Diy Leather Embossing Machine < $100

[glennaycock]

I was at Harbor Freight last week and noticed this ring roller, which has similar mechanical and functional properties as Tandy's hand-operated embossing machine:

As a DIY-type guy, I frequently find items at HF to substitute and/or modify for higher-priced specialty tools. This could be a real gem.

The obvious concerns are fitting the embossing wheels to the shafts of this machine and width limitations. I have a friend with a machine shop who could help me make longer shafts if necessary.

Has anyone else done or considered this? Since I don't have access to a embosser, could anyone provided dimensions for the shaft/embossing wheel inner diameter?

[builderofstuff]

I never thought about it until you brought it up but I think it's a brilliant idea.

[glennaycock]

It appears that most rolls have a 1" ID, so making this work will probably require a bushing.

[glennaycock]

After inspecting this device further, I don't think it would work without significant modification, as the rollers are too close together and the adjustable wheel moves concentric to the top, rather than closer/away. While it may be possible, I don't feel like the time invested would be worthwhile.