor on something a little more basic, if the first project you try to do is what you are showing and have no experience at carving or stamping you will most likely never get it finished or will be so disappointed in the results you will not give it to anyone. You can’t expect to paint a Mona Lisa for your fist painting! I always tell people to practice, practice, practice and when you get tired of that then practice some more. I realize you want to make something beautiful and complex but for you 1st item I don’t believe that to be realistic! Sorry to have to tell you that but that’s just the facts. Sincerely Rodney

I agree with chuck123wapati, as far as swivel knife you will end up with several probably, I use a 3/8” body with a 1/4” straight blade most of the time! For very detail carving I switch to an 1/8” filigree blade. Long straight lines like a border is best done with a large straight blade. I usually always use the same barrel (3/8”) but I am sure others don’t. It really all boils down to personal preference. I have done tooling for over 50 years so I have changed a lot over the years mainly because of the advancements in the tools over time. Barry King is a good choice on tools, I use a lot of Barry’s tools, I also use Robert Beard, Hackbarth, Clay Miller and others, If you stay with quality tools they will last a lifetime and will always be worth about as much as you paid for them. Others will argue that fact but I believe it to be true. Best of luck to you in your endeavors. Rodney

What would you give for one in excellent condition? Where are you located? Thanks Rodney

I can’t tell you the difference or advantage of one over the other, but I own a 3200 I bought about a year ago from solar leather. Because it closest to me, and couldn’t be happier with the machine. I have sewed everything from doubled 24 oz canvas , roughly doubled 3 or 4 oz leather to about 3/4” leather and it has worked flawlessly. I did not get the stand up type and I bought the flat top table to go with it. I am an old guy and prefer to sit while sewing. I am sure you can’t go wrong with which ever you chose. Enjoy your new machine!

We went through some bad fires here in west Texas several years ago, so we can somewhat relate to what you are going through , our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I know you will enjoy sewing the heavy stuff on the 3200, I love mine, enjoy!

Looks fantastic as with all of your work!

Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous new year to all!

Very nice! Sure he will be proud,

Thanks for the history, loved the Tom Horn movie with Steve McQueen. Thanks Rodney

Super nice! Is that turtle? If not it sure looks a lot like it!