iPhone 4 slipcase

I finished up this iPod Touch slipcase recently. I used a pattern from Al Stohlman's Lucky 7 Fotocarve Pattern book. I saddle stitched this by hand with waxed nylon thread. The case was wet formed and the finish is Fiebing's Acrylic Resolene.

New Belt

I just finished this belt to go with a buckle that I have had since I was very young. The belt is 1 1/4" wide and the pattern came from Belts Galore by Al Stohlman. I finished it with Fiebing's Tan Kote then with Fiebing's Antique finish in sheridan brown and then finished it with another 2 coats of Tan Kote.

Milwaukee Skyline

I shot this image from the shore of Lake Michigan about two weeks ago at about 9 pm. I used a tripod and I think the exposure was about 15 seconds long if I remember right. I love how the city looks from this spot on the shore.

Old Leather Tools

I just picked these up from someone selling them on Craigslist here in WI. Some of the tools are are made by Craftool with 'Craftool Co USA' stamped on them along with the number and letter prefix.  This label indicates that they are post 1969 production as noted here.

Some of the tools are unmarked and non-plated tools and are much older than the rest of the lot (pictured with mallet).  I am not sure who made these unmarked ones, any ideas? Pretty cool addition to the tools I already have.

Vintage Craftool Swivel Knife

I bought this swivel knife on eBay recently. The knife is an earlier Craftool and only the saddle and stem are chrome plated. The barrel has really nice and crisp checkering, but is non-plated steel. I haven't seen any others like this, but I am guessing that this non-adjustable model was fairly common. Judging by my other Craftool swivel knives that I know the approximate dates on, I think this tool may be from the early to mid-1950's. Any comments/corrections here are appreciated.

iPhone 4 Case

Front

Back

I just finished up this slip case for my wife's iPhone 4. The floral pattern was taken from the book: Lucky Seven - Foto Carve Patterns and Instructions for Carving Leather.  I made the template for the case by adding 1/4" to the dimensions of the phone.

After I carved the design, I cut a back to match and then saddle stitched the two sides together and finished the edges. Once it was stitched and had its edges burnished, I wet the leather inside and out and inserted a wood 'iPhone' made from plywood and formed the case and let it dry. This slip case is finished with Fiebing's Acrylic Resolene which was applied with a wet sponge.

Stihl 015 Chainsaw

Stihl 015

My childhood dreams of owning my own chainsaw are finally realized! On a walk in my neighborhood this last Sunday I found this at a rummage sale. I have cleaned and inspected it throughout and it doesn't outwardly seem to need any parts so far. Over the past few days, researching online, I have found that this saw is popular as an arborist saw due to its compact, top-handle design. I did a little research about chains and bars as well and found that I could true the bar on my bench top disk sander, as one side had uneven wear. When I put the saw back together, I flipped the bar and retensioned the chain and there is very little side-to-side play in the chain. I need to pick up some bar oil and also some oil to mix the gasoline. I cannot wait to start it up and find a use for this little classic saw.

Below are a few pictures of the saw disassembled during the cleaning.

Right, rear view showing engine and clutch

Freshly cleaned starter side case and chain

Here is all the crud that I cleaned out from the groove in the bar! Lots for a little space.