FrankSchabler Report post Posted September 30, 2022 I just purchased this unit on eBay as a stepping stone to one day acquiring a bell skiver. I’m hoping to use it to replace the Tandy pro skiving machine to skive 6/7 oz latigos for rolled edges on bags that I make and sell. I’m just looking for any tips or insights on the care and maintenance of the unit. In addition to that it’s limitations and capabilities. This site has been an invaluable resource for me in my leather journey and I thank all in advance for responses. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted September 30, 2022 Frank, You probably will not like what I've got to say. It is nothing like a bell skiver and never will be even close to those capabilities. This is the earlier American version. The top wheel is the feed wheel on this one, the bottom wheel is just an idler wheel. The top wheel will mark the exposed side of your leather and you will not be able to easily rub those marks out. Adjustment can be a bit tricky on the blade. It needs to close enough for the leather to feed from the wheels into the blade without the leather riding up or down, but not so close that the teeth on the wheel catch the blade. Yours is missing the guide that feeds the leather into the wheels at the set width. That is going to be hard to feed one handed, keep it feeding straight, and crank with the other hand. The later American version has the bottom wheel as the feed wheel and aggressively milled, top wheel lightly milled or smooth. There was a stop for the blade adjustment, and a much improved feeding guide, plus likely a slightly wider blade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrankSchabler Report post Posted October 1, 2022 (edited) Thanks Bruce for the insights. I think for the particular application I’m intending to use it for it should be ok as the skived area will be folded under. (1.5” skive) Perhaps I could tap a hole and fab my own guide? Assuming you are you referring to the red circled component in my attached photo? This was a photo taken from your Instagram. Do you have any newer units currently? I have tried contacting you a few times with no replies. Hopefully with a little patience and ingenuity I can make it happen. Edited October 1, 2022 by FrankSchabler Attach photo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted October 1, 2022 Frank, I don't have any on hand that aren't spoken for already. The guide on yours is different and I may have one like it that I haven't scabbed parts from yet. I know I had one with a broken guide but you could get the idea of it if it is still there and not scrapped. I should be in the shop tomorrow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrankSchabler Report post Posted October 1, 2022 That would be fantastic! Thanks so much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
