Bell Knife Skiver

[Wizcrafts]

41 minutes ago, jayker2002 said:

Hi Bruce, 

I'm thinking to get one of this skiving machine. Could you give me the link of this machine? 
Thanks 

Do you realize that the topic to which you replied today is now 10 years old?

[jayker2002]

21 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

Do you realize that the topic to which you replied today is now 10 years old?

Yes I did. But I did talk to Bruce sometimes, and maybe he will give me some suggestion about buying bell skiver machine. Just dont want to waste money and time for buying stuff then sell it again. Save me some times

 

- Jay 

[Wizcrafts]

1 hour ago, jayker2002 said:

Yes I did. But I did talk to Bruce sometimes, and maybe he will give me some suggestion about buying bell skiver machine. Just dont want to waste money and time for buying stuff then sell it again. Save me some times

 

- Jay 

You can probably buy a decent brand new bell knife skiver from Techsew, in Montreal. They advertise via banners on top of every page here. It would save you converting Canadian money into USD. Ask for Ronny.

Note, there are two types of feed on these machines. One is bottom feed and the other is top and bottom driven. The dual feed is stronger, but more expensive. Most of the machines made today are clones of the Fortuna. The bell knife is pretty much standard across all brands.

If you buy one for veg-tan, or other dense leather, the metal wheel is best. If you need to skive chap, upholstery or other soft leather, get the stone wheel. I have both for my Fortuna. The 2" solid foot is the one I use most of the time. I do use a roller foot once in a while, but it isn't as wide and leaves marks on the sides.

Learning to use a bell knife skiver is definitely a hands on experience. No amount of book learning or watching videos will help you master these machines. However, videos can get you in the ballpark. It is all done by experimentation and learning from previous mistakes, or being lucky enough to have an in-person teacher.