Tc1388

Hey, so I recently bought a beautiful leather sectional off of Facebook but has an odor of curry. I spent about 3 hours last night cleaning it. I used a 1:1 vinegar mix first and then a conditioner. As I spent $850 on the piece, I don’t want to get rid of it… Please help!

Does anyone know where I can buy quality 16oz skirting in pre cuts like 6”x6” 12”x12” etc? I usually buy HO from Springfield but the thickest they have on there site in pre cuts is 12-14. I’m not at the point of buying full sides esp in this weight. Any help in the right direction is appreciated. thanks TC

Well the second day I was practicing on it, the main screw that goes into the center of the wheel fell out. When I was done I noticed it sitting next to the wonder, so I just screwed it back in along with the set screw. Idk if that could be a cause for any concern.. Do you maybe have a picture of which screw? Or should I just attempt to tighten them all probably

Thanks for the responses. It’s hard to isolate the noise but it sounds like it’s coming from the bobbin area. If I can post a video I’ll try to. Ryan Neele said it’s a humming noise it’s normal, sandpaper noise is not. It just sounds like a rubbing noise.

Second post on sewing machines because I know nothing about them other than they’re faster than by hand... I just purchased the cowboy 3200 and set the speed to 600 so it goes slower until I’m used to it. As I stitch, letting off the foot pedal to slow the machine down it makes a humming rubbing noise. I’ve oiled the machine over to see if it’ll help, nothing. Just wondering if anyone who has this machine knows if this is normal. The last thing I want to do is wear the machine out prematurely. Thanks! Tim

Hi all, Recently I purchased my first sewing machine ever, the cowboy cb3200. I’ve been having issues with the stitch blowing out the side of my projects, being the edge I make is about 1/8” from the sides. I went out and purchased the flat needle plate because I thought maybe the work was falling in the large gap of the original plate that came in the machine, to no avail. Are there any remedies? Maybe positioning? I’m going to have to rethink the process of my work if I can’t fix the issue which isn’t a big deal just I have 4 projects that are awaiting stitching, one of which I ruined because of the problem at hand. Currently I’m using 277 thread with a 180 needle, the holes were too big for personal preference. I might have to switch up to 200 for the thread recently breaking. Thank you

Thanks for the input. Use paints now to “dye” it. White leather just seems like a pain...

Hi all, I’ve been painting leather various colors using Angelus brand paint mixed with a little bit of water using daubers. Not sure whether or not to try the switch to traditional dye and then coat with paint? I’ve been getting some unwanted thicker paint puddles in the middle of my work after drying. Also my biggest question is “dyeing” veg tanned leather white. Anyone have any input or tips?

Thanks! Got the machine set up out there. Fingers crossed...

SilverForgeStudio, I also found a good article on prepping. I may invest in a few Dri-Z-Air containers and use calcium choloride out there, particularly one under the cover. https://www.skilledsurvival.com/desiccant/

Thanks for all the responses. Spoke with the manufacturer earlier, he said as long as I keep the exterior non painted metal parts lubricated with gun oil and the machine oiled itself, it should be fine. Just run the risk of the mother board on the motor which is $30 to replace. He said the basement wasn’t any better of an option. I may have to spend the time to insulate the garage eventually.

Hi, so I just purchased a new Cowboy cb3200. I’m planning on setting up a legit tooling shop in my detached garage but am weary about putting the machine out there with it, as I live in New England. I’ve got an 8month old and a baby on the way so silence is golden in the home and work projects late at night. Are there any thoughts on storing it out there?

Thanks Wiz, ya I’ve looked at all of those before I came on here just wanted to take the cheaper route with the investment. I will take you and Jerseys advice on saving for the better machine when the time comes and build up the callouses for now.

Hahahah well that just saved me $250

So I can find much research on it but here’s an image

Wizcrafts, I know you guys suggested staying away from old machines but a friend on my dept is selling a 1950 Barnard De Luxe for cheap, with manual. Would this suffice? And thanks again Jersey Firefighter

Hey JerseyFirefighter, do you happen to use special threads on our PPE. I know all of our standard gear must meet NFPA requirements, did really think through the shield tho haha.Thanks everyone for the knowledge and advice.

Also what thread thickness would be closest to standard waxed thread? Thanks again guys...

Thank you guys both for the informative insight. Like I said I’m new to this and love doing it, taking pride in my work is of utmost importance, so durability is key. Do you guys have any dependable thread company references to just keep at hand stitching until I save enough for the cowboy? Again, thank you guys so much.

So they’re made from cowhide tooling leather. There will be no stress on the seams, purely decorative identity tags. Thought about the thread before but I’ve been in some hot ones with my personal one and haven’t had any issues yet. Will def look into that type of thread once I get my hands on a machine. There’s a guy locally who is selling a Singer 211W155 for $450? There’s also a chandler industrial no model # for $800. Would buy either if I knew anything about these machines. Thanks for the help Wiz

Hey everyone, I’m new to this forum & leatherworking as well. I’ve been teaching myself to hand tool leather work for helmet shields for guys in my department. I love creating pieces but drag feet when it comes to handstitching them. I’m looking to buy a used machine to get started before making any big financial commitment. I’m going through about 3/8”-1/2” and don’t know where to begin when looking for the right machine for like I said, a decent price. Any help is helpful.. thanks!