barra Report post Posted May 19, 2007 G'day all. I live in Australia and have dabbled in leatherwork in one form or another since I was about 15 yrs old. I apprenticed to an old English saddler and harnessmaker then bought the tools of another saddler who decided to retire at age 94. He said he would have kept going but the arthritis was getting to him and his eyes were giving out. He finally died at age 106. Most of these tools are dixon brand, either joseph or thomas and date from the early 1900's and were seriously used full time in a workshop in the days when horse transport still ruled. They are still in great condition and will outlast me. I have since persued a career that has involved the fabric work related to aircraft which taught me to use an industrial sewing machine. (I forgot to mention that while apprenticed I was the sewing machine). I then spent 4 years teaching my aircraft trade including teaching people how to use industrial sewing machines (we were all numpties once). I am now in the process of putting the old workshop back together an getting back into saddlery and harness making. which I am finding quite the sanity break. Keep the posts going. Cheers for now. Barra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Regis Report post Posted May 19, 2007 Welcome to this great forum. Sounds like you have some excellent tools and skills. Regis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
