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Instead of getting the Scharf-fix 2000, I got three more Safety Skivers and am saving up for Artisan's 20" splitter. If you're getting the safety skiver, make sure you get the one that uses the black heat-treated metal. I had a non-heat treated silver one from Osborne that bent on me recently. Ed

Here's a quick comparison test I did with Sno-Seal Aussie Wax Montana Pitch Blend Leather used is Indian Tan Latigo I'm beginning to think the difference among various conditioners with weatherproofing properties is a situation where the emperor has no clothes. Ed

The threaded screw holes do not need to be modified in any way. It's a very simple adjustment. One thing that might need to be modified is the top of the inner presser foot. If you raise the inner presser foot too far, the top of it will hit against a metal bushing, not allowing you to fully lift the presser foot release. You'll need to grind a bit of the top of the inner presser foot. This isn't a big deal, as there's a lot of excess steel there anyway. Ed

I used a 24 needle with 277/138. Previously I had been using 207/138 to prep some suede pockets. I use a 24 needle for both. I'm not sure which screw holes you are referring to. Ed

Latest findings: Grinding is only necessary to remove the outer presser foot teeth so they don't mark leather. It is actually very simple to raise the clearance of the outer presser foot: loosen two screws, adjust to the height needed, tighten those two screws. For the inner foot: loosen one screw, adjust height, and tighten. This is a very cool little machine. Ed

277/138 no problem. Haven't yet tried 277/207, but not really sure I even need it for the intended application. Ed

How to add 1/4" presser foot clearance on these portable walking foot machine to get a total clearance of 1/2", maybe even a bit more. 1. grind off 1/8" off bottom of outer presser foot 2. grind down the screw slot of the outer presser foot 1/8" 3. grind off 1/8" from end of arm that the outer presser foot screws into. 4. There may be a way to add additional clearance by adjusting four screws that hold the inner and outer presser foot in place along their posts. Regarding #3, these arms should be the same for the straight stitch machines and the zig zag machines, though I can't be sure. I was getting set to seriously consider investing in an additional $3k machine, but I think I may have found a way to make this $300 machine do the work I needed. I know she'll do 207/138 standing on her head. Now I'm going to see if she'll do 277/138 and 277/207. Ed

I just got off the phone with Yamata-Feiyue USA. They have outer presser feet for these machines. $10 each plus shipping. I was about to pay $33 for one of these with the teeth ground off for use with leather, but decided to buy two standard feet and do the grinding myself. I'm placing the order tomorrow. Please let me know if anyone is interested in adding to the order. My feet are for the zig zag machine and are a bit wider than the feet for the straight stitch machine. I will ask Yamata- Feiyue USA if they can also ship the outer feet for the straight-stitch machine. Ed

The F7 grade felt is better than craft polyester felt for applying dyes and finishes. The F1 grade corded felt is softer than the felt used on the polishing wheels for the Dremel. This may be a plus, as there is less of a chance for the felt to burn the leather at higher RPMs. The screw for the mandrel used for the Dremel felt polishing wheel is for a felt wheel that is 1/4" thick. I need to find a screw that is twice as long to accommodate a 1/2" thick wheel. I'm happy with the prospects and will report any updates. Ed

Hi Marlon, What kind of felt do you use to apply dye? I was using thin polyester craft felt tripled over, but that got too stringy too quickly. I still use it for applying water and gum trag, but not dye. Now I'm trying 1/4" grade 7 felt from McMasters. Works better, but stringier than I thought it would be. I've been having some luck slicking chrome tanned edges with glycerin saddle soap and cotton canvas burnisher. That Cordura you mention is nylon, correct? Ed

Anyone have experience with the Artisan 4700 flatbed? I'm looking to add an industrial flatbed machine to my lineup for more intricate projects. The 4700 is written up as being able to stitch #69 to #415 thread. Do you think this machine will simply function as a flatbed version of the 4000 or will it allow for the more intricate stitching as that seen, for example, in Kevin King's work? For the time being, I'm going to see if I can get my portable walking foot machine to fill the gap. Thanks, Ed

This little mustang of a FS288 will stitch 207/138 all day without a fuss. I could probably do 207/207, but don't really need it. Ed

The Sailrite DVDs have inspired me to tinker with my FS288Z. For the record, If you call Yamata (Florida location), no one will have heard of this machine and they will direct you to Feiyue USA, located in California. They have always been very helpful. http://www.feiyueusa.com/index.html It is very possible to add nearly 1/4" additional clearance for the outer presser foot. grind of about 1/8" off the outer presser foot. Then grind off about 1/16" to 1/8" off the flatbar that the outer presser foot screws into. This will also require grinding the same amount off the screw slot in the outer presser foot. I'm not sure about the inner foot, but tension here can be backed all the way off if necessary. The presser feet for this machine seem very basic. You would think you'd be able to get them for $5 somewhere, but I've found them only on Sailrite's site. Feiyue USA is getting back to me on the price. If they don't have if for less than $15 I'll probably just buy from Sailrite. Ed

I've been watching the Sailrite DVD's Ashley sent me. Never thought I'd be so into sewing machine maintenance and repair. If I had to have a machine aboard a boat, I might give more consideration to a Sailrite machine. However, after having had a good look at the Sailrite machine, I do have greater appreciation for how Yamata has put together their machine, not bad at all. That said, Sailrite really has gone through that machine and have remedied many issues that may come up in normal operation. However, being a land lubber, I think it's enough to get a Chinese machine and invest in Sailrite parts and accessories as needed. Ed

I had my yamata zz out last night. Pulled it out, knocked out some seams on some suede pockets, tucked it away. Very nice, practical machine. I'd like to find a source from which to purchase an extra presser foot which I can grind down at least 2mm, better suited for thicker material and leather. ed

This bag is made of 5/6 oiled chrome tanned leather. High stress areas -- corners, joints, seam ends, handle, dees, strap retainers -- are hand stitched, about 40 percent of the total stitching. The rest is machine stitched. ed

Just got this email from Campbell Bosworth. Some of it might be Eddington nylon. ....we have a special on some thread right now. ($5.00 LB) I have #69, # 207, & # 92 in different colors available. Please call me @ 1-800-327-9420 and let me know if all your questions have been answered from this inquiry or if you would like to order some of the thread we have on special for $5.00. ed

I bought the Yamata zig zag machine for around $300 shipped, the Sailrite Monster II Balance Wheel $130 shipped, and the Sailrite storage/carrying case for $100 shipped. Total $530. Even if you buy the Sailrite the Monster II balance wheel is an optional accessory, so I I ended up getting the Yamata and carrying case for $430 total about half the price of the Sailrite zig zag machine. I'm happy with the Yamata. ed

I meant it in the sense of people who have exposure and are not afraid of repercussions by the establishment. There are people in comedy now who think they're provocative, but they're just idiots. Bill Mahr comes immediately to mind. Carlin was genuinely funny, sincere, and, to a degree, dangerous. On the journalism side, Bill Moyers is someone who will sadly be missed when his time comes. I can't think of many others in the spotlight worth listening to. Charlie Rose knows on which side his bread is buttered. There are many, many others worth listening to, but they don't have the mic at their disposal. Bill Moyers and Tony Brown have many of these people on their talk shows. Ed

I think the saddest thing is that there's really no one to take the places of people like George Carlin and Norman Mailer. Everyone else is replaceable and has nothing to say.

Does it seem correct that not all bobbins will spin with the same amount of friction? This seems to be a new variable in bobbin tensioning that has cropped up recently . Ed

Somebody around these parts was selling a Highlead cylinder arm in the UK for a very good price.

I was thinking that leather crafting might be something done in the Tatries, the Polish mountains, but, as you say, their thing is embroidering. Maybe this is all the more reason to start up a leather business in Poland.

I'm hoping it's only the bulb, though nothing appears blown in it. Do you happen to remember what the Kelvin rating is on your bulb? Am I correct in assuming that MR11 is the diameter of the bulb, and that the replacement I get also must be an MR11? Thanks, Ed

Welcome, Pitman. Nice work. I'd also like to know where in Eastern and Central Europe one could by all necessary supplies. My fiancee is Polish and would prefer to live in Poland than the US. I also like the idea of running the leather business from Poland but not sure about taxes and supply sources. Ed