What Is This Tool Called, And Where Do I Find It?

[Lippy]

Mike,

Thanks for the update on the smaller Regad machines. It looks like the "real" machines have digital controls and the others are more of a traditional wood burning tool. That said, there's a big difference in costs.

Really interested in knowing Regad's feedback on pricing. Do you have any connections at Vergez Blanchard?

Cheers,

Tom

[CustomDoug]

Any updates on this ?

Personally I don't see why those smaller units would not work just fine.. maybe not as professional looking but they heat up with a controller (and leather doesn't need that much heat), enough so that pyrography on leather is possible. So it should be able to handle edge creasing and help with burnishing. Also the tips look to be built exactly like the pro units use. So if the tips were definitely interchangable, I'd like to try one of them before shelling out for the digital ones. I'm sure the pro tips would have to be sourced from Mando or Regads - Anyone in France close to a store that sells them?

Doug C

Edited October 14, 2014 by CustomDoug

[mikesc]

Still waiting to hear back from Mr Regad, I'll "relaunch" via another phone call or another email if I hear nothing by the end of this week.

re the "non digital" "toy devices".I can only go on what he said.

But, if I actually had a use for one of these "pro devices" ( or this kind of decorative finishing ) , I'd be inclined to build my own.

Only a question of making a power supply that has say 10 positions and temperature controlled "feedback" from the handles ( at the point of contact with the tip ) to keep the temp at the chosen °C or °F.

Making the brass tips isn't going to be rocket surgery, nor building controllers or handles..

But , I don't have a need ( ATM ) so..

Given how inventive and skilled I've seen some folks here to be ( reading a lot of past threads ), surprised that no-one has made a working one, and then made and sold them to others..Particularly given the transatlantic shipping costs involved in shipping base units at around 5 Kgs from France to the USA.

That said, I'll post here as soon as I have something concrete by way of pricing etc from Regad for the "pro" units and handles, tips etc.

Availability and suitability of the "toy" ones ( his words ) ?

There are a couple of large "hobbyist" type shops in the nearest large town to me ( around 20kms away )..next time I'm going near them I'll drop in and see if they have them, again I would think that the weight of the control boxen would be painful to ship, but I'll take a look.

Don't you already have this kind of "controllable" ( the 12V DC controller can be adapted from a car battery charger, and temperature measurement "probes" are very similar to those in digital meat thermometers ) heated "pyrogravure / soldering iron" available in other countries ?

Edited October 15, 2014 by mikesc

[CustomDoug]

It's not that a battery charger can not be made into a heat control unit.. they do it for wood burning units, so it would work for us too. But who needs the hassle. There are seperate heat control units available and on the market already, for the pyrography market.

I feel like Mr. Regad is playing down the non-digital units as 'laughable toys' in hopes of selling the much more expensive PRO units. I can't blame him for that, and I'd personally prefer the PRO units if I had the extra money.. if for no other reason than they look cooler. But honestly their "toy" unit (R300) is a more refined set up than what is sold by the Campbell-Randell (Leather machinery specialist and supply) here in the US, made for doing the same exact thing. The price looks to be about the same too, give or take.

I was planning on the Campbell-Randell unit to tide me over until I can come up with the $700+ for the Pro unit.. but honestly I'd much rather have the R300 toy. One advantage is the multitude of tips that Regad already offers. Another is the threaded handles of the R300 toy unit, are so cheap that you could potentially have a dedicated handle for each tip, seriously :

http://www.vaissiere-peintures.fr/manche-pyro-regad-produit-564.fr.html

I've found about 4 different places that offer these.. but none seem to ship internationally as far as I can tell. Maybe one of them is in your neighborhood or close to you?

http://www.vaissiere-peintures.fr/pyro-r300-regad-produit-379.fr.html

http://www.creavea.com/mr.html?query=R300&sid=0B288D792E492E7948566784FBD774EB.boutique1&productsPerPage=90&channel=fr

https://www.eanfind.fr/produit/T2OWWD2Z69

http://www.rougier-ple.fr/pyrographe-r300.r.html

http://www.scrapyro.com/appareil-multifonctions

Though probably not necessary, I'm thinking that the following tip could possibly be made to work with the tips from Campbell-Randell (less expensive?):

http://mando.fr/fr/fileteuse-manuelle/142-resistance-chauffante.html

Alternatively, there is another tip (#SD21) that could possibly be threaded (tap and dye) to accept the Campbell-Randell tips (less expensive?). But then again, the non-Pro tips at least are really cheap:

http://www.vaissiere-peintures.fr/pointes-a-pyrograver-regad-produit-381.fr.html

Doug C

Edited October 15, 2014 by CustomDoug

[mikesc]

Hi Doug, yes "retail prices" for what he calls the "toy" are much better than the "retail prices" of the "pro" units that anyone knows of ( at least until he gets back to me with prices, bear in mind, he may just say 10% or 20% less than "retail", I won't know until I get his written reply )..

re how close the outlets you found are to me ..

vaissiere ...other end of France..about 700 kms crow flies..900 by road ..8 hours hard driving ( but sticking to the speed limits ) each way..and no allowance for traffic..

crevea...even further South..762kms crow flies ...1000kms road..10 hours each way..and no allowance for traffic (

rougier ..shops at Vannes or Brest ' I'm about the same distance from both of them 100kms crow flies ..130 road..2 hours each way ( 2 lane each way highways and small, narrow Breton roads ) ..closer to 3 hours each way given the traffic in those two towns.

scrapyro..( Regad themselves ) 750 kms crow flies..900kms by road..9 hours each way ( right through the "massif central" ) (

mando..Paris..380kms crow flies..450kms road..about 4 hours each way ( plus Parisian traffic ..world's worst drivers )..I hate Paris ( full of Parisiens ) , I try to avoid it at all costs..

Maybe the shops at the town nearest to me have them ( but Google doesn't know ) or can get them ..

I'll research by phone later today ( 04.00 am here now ..I type slowly I have to hang around the house Wednesday in case a postal delivery ( Juki sewing machine parts from college sewing in the the UK ) comes here instead of to our PO box..

right now..I'm going to get some sleep..some delivery driver may be ringing the doorbell and waking me in just 5 hours..

[CustomDoug]

Not a problem Mike - we all appreciate you even taking the time to think of us in this regard. All info and help is more than we would have had without you going to the trouble.

Doug C

[nordicdistrict]

Hi Doug, yes "retail prices" for what he calls the "toy" are much better than the "retail prices" of the "pro" units that anyone knows of ( at least until he gets back to me with prices, bear in mind, he may just say 10% or 20% less than "retail", I won't know until I get his written reply )..

re how close the outlets you found are to me ..

vaissiere ...other end of France..about 700 kms crow flies..900 by road ..8 hours hard driving ( but sticking to the speed limits ) each way..and no allowance for traffic..

crevea...even further South..762kms crow flies ...1000kms road..10 hours each way..and no allowance for traffic (

rougier ..shops at Vannes or Brest ' I'm about the same distance from both of them 100kms crow flies ..130 road..2 hours each way ( 2 lane each way highways and small, narrow Breton roads ) ..closer to 3 hours each way given the traffic in those two towns.

scrapyro..( Regad themselves ) 750 kms crow flies..900kms by road..9 hours each way ( right through the "massif central" ) (

mando..Paris..380kms crow flies..450kms road..about 4 hours each way ( plus Parisian traffic ..world's worst drivers )..I hate Paris ( full of Parisiens ) , I try to avoid it at all costs..

Maybe the shops at the town nearest to me have them ( but Google doesn't know ) or can get them ..

I'll research by phone later today ( 04.00 am here now ..I type slowly I have to hang around the house Wednesday in case a postal delivery ( Juki sewing machine parts from college sewing in the the UK ) comes here instead of to our PO box..

right now..I'm going to get some sleep..some delivery driver may be ringing the doorbell and waking me in just 5 hours..

Hi Mikesc,

Did Monsieur Regad ever get back to you with a final price for the set?

[hitokiri8]

Hi Mike,

If any progress was ever made on this, I'd be interested in purchasing a setup from Mr. Regad.

[seanafk]

Full Disclosure: we are the distributor for the creasing machine in the US.

We chose to carry this machine over the other ones for several reasons:

* I was trained in using this specific machine, so it's what I know and what I have the most experience with.

* It has very good heat control. The G6 has bit more control and power than the M3000. Heat control is probably the most important thing with any kind of creaser.

* Heat consistency- the second most important thing with any heated creaser. You want consistent temperature otherwise your lines look...well ... inconsistent.

* the accessories/tips - they're just better. The sizes that I need, the application of them is better. It's not the variety; there are other machines that have more choices. I prefer these accessories. I don't prefer the stamper though. There are better and cheaper ones out there.

Cons for this machine:

* it's expensive- it's the best we've found so far but you definitely pay for it. Don't get me started on the import taxes.

* it is definitely not a toy- it is truly an old-school industrial machine. No manual. It requires finesse. We offer instructions and a virtual tutorial to everyone who buys it from us otherwise they'd be lost.

Bottom line

I thought long and hard before adding this machine to our offering even though I use it all the time. It's a large investment and it's a very niche item. It is a huge time saver though not only in creasing the edges but also prepping them for painting. If you're looking for the best machine this is it, but it's definitely not for everyone.

[edit for typos]

Edited February 3, 2015 by seanafk

[BigMatt]

I have been researching this topic and have found an affordable, yet possibly temporary solution.

Radio Shack is filing for bankruptcy and they have digitally temperature controlled soldering irons for $89. Today I bought mine for around $50. It is settable for down to around 350 degrees and I think it goes up to 800. This should be the right temp range for this work.

I will try it when I get home, and I will probably end up making some tips for it if I can't find any locally.

Now to find the definitive answer on what edge paint to use....

[malchik]

I have been researching this topic and have found an affordable, yet possibly temporary solution.

Radio Shack is filing for bankruptcy and they have digitally temperature controlled soldering irons for $89. Today I bought mine for around $50. It is settable for down to around 350 degrees and I think it goes up to 800. This should be the right temp range for this work.

I will try it when I get home, and I will probably end up making some tips for it if I can't find any locally.

Now to find the definitive answer on what edge paint to use....

For tips you can check http://www.ebay.com/itm/301284016005 I tested them, works fine with soldering iron accepting 4mm tips. I'm using Tandy (Fenice) professional edge paint (section lacquer) ant I'm happy with results (see some examples on https://www.facebook.com/kami.leathercraft).

[BigMatt]

Sorry to take so long to get back to this topic.

The temp range on this iron is 300 degrees and up. It heats quickly and has a readout for the set temp and the actual temp. It seems to be a nice unit.

I used the tip that came with it and it seemed to work with the Tandy professional edge paint. The tip is too small and pointy though. It was hard to get a smooth edge on the leather.

Also, the iron uses the wrong sized tips and won't accept the 4mm tips (the tips for this unit are 6.5mm). Since I already have the iron, I think I will try and make a bushing that will allow me to use the 4mm tips and then buy the ones from EBAY.

I have a lot of projects going right now, so I don't know when I will be able to get to it.

Edited February 18, 2015 by BigMatt

[hillton1]

Hello all,

I have been a "lurker" for too long and have been learning so very much from everybody here- thank you so, so much!

I am setting up my home-based workshop for leather accessories and have been purchasing tools and machinery based on the awesome advise from you guys.

Recently I have been looking at Hermes videos on youtube and that led me to this thread. The Fileteuse is a tool I would love to add to my workbench and I am wondering what happened to the possibility of getting a group together to order a few from the source? I believe, there was a super nice guy with connections in France?

Eleni

[thefanninator]

You can buy it in the US now.

http://www.fineleatherworking.com/leather-electric-creaser

[pg043]

Does anyone know how hot these tools are supposed to run at?

I am looking at trying to make a cheaper version with a variable heat soldering iron. The units I have looked at seem to operate between 200 and 480 degrees Celsius. Any idea how that compares to the temperature of the Fileteuse?

[CustomDoug]

You can buy it in the US now.

http://www.fineleatherworking.com/leather-electric-creaser

The single set up comes to about $750 from the only US vendor - which is more than a price for the hobbyist IMHO. I'd prefer more than just one tip too ! those tips are ranging from $130 to $210 each ??? seriously, why ?

Doug C

[thefanninator]

Post #134 by Seanafk from Fine Leatherworking might answer your questions if you missed it.

Rocky Mountain Leather Supply is carrying it now too, same price.

http://www.rmleathersupply.com/products/electric-edging-tool

You can always get a quote from Mando in Paris:

http://mando.fr/fr/17-fileteuse-manuelle

[CustomDoug]

Post #134 by Seanafk from Fine Leatherworking might answer your questions if you missed it.

You mean this explanation of why the tips are soo outrageously expensive, from post #134? : "...* the accessories/tips - they're just better. " - no, I didn't miss it the first time.

[pg043]

What I find even more amazing from post# 134 is this line:

* it is definitely not a toy- it is truly an old-school industrial machine. No manual. It requires finesse. We offer instructions and a virtual tutorial to everyone who buys it from us otherwise they'd be lost.

This machine has an on/off switch and a temperature dial. Am I missing something?

Also, does anyone know the proper temperature that this machine runs at?

Edited March 3, 2015 by pg043

[CustomDoug]

There is this machine from a S. Korean leather supply company, the head comes to about $118 + shipping (first link). And the handle is about $35.50 - with and adjustable tip for varying the crease line from the edge (A GREAT IDEA IMHO!), second link:

http://handon.co.kr/front/php/product.php?product_no=326&main_cate_no=29&display_group=1

http://handon.co.kr/front/php/product.php?product_no=708&main_cate_no=29&display_group=

Then there is this tip too.. still reasonably priced:

http://handon.co.kr/front/php/product.php?product_no=327&main_cate_no=29&display_group=1

Or, the following adapter could be used with a standard soldering iron (and a wood burning/pyrography temperature controller) to attach the tips from Campbell Randall (using a small brass threaded adapter between them) :

http://handon.co.kr/front/php/product.php?product_no=879&main_cate_no=29&display_group=1

Doug C

[CustomDoug]

There's also this heat control unit (and it's single hand-piece counterpart).. if you can figure out how to get 1/4" phone jacks to work with a soldering iron :

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/125467/Detail-Master-Excalibre.aspx

Doug C

[hitokiri8]

Just came across another possibly interesting solution from Korea that appears more budget friendly than the Regad...http://elfitakorea.blogspot.com/2015/02/elfita-new-iron-creaser.html

[CustomDoug]

Wow thanks hitokiri8 .. that's currently about $225 US (for the basic set up) and they'll send a paypal invoice for billing. Good find!

Doug C

[wayner123]

Just beware of the shipping cost. I priced a similar unit out before and it was nearly $100 to ship it.

[hitokiri8]

would still work out significantly cheaper than the alternative. If anyone pulls the trigger (and I am considering it myself), please keep us posted!