Spence

I use mine in an old bench vise I had lying around. Mounted it on a bench and it works fine, every time. I cemented strips of leather to each jaw and I use rubber cement on the die to hold it in whilst I do the empressions. It's time consuming, but so it life.

And while you're all at it, order some makers and event dies too. I supply leather tracking articles to some working dog trials around the country and having their club's name on the articles make a great impression. I've bought 3 so far and plan to keep on ordering as I need to. The work and customer service is outstanding. Spence

Do the magnet test. If they stick, they're not solid brass. If they're solid brass, I've used vinegaroon, since I have it on the bench all the time. Some folks use ammonia, I think, but I'd rather not fry my sinuses. lol. What I do is take the brass piece and a piece of leather soaked in vinegaroon and put them together in a ziplock bag. It usually takes a couple of days for a buckle.

Just so you don't go away mad --- I've never used the raised/fancy rivets, but I do use a lot of rivets in my work. In the process of searching for resources, I've seen rivet setters for these types of rivets. I can't nail down which suppliers have them, but a first look might be standardrivet.com . Google rivet setters and see what you get.

Take the extra time and burnish the edges where the hardware is going to sit. Then stitch and burnish the double layer. Customers may not know you spent extra time, but they will know your attention to detail is what they want.

As Mijo said, depends on the size of the dog. The width would depend on the breed. I make single layer for normal dog-walking, etc. I go double layer for working dogs. Leashes range from 1/2" to 1", depends on the customer's preferences. Working dogs get a minimum of 3/4". I agree with Mijo about the bling. I'll put it on, but I don't like it. I won't add spikes though. Personal preference because I've seen too many owner/handlers tear up their hands trying to grab a dog in an emergency. I think it's a liability issue for me. I've tried the curving while gluing thing, but quite frankly, who sees the underside. I usually line a single layer with pigskin to hide the stud prongs etc. If I don't line it, I smooth it out with gum trag. hth

I have an old, circa 1940, National R-40 (Rotary). It belonged to my mother and she used it rarely. Is anyone familiar with this one? Can I use it as a hobby machine ? I think I need a part for it, but not concerned with that yet. Tks

If you don't mind me asking, where do you get your gemstones already mounted? Or do you mount them yourself. Your work is awesome, btw.

Just checked out RJF Leather. Good looking stuff, but no prices. That is an immediate turnoff for me.

That's correct. No website. They are an Amish run company, so no computers, etc. They are great to work with. They fill orders and ship very quickly. Well worth the wait for the catalog. IMO.

I get all my snaps and rings from Beilers now. I don't know about the NP, but the stainless and solid brass are outstanding.

Hey Chuck, Welcome !! Enjoy yourself and hit the archives for some of what you need to know. See ya at the other place. Spence

Me too !! Beautiful work. But I really want to see that Amstaff in it.

Here's my new one:

An update: The cellphone sleeve I posted back in January is still alive and kicking. It takes a lot of rough treatment. I keep in in the front pocket of my jeans and I've dropped it more than I like to admit. The scales are still closed, but you can feel the texture. That is my personal preference.

I embedded some rather large stones into a dog collar last year. I used D-6000 cement. (I can never remember the first initial) I found it in a hardware store, but saw it recently at WalMart. I let it set for 3 days before I picked it up again. The stones have stayed put, although the collar is not an everyday collar. I would think it would work on a headdress. I'll try to post a pic. G'luck.

I had grand ideas, but now that I've got what I need, I realize I don't really know how to proceed. I've got embossed cowhide and I want to cover the clutch purse interior. Would appreciate any tips, hints or outright directions. Thanks!!!

I've always had good luck taking a good pair of wire cutters and working at the peen. It has worked every time. I'm not confident enough to go the drill route. lol

FWIW, I use solid rivets from rjleahy.com. I have both solid brass and stainless steel. After peening, I use the domed section of the large rivet setter from Tandy to smooth out the peened end. Hope this helps. If you go with them, make sure you ask for an equal amount of associated washers with the order.

I agree with all that's been said. Their customer service harkens back to when the customer was really important to a business' success. The only time I've ever had to email Kevin was to make sure he knew his people were the tops in customer service.

What is a crust hide? Is it good for braiding? or anything else? Thanks

Quite by accident and ignorance, I discovered a way to antique brass. I had soaked a strap in Vinegaroon (Vinegar Black) and before it was dry, I put it into a plastic tub with the brass fittings to go with the finished product (a leash). Next morning, I opened the plastic tub and discovered the brass was no longer shiny, but antique looking. I'm sure, had I tried to soak the brass in Vinegaroon, it may have pitted the brass. So, there ya have it. A mistake that goes in my journal for another day.

Beautiful work. I've got a SOG Power Lock and I really need to build a sheath for it.

It appears that I've mislead folks. I just checked mainethread and the stuff I'm buying is now called "waxed polycord". When I bought the 8 spools originally, I was under the distinct impression it was "waxed linen cord". I don't know what happened, but I apologize. That aside, I'm happy enough with it that I will continue using it. Not too much and not too little wax. The colors that I bought (Earth tones) fit all of my needs. Katsass: Keep in mind that Springfield is a dealership, of sorts, for Tandy. I don't know what their arrangement is, but in all the dealings I've had with Springfield, I've never been disappointed. In fact, I'm almost continually surprised at the level of customer service/satisfaction they display. It takes me back 40-50 years. lol Sorry for the bad info folks.