I did a smaller test piece with an opening and it was still really difficult 😆. Time for the real one will let you know how it goes. Black exterior, black lining :(, ... black thread.. 😭

Is it incorrect to call this a jig?

If you're worried about stretching, double-sided tape for pattern cutting and especially skiving is perfect on chevre.

. Was Thinking of buying this myself from ALS. What’s your experience been so far with it?

Ah found some pictures of the coat wallet build. Fun project.

I have! It's been awhile since I watched the course though. I'm currently using T-pockets for my build. One of the issues I had with the method in the course is that the layers start stacking and causing a thicker edge on traditional bifolds where there might be 3-4 pocket layers stacked on the highest point. Also had issues with trying to bond and prevent fraying of the fabric if I remember correctly 😅. Can certainly try this on t-pockets as well and its been something I wanted to do but its been adding a lot more variables for now and I haven't yet found a material I like yet for this method. Experimenting with velodon to use as pocket lining atm.

I'm currently using the center guide as you suggested to measure and cut out the interior base instead of precutting with a measured pattern since my card bases always size out slightly differently. This is great! I'll try prepunching every layer! I've done this with varying success but haven't tried on each and every layer. I'm also cutting my hidden parts shorter, especially with linings since any tears on the skive will be hidden. I feel like this is the main culprit for causing such a slope on the edges however. I usually have them cut 3mm shorter on each side they're glued to. I think super feather skive as you mentioned is key here. I've found issues with skiving chrome tanned leather without stretching it slightly as well which makes this method a bit trickier since exact measurements on the linings are more important and you can't make any overcuts this way.

I've been desperate for quick and simpler projects recently while waiting for shipments of leather/tools to come after the new year. Wrap everything! - pen cup, skiving knife, fileteuse, water flask. Try some turned edges. Had a lot of fun making valet trays/coasters. They're great and easy projects if you don't want to fiddle around with specific measurements and practice basics. Also a really great way to use up ugly colors and leathers that are rotting away in storage :).

Make sure you engage the clutch by pulling out the lever on the right side of the machine. Use the left knob from the center (there's usually 2 big knobs paired close to each other) to bring the grinding stone closer to the blade. Engage the rotor, the blade should be grinding against the stone and you should see sparks coming off it.

Wow these clamps from wingandwavedesigns are great! Putting this on my infinite wishlist of tools.

I've always been paranoid of my setup in the machine and am constantly tampering with the adjustments. I'm guessing more often that not the adjustments are probably good enough and it's mostly in my head and I should try and stick to an adjustment for awhile longer before making more adjustments. I've used the machine for about 6 projects now across maybe 3 months ( so a fair amount of use). One thing I've been concerned about is that I've never cleaned out the feed roller or reapplied any oil. Is this something I should be looking into by now you think?

How much is "lightly engaged" 😅? I've seen that in a few videos actually where the stone is grinding enough to create lots of sparks through the split as if they're sharpening the blade during the process.

@DanielMcGrath @Leathercraft Masterclass Thanks so much for the kind words! Bonus picture. Durability test.

ive been getting that quite regularly despite sharpening the blade. Might be that I’m pulling up the leather.

I struggle with the same issue. I share half my work desk with my computer and monitors for my job and the other half for leathercrafting. It’s a large 78inch flat top and it’s nice to be able to watch the courses On a big screen or random things on the side while crafting but things get messy quickly. I Throw most of my tools into a drawer with categorized shelves but they’re all just floating around in a pile of mess. Would Love to hear what others do on this as well

It certainly does! Seiko is definitely a nice gateway into watches. I think there are much better offers in the same price in the world of "fashion" watches/independent brands these days though if you look a bit deeper. I think it traps people that are trying to play safe with their first watch, it certainly got me 😅. Can't complain though since it's now become my dedicated strap mannequin 😄.

Thank you! I believe I initially got this on a bracelet so I'm not sure. It has quite a taper towards the tip on the long strap (20mm - 17mm) so there might be issues with that. Agreed! I normally have so many bad things to say about this watch but I'm wearing it now as I type this haha. Hasn't left my wrist since so I guess the strap is working 😅.

Thanks everyone for the welcome. @Fadi Thanks! That's an interesting take. Agreed, they share the same philosophies and spirit of problem solving! If we take a more microscopic picture of the day to day work, it seems like the opposite in that a lot of what we code is to strive for safety in human error and future proofing our apps. Leatherworking on the other hand seems so much more free and chaotic in the sense that it's so much more prone to errors and granular decisions. I'm a total beginner of course so maybe I just don't have the right solutions to the problem, haha. @Leathercraft Masterclass The posted strap there is from someone else. I just posted my first project - https://www.leathercraftmasterclass.com/forum-1/share-your-projects/my-first-project-watch-strap!