NatesLeatherGds

Yes, please!

In progress coasters. A thin, over-oily hide on clearance I got - not much use for anything - die cut the shape, glued 2 together, stitching on singer. Fun. (My first ever batch - don't yell about my stitching )

Holy Smokes! Gorgeous!

Hi all. Been hand cutting my stuff. Certain items though just look better die cut. Looking to expand my skills and item line(s). So. Looking for a hand press/clicker, square dies, small keyfob dies, etc. On a budget. Anyone have stuff like this you need to offload affordably ?

Gorgeous for a first version. Like really. My first... well... let's say I don't have it any more (trash) and.... don't even do tri-folds any more. You've done great.

Keep at it, don't worry about mistakes, don't fret if you waste, and you'll make it and they will be great.

I second Bruce's thoughts. Scrap is not just scrap. I paid for it so will use it, either for testing or selling. My best use of scrap so far are these. 5 slit punches, "braided" finished with a ring or other at the end. Depending on how much coffee I've had and if I'm awake enough, I can do it in 15 minutes or so. Sold 4 or 5 - between 12$ and 15$ at fairs - 50-60$ - not a lot of money - but its half a hide -- on scrap alone. With the bags and other going for 65-100 -- well, suddenly scrap is a big player in my production costs and helps turn a "profit". Anyhow - my 2cents.

Have fun! When you find yourself pulling out a loupe and other strong magnifiers, looking for a burr, you're well on the way.

Just plain awesome.

Well, there are different schools of though on this. In my personal case and use, dry has worked for shaving sharp. I unclog the stone(s) with water, just rinse and pat dry. I've read that the oil helps keep the stone lasting longer, but interferes with the sharpening (something about micro bits in the oil -- but I am not sure on the science). Again, in my personal use, dry works perfectly every time and my stone is over 10 years old. Oh -- for heavy refactoring I use a standard whetstone (home depot or wherever) also dry. Then finish on the Arkansas stones. YMMV.

And that Tumbler looks like a sweet rig, I must say.

Handmade - ground from a sawzall blade, cedar handles. I use it occasionally - sharpening it as above. Otherwise -- utility knives

Well... many schools of though on knife sharpening. Rabbit hole as deep as night. As for me.... freehand. Dry stone. Arkansas. Final strop on paper, leather or blue jeans (depending what's handy). Shaving sharp.

Looks great. Well made and tough.

Gorgeous carving.

Stuff I'm doing. The money clip was a Tandy kit with a wide back originally - insert that held the clip - too wide and wouldn't close. Ripped it up and did a this new one that is slimmer and seems better made. Hopefully clients/customers will like. Coasters were cut with a die cutter and glued the cork to the back. Hopefully they hold up. Wallet / pouch is a Tandy design that I really like, easy to do and even sold one.

Nice work! I am sure your customer will be happy.

What he says ^ - yes - and a paper dummy/mockup - I do that with scissors and paper to fool around until I can nail it. THEN cut the leather. And be ready to have to waste leather - not the best thing - but sometimes ... you just waste leather, don't beat yourself up.

DeWayne, Oh thanks and that looks really useful! I will see if my local Tandy has one and may explore use - small apartment - so have ventilation issues with sprays. Can I use it for a small one off (2 or 3 belts, say) and then reuse over a few days until the dye jar is empty ?

Still have this ? Willing to piece it out ?

Thanks much Wizcrafts. So... fwiw - here it is :

Northmount - thanks. Am I allowed to just put a link here to youtube ? If not, is OK, too. Thanks again.

Thanks. And it works too. I did a short video on youtube. Will try to get it up here if I am allowed to link off site.

DieseTech - oh wow- that's very nice and even. Will keep trying. Thanks! And MarshalWill - very nice look, thanks. I'm just starting with dyes, so your input is helpful.

I got this last 3-4 months ago and have been experimenting. I must say I do love it. Doing this bag - seam is a saddle stitch. Pocket is with the Singer. 138 thread and a 20 needle (I think). Still having fun learning it. 3-4 oz chrome tanned leather.