JayEhl

Hi, I bought a used TechSew 2700 and am having difficulty understanding the lever that controls the stitch length and the forward/reverse. I took it down to a local shop after I purchased it and they got it all oiled up and timed and showed me how it works but we had a language barrier and I could not hardly understand any instructions. Crazy part is that he showed me before I left how easily it sewed the sample leather and didn't have to hold down the lever or anything. It just zoomed along. I took it home and now I have to hold the lever down to make it run forward and if I leave the lever where it is it goes in reverse stitch. Should be the opposite. Plus, I don't know what those numbers mean on the label (assuming its stitches per inch?) Anyway, because I have to hold the lever down to go forward, I think this is the reason why when I try to sew it isn't able to pick up the bobbin thread ( or it's another one of my screw ups). The manual I downloaded is complete crap (translated from a foreign language) and doesn't cover this area at all. Is there a button or a switch or something that I may have messed up? Your advice and experience are invaluable. Thanks in advance. ~JL

I still use the foam that came from my original Tandy starter kit! I also placed some of this tough rubber mat stuff I purchased from Tractor Supply. It resembles the rubber mat many out door stuff playgrounds have, today.

I think it's missing a beer can holder but other than that, fantastic work!

Wow didn't even notice that subtle artistry. Very well done!

Are you going to use a peg board?

Kind of depends on what you want to do. If this is part of a press I would go with something thicker, maybe over an inch or two, but if its just a backing for the chisels than I would think 3/8 would be plenty and I'm sure the 25" is more than enough. My board is scrap from a broken cutting board and is small enough to tuck away in a short shelf. I'm sure others here will also provide more experiences and insights.

Hi I've a small kitchen table that I've been working on since the beginning and often wished I could stand over my projects with a tall stool. Definitely go with the taller version. As for a cutting mat you will want HPDE : https://www.tapplastics.com/custom-cut-to-size-plastic-sheets/hdpe-sheets lots of other factories to choose from, too.

I see beautiful work here and each time I get humbled by the craftsmanship that I see. Yours, in particular, stands out. Very well done! Please post more!

You go, dude! Good on you!

I recently filled an office floor with furniture. For the brainstorming for space utilization, we used grid paper to define the space (walls, doors, etc) Then we got the dimensions of the office desk, cabinets, etc and cut them out to same scaled dimensions and then were able to easily move things around. You could do the same here. Just a thought.

I'll drink to that!

Could you share the thickness size? I wanted to know for wet forming a container I want to make (taking your idea but making kind of a cup/dish, kind of like a really small valet) I attempted it could use an improvement.

well, maybe the analogy of the salesman at the door may not be the best but I was more pointing out how I don't answer solicitations no matter if its online or at the door.

I understand why some people may feel this is inappropriate but at the same time I'm not sure why this is such a big deal. I am treating this like the salesman who comes to my door. I don't answer it. He isn't making anyone give. If you want to, you can. If you don't want to, just move on. No need to be outraged. ~JL

I like the art work and admire, too, anyone who can put such detailed finesse onto leather. I've always painted my colors before I put on a resist and antique. Not sure if that is the right order/process but figured it kept the paint/dye from rubbing off so easily? Just curious.

Yes, so very nice and elegant. Do you use Herman Oak leather?

Boy, that would be something I would be interested in for $1200. Missouri is a bit of drive for me, though.

Such great wood working so far. Extreme diligence in your designs and work. Being new, I've never heard of using a 'jig' for making a wallet so this is new and is making me curious. Can someone point me to a video of how this is used?

Just watched your video. BIG help, thanks. I have a craft tool molding tool with what appears to be a petal lifter on both sides but different sizes. I got them as a gift early summer but haven't used it yet, thinking they would be used for molding embossed art work. I'll have to give it a go to check out the process. But definitely something other than BK's are on my list. Thank you so much!

wow, such meticulous work. What 3D program did you use for the rendering on the first picture? My oldest is (FINALLY) moving out in (HOPEFULLY) February so I hope to take it over before the wife expands her quilting empire.

I am told that the pandemic is also affecting tanneries, not to mention all the supply chain hassles.

whoops, missed this. Thanks for the insight. I thought I was doing something wrong and have been trying to be more careful and trying to gently push through the corners by hand instead of using the mallet, especially the bigger ones. Kind of like a rounded end modeling tool. The ones from Ed seem to be thicker/blunt which is what I think I'm looking for. The right tool for the right job! Thanks!

I think you may be onto something there if you just play with it. Be sure to document the ratio of water : dye and the color dye, etc. Boy if I did something like that it should keep me out of trouble for at least a day or so.