kbarker

Hi All, My business has grown and my accountant has asked that I start doing a full inventory. I have not come up with a plan or way of doing this and thought I would ask here. I have done inventories at other jobs in the past but my question comes with leather. Do you list it as a side? by the square foot? I realize it might be all up to me and what works best but I don't even know where to start. I use Quickbooks currently and if there is ever a time to switch its in the next couple years. Any suggestions, templates, thoughts, critiques are all welcome. Thanks so much! Kellie

The link above is linked back to this same thread.... I'm having trouble with this same issue. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks!

So what I have seen is that Cobra doesn’t have an equivalent for a synchronized binder correct? I have a class 4 and would live to find something to make this happen.

Second custom beaded belt. Inlaid with 7/8oz on top and 2/3 as liner. Stitching was done on a Cobra IV with 138 thread. Had some issues with TanKote over paint (streaking), but I believe its due to the material I used to apply it. Feel free to ask questions or give feedback. Only been tooling since July and this was quite the learning experience between the dye and bar grounding. I'm realizing my beveling and tooling in general isn't deep enough.

Second custom beaded belt. Inlaid with 7/8oz on top and 2/3 as liner. Stitching was done on a Cobra IV with 138 thread. Had some issues with TanKote over paint (streaking), but I believe its due to the material I used to apply it. Feel free to ask questions or give feedback. Only been tooling since July and this was quite the learning experience between the dye and bar grounding. I'm realizing my beveling and tooling in general isn't deep enough.

If unable to get woolskin any other suggestions?.... this is completely just wanting to get a project done quickly. Thanks

I'm up in NW Montana. Kalispell area with a shop that is quite capable thankfully.

@bikermutt07 I appreciate the follow up. I have realized that I would probably be happy with a few different machines and hunting for the "perfect" one is more hindering than helpful. It has also been suggested by a craftsman up here who is well established to look into Artisan machines. He runs a 4000 and a lighter weight machine, also Artisan, but can't remember which (-sc) something, for chaps. I have an Artisan dealer here, if I had issues at least. I have decided to set up an in home shop and the new machine is the first step, followed by tools. It's a really excited endeavor to be pursuing and I'm thankful to have this kind of community to bounce ideas off of!

My only concern with the cb3200 is not enough throat if I decide to utilize it with bigger projects. I don't want the material to get bound up. I also forgot to mention that I would want something with a flatbed attachment so I could convert if needed. I'm going to try and retro fit the Chandler to handle the lighter stuff since I already have it in place and its a well working machine. I was thinking of taking the points off the presser feet ridges to help with the mark up. Is the biggest issue with machines such as the Techsew 2700 that they are just clones? Don't they still work well? Do the CB come with some kind of incredible guarantee that the other makers don't which makes them a cut above? Thanks

Okay so.... I am getting a new machine with almost full cart blanche allowed. Here's the setup. I have a Janome Horizon 8900 from my sewing days which does everything fabric related and light garment weight leather. I also have a 20 year old Chandler DY-337 which can sail through canvas and light leather, BUT its presser feet leave horrible marks on the leather if its something like veg tanned so only the softer ones will work there (if you know of a model that interchanges where I can find smooth presser feet I'd love to know). Also, if you've ever used one, there isn't much presser clearance and its not a compound fed machine. So here's where my work is and where it is going. I currently love doing leather bags, everything from 2/3 up to heavy buffalo, and smaller leather goods. The issue is I don't have the maneuverability I need for bags with the flat bed, so a compound feed cylinder arm is in my sights and I am moving towards veg tanned pieces such as inlaid leather belts, spur straps, chaps, building custom orders which could include heavier layers such as skirts for welders and such where a cylinder arm will come in handy. I want the freedom of torque to attempt all manner of projects from saddle bags to tack, but I want a reserve, so to speak, so I'm not running into the upper limits of the machine. There aren't any saddles in my future so there is a limit. Something that could handle smaller projects like wallets (because I'm not a fan of the Chandler mainly because of the feet), but also have the thread capability to run through belts, and 2-3 layers of veg tan. If there's not a machine with that range I understand. I've seen all manner of suggestions between Techsew 2700, Juki, Cobra and Cowboy models. There seems to be a dilemma between clones and other models and everyone has there favorites, but is there actual issues with some brands over others? I don't have much of an option to find a good used machine. There aren't many crafters up where I'm at (NW Montana) who have spares laying around, nor am I going to risk buying something online. I have the ability to buy new so I'm asking you all, where would you stick your money if you were me? I need dependable, smooth, quiet and easy maintenance. I'm handy at fixing when things need it, but I don't want a fixer every time I set up a project. Thank you all for your due diligence in these forums. You spend so much time helping us out and its most appreciated.

Treed, Thank you thank you!! I have been trying to find decent tutorials, like the one below by the gal in OK. She has a great Part 1, but no Part 2 to show finishing. I have constructed enough bags and sewn things over the years to have a fairly decent idea of construction, but the particulars of specific weights of leather, thread size and tooling aren't as clear for me. Thank you for the information! God Bless, Kellie

Would this machine work with building belts? I'm guessing not since I've seen most people use a 69 size thread, but I wanted to get the definite answer since I'm looking at upgrading. Thanks

I have been doing my own beadwork for a while and now want to move on to building my own belts and start tooling. The hang up is I don't know where to start and I've exhausted YouTube as well as any other resource I can find at the library, but it doesn't seem to add up to much. I have the gist as far as the general technique, but I'm lacking in the actual way in which to measure to determine hole placements, beadwork length and such. My general idea so far is this: Take beadwork two rows in all the way around to pig suede leaving a 1/4" border as well as stitching over strings at the ends to ensure they are secure. Cut out belt top with corresponding bead window and tool. Add in holes and turn around (see I don't even know the correct jargon) for buckle. I mainly work with individuals who will be wearing buckles with their belts as in rodeo buckles so I have a 4 inch give or take gap. Glue pig suede to bottom of belt. Glue top piece of belt over beads. Stitch around belt. Finish edges. And that is as far as I've managed. I have an old Chandler Dy-337 and a heavier Janome sewing machine to manage between. I have no leather tools, but I have the space the willingness to attempt and fail as needed to learn. Unfortunately, there just isn't many leather workers up here to help me on this. And I'm trying to cut out an unnecessary purchases and costly mistakes. I'm looking for guidance on what tools I need (I realize the tooling is a wide range depending on the style I will move forward with) but the basics when it comes to tooling and then finishing a project such as this. Also if there are any books that may be helpful I'm all ears. I missed the Rocky Mnt Show and now have to wait until Pendleton to get a good workshop in. Thank you all for your input!

Thank you all for the feedback. I like the cylinder style machines with their ability to move a project around and the flexible space with odd shapes. The specificity you all have lent is incredibly appreciated. I do plan on attending the Rocky Mountain Leather Show in May so hopefully I can find more there.

Hi All! So I've been sewing with a 20 year old Chandler machine, just making leather/canvas bags for fun, but I'm looking at building some knife sheaths and heavier items. I've run into issues with my Chandler not having the clearance on the foot to fit thicker projects and think an open arm is the way to go, but I'm overwhelmed with the choices. Price isn't really an issue, I just want to get a solid machine I can do anything on from chinks, leather bags, holster work... you name it. I don't have enough of an expertise to critically look at used machines locally or feel comfortable in buying one online. Any tips, nudges, suggestions on brands or models is much appreciated. Thank you all in advance.