Deanr

I have one and although I haven't used it alot I like it. Much of my work is with chrome tan so I don't get alot of opportunity to use it. Probably not for everyone. For those that have spent considerable time perfecting your tooling you might be underwhelmed. For those that want a tooling effect and haven't perfected the standard craft I think it can fill the need. Different type of results. I like to trace a picture and work from there. Attached are a couple pictures of bags I made using it. Both on veg tan.

Check if you have any chainsaw artists in your area. With your low level of detail required it may work financially.

Beautiful work. Any chance you have more pictures of that knife?

I would like to second toxo's post. It's so much easier with a pattern. Well worth the $10. In addition he has instructional videos to go with the pattern. With these patterns you need the minimum in tools. Use a 1.5 mm punch and get some tiger thread, some needles and go at it. The stitching is alot easier this way. I wish I had figured this out earlier, it would have saved alot of frustration.

Very nice. I've not seen using binder's board as a core on the insert. Did you tool around the edge before sewing?

I think your tooling is incredible. But I think your paint/dye work is equally impressive. Even when enlarged I don't see any overflow on adjacent areas. You obviously are very meticulous. Maybe you could share any tips/tricks. Very good work. Something to be proud of.

I use a utility knife and this gets me pretty good results. I sharpen mine with 1000 and 2000 grit and then strop. Draw your radius using an awl and something of the radius you want. Bottle top or coin work good. Do it in multiple cuts and concentrate on keeping the knife perpendicular I make the first cut light and focus on following the line. I like to slowly rotate the leather as I move along On straight cuts use a ruler You can touch it up with a little sandpaper if needed. This will help if it isn't perpendicular.

I had problems with my machine skipping stitches when sewing veg tan. I switched to a good quality poly thread and I haven't had problems since. Also make sure when you stop your needle to make sure it has started coming back up.

Something I used to adjust my trigger pulls looks like it can easily be adapted. Take a plastic cup, make two holes near the rim, opposite from each other and put a wire through the holes. Now you have what looks like a miniture paint can. Tie your bobbin thread to the wire. Lift the cup up while holding the bobbin. Slowly pour water into the cup until the bobbin releases the thread. Weigh your cup with water on a kitchen scale. Once you have a desired weight, put your empty cup on the scale and fill it to your target. Hang it from the thread and adjust your bobbin until the thread releases

Very nice work. Are you stitching the bag right side out with your hands inside the bag? If yes then very very nice work. If not please enlighten me. Also I would like to see a picture of the lining and one of how you attach the flap. Thanks.

After my first and only attempt, which I primarily used pyrography, I really appreciate your work. I struggled with the texture. It was all trial and error with the intention for a bit rustic. I made this for my friend who is native american.

RLTW

Thanks for the explanation, how about pictures of any current messanger bags.

I really like the sewing detail on your bag. Excellent work. What does the zipper on the flap access? Just the flap or is that how you open the bag? I assume it was done with a machine, what type? How do you do the seam on that center panel? I would also like to see more pictures.

I use a lsz ultrafeed and I make bags. I don't think it is the glue. I use seamstick tape as it is not as messy and allaround easier. My experience is it is usually the tension. I have mine pretty much cranked down all the way and back off about 1/2 turn. You didn't say what type of leather. I have much better luck with Chrome tan. Also try putting in a new needle and remove your bobbin and make sure there are no pieces of thread down there.