JamesR

Monica, Thank you. I like the way you put that. I'm always trying to improve on what I've done before. Sometimes it actually works out.

Brianm77, It's when you wrap the thread around the needle on each stitch which sort of forms a knot. There are tutorials on the web showing you how to do it.

Mattsbagger, Yes, I tried not casting my last 2 stitches on a sample piece and it does seems to work better. When I backstitch over a "cast' stitch I find that I end up pushing through the braid and this hangs up the works. When I have used unbraided cord I don't have this problem. Yes I'm thinking out loud too.

electrathon, TrooperChuck, Thank you guys. I try to design things that will last. I have seen too many briefcases with handles that failed. The way some handles are attached look like an after thought to me. Problem is when you design things for long term durability you compromise the way it is going to look. I guess for me form follows function. BTW I know my stitching could be better, I'm working on it.

electratron and Bigfoote, Thank you for the replies. I think the awl size is my problem. BTW the only needles I use are John James so I guess the holes are just not big enough.

kiwican,shadowryder, Thanks for the kind words.

Thanks guys, I think I will try the larger blade, Also, I cast the stitch so I am thinking that it may hold up the back stitch? I wonder if I should not cast the last two stitches before I back stitch. BTW nice work Bigfoote!

Bob douglas slim awl blade, 1.2mm tiger thread,8oz. harness leather,j.watt overstitch wheel 6spi. I get the backstitch completed but it just seems like I'm getting hung up in the braid?

Hello, I recently started working with tiger thread. I like the stuff but I find that it is more difficult to backstitch over it. I have even broken a few needles trying to backstitch. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Thanks to both of you.

This case is similar to others I have made but this time I used harness leather. It's W&C 8 oz. harness in tan. It was quite flexible for 8 oz. thickness, I was very pleased with it. I stitched it with 1.2mm tiger thread at 6 spi. I used a 1 1/4' Cobra buckle. They are very strong and reliable. I attached my handle from underneath the top. I don't like handles connected with billets on the top of the bag. I have seen too many of them pull away from the bag over time. I would not say it is elegant but it certainly is rugged. I

CaptQuirk, Yes a slit might work too.

YinTx, Thank you

Been using a thread burner for a while now but sometimes I slip and scar the leather. Now I use this shield (piece of brass sheet metal with holes). No more scars.

Thanks again to all. Huginn, that picture is helpful, thank you.

Thank you.

Hello, I would like to try Tiger thread but I am not sure about the sizing. At 6 SPI with 6-8 oz leather what size would you reccomend? Thank you.

Just wanted to make some of you aware of the edge beader I just purchased from Barry King. I am left-handed so some tools are a little awkward for me to use. I wanted a tool for putting borders on the edge of my work (creaser) but figured I would have to manage with a right-handed tool. Anyway I almost ordered the right-handed version but instead I emailed Barry King tools about using the tool in my left hand. To my surprise I was told they have a left-handed version. I now have a high quality tool that works very well for me. Thanks to all at Barry King tools. Jim

That's incredible!

Mhicks, Thank you for the info on the camera insert. This solves some problems for me.

Looks good and yeah quite a lot of work! I am interested in the inside padding. How was it made and was it designed to fit a certain camera?

This is a jig I made to help setting those line 24 caps and posts. I usually use the Snap & Press tool but when I need to install something further from the edge I use this jig. The throat is about 8". The holes were drilled with a drill press to insure the tool is perpendicular and lined up perfectly with the cap or post below. It also prevents the tool from leaning to the side when struck with a maul. The cup or anvil sits in a shallow hole below to prevent any movement. It works well. Jim

I like it, thanks

Thor, That is a great looking case but I am having trouble understanding how it works? When the phone is inside does the semi circle flap hold it in? Do you remove the flap to get the phone out? Jim

Is it possible to burnish the edges of bison leather? The samples I have are too soft and flexible.