anester05

I soak a paper towel in a bit of acetone, not the healthiest thing to do but it works great.

Troop, Are you using pre-finished leather or veg tan and dyeing it your self. Also what thickness did you use for the gussets? Thanks, Adam

Is this list still relevant? Are there any others?

The door is solid, heaviest door I've carried handles basket stamping well.

Found an old door and decided to make a work bench out of it.

I am looking to buy a leather sewing machine. Is there a supplier near Houston or does someone what to upgrade and looking to sell their old machine. Thanks, Adam Nester

No offense taken at all, anyway looks like my grandfather's old sewing machine will do the job of sewing wallet insides, its an old Kenmore made in the 50's.

Yeah I feel like an idiot now, what an awesome thread it answered all my questions. Time for this thread to die a slow and horrible death. Thanks for the responses.

I am looking at this machine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-CLASS-15-SEWING-MACHINE-GREAT-FOR-LEATHER-/251032487867?pt=BI_Sewing_Machines&hash=item3a72b3c7bb I want a machine for sewing wallet and purse insides, and maybe even sewing wallets. Just wanted to know anybody here has had any experience with old machines are they worth the investment.

Both. I have a customer lined up who wants some head stalls made, and I wanna make belts to sell. Thats why I would like to have a skiver because the head stall I am making requires a whole-Lotta skiving. I figure I'll buy a machine when my leather work has paid for it. First up is a skiver and then a sewing machine. I guess a sewing machine might be first. This is the head stall I will be making.

That would be awesome, so I guess I know what I need to save for. How much does the hand crank one cost from weaver?

What is a slitter?

Well if my business picks up a little I will certainly start buying drum dyed. What about hot stuffed? Does Drum dyed work just like veg tan but just dyed already? Well it looks like I will be looking into my first machine purchase, which I think will be a splitter. Any suggestions? Where is the one I am looking at. http://www.sdtradingco.com/Splitters.htm The heritage one because I don't have a-lot of starting cash and I think right now, besides a sewing machine, this will save me the most time. When carving a belt how much time does it take you to do a 38" belt? What things do you do to save time while carving? Thanks for all the great answers, they are pointing me is a better direction.

Is struck through leather just drum dyed?

Thanks everyone for the replies, another question. The halters I am making right now need to be black. I have cut several straps to the widths I need. Should I make each individual piece for the halter then dye then sew the halter together? Or should I dip dye the straps then do all the cutting and sewing?

Howdy, What kinds of things do you do to reduce time without cutting corners? I will be making general tack items, just looking for some advice so I can deliver a quality product in as little time as possible. I will be hand sewing all items, if you have any suggestions where that is concerned. Thanks, Adam

I saw that I really need brass though.

I am repairing some bridles for a mounted patrol trooper in Conroe, TX. I need to find a vendor for bridle squares (correct term?), similar to the four sided one in the attached image. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might locate some or some similar? Thanks.