Bell Skiver Choices - Which way to go

[SolarLeatherMachines]

17 minutes ago, Ferg said:

I have written so many times about my skiver experience......

I seldom answer anymore when someone asks about them.

My skiver is a COWBOY top and bottom feed. Very close to being a Fortuna, just enough difference to notice. 

I have three different shape rollers for the top, the one mimicking the shape of the bell knife is one I use most of the time.

These machines will skive any of the leathers easily except heavy Veg Tan. They tend to dull the knife quickly plus several passes are definitely necessary making it tiresome to reset 

for small runs.

I have mentioned numerous times, these are not for the faint of heart. A very high learning curve and they will drive you "bonkers" some times just when you think you have it all figured out.

I find that U-Tube and many other videos fall short in actually educating you to how to run these machines.

Hours of playing with them and chewing up all that scrap leather you thought you would never have a need for. 

Bell knife must be kept sharp beyond anything you can or have ever imagined. BTW: I have never seen a bell skiver without all the shields in place.

That said, keep your fingers away from the knife similar to keeping them out of a meat slicer.

I use a serrated steel feed roller. They work better than the stone in my opinion and are a lot easier to keep clean.

Vacuums may very well do the best job????? I made a sheet metal "chute" that fits under the machine and directs the skivings into a cardboard box. Doesn't make any noise either.

IMHO: There are few dealers who know much about bell knife skivers. Mostly because they don't sell all that many of them. Unlike sewing machines that are used everywhere and anywhere.

A dealer who offers service and the basic knowledge is your best bet. I do not care how much leather you take with you to try on a machine, there is nothing that will teach you how to use them

any more than experience and trial and error.

Different speed for feed roller and knife is easily changed/varied on this machine. You simply change settings of your belts into a different sized drive pully.

I always thought I would like to have a Fortuna. After buying my COWBOY with top and bottom feed I prefer it to the stationary top presser foot on the Fortuna's I have observed.

Ferg

Wholeheartedly agree with all of this.  

Alexander.

[RockyAussie]

7 hours ago, blue duck said:

 

Here is a post I did awhile back that has some links that may be useful with regards to the roller making.

 

[Ferg]

Similar to the roller I have on my COWBOY. I have modified it somewhat since it comes with both ends similar to your larger end.

Ferg

[blue duck]

Mr. Ferg thank you for your input it is truly appreciated. 

Mr. Harry thank you again for your information.

I do believe the list just got shorter again. I just need to keep in mind: "Buy once, Cry once" and do it right the first time.

Thanks to all of you.

[bikermutt07]

@Ferg, I'm glad you posted this at least one more time. I'm not in the market for one, but if I ever get there I will remember your words.

Thanks.