How to use (and fix) a manual leather skiving machine

[@allenwaters9256]

I actually just received my $65 reproduction of this machine, and right off the bat I noticed the same issue with the excess play. Thank you for sharing your fix, I'll be tinkering around with mine over the next few days and will need to make some of these adjustments. Many, many thanks for not only this video, but your others as well. I don't always comment, but I do watch, learn, and like.

[@ttoth7130]

That’s a great tip with the magnet when dealing with small parts. I’ve lost dozens of small screws, pins, springs, etc. Thank you!

[@SteveB258]

Thank you! This thing sat on my shelf for about a year because I got so frustrated with it. Followed your steps, and it works perfect now!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

You're welcome! That's the best feedback I could get. Thanks!

[@keelanandrews2659]

Thank you for the video! I've had this machine for over 8 years and finally figured out the brass plate that holds the razor was backwards... check the angle of your brass razor holder... something so simple can make all the difference!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Good tip. I'll check.

[@RKLeather]

This was a great video, and a great fix to an issue that many people would send the skiver back for! Thanks for making this informational video!

[@DustyCookETX]

Thanks for the video of this little machine. I purchased one about 6 months ago and have yet to mess with it, this will be a huge help when I break it out of the box! I really enjoy all of your videos and your attention to detail!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad I could help. And thanks for subscribing!

[@SleepWithCJ]

OMG I looked for this video over a year ago and I couldn't find anything about how to use this skiving machine. This nailed it. Even the folks at Tandy, who are usually very knowledgeable, didn't have good tips for me. I will share this video with them. Key moments for me... 1. How to skive that part you hold on to when pulling through. 2. The magnet trick for small parts is a gem that I'll use forever! 3. Tightening up the machine 4. What those other included rollers are for - again, even the folks at Tandy didn't know that! This machine had been put away for months, now it's coming out and going to be used regularly. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I'm glad I could help! Though it IS frustrating to buy a "fixer-upper" out of the box.

[@anmariegibbs5713]

Absolutely fabulous and clear video - especially explaining the set-up problem and fixes. Especially love the tip with using the magnet for the small pieces! Genius!!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad it was helpful!

[@no-page]

Thanks for the informative video. I had been eyeing one of these for quite a while. As they are designed for bookbinding and other lightweight leathers, I wondered how they would work on vegtan. Thanks so much for taking the time to show us how to tune one of these machines up, and letting us know that the Tandy "Pro" moniker doesn't mean that it matches the original's German quality

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

What a great video. The camera focus was fantastic and the fixes were genius. Thank you so much

[@valeriebeaudoin5020]

I just bought a cheapo version off amazon currently awaiting its arrival but wanted to say thank you as I'm sure I will be using these techniques!!!

[@tughilldog]

This demonstration and diagnostic video was fantastic. Your camera shots on the modifications is excellent and I really appreciate your efforts here. I have been contemplating a purchase of one of these clones...now I don't think it will be a waste of $

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loftonharris5632]

Very informative video. I am trying to master skiving technique but being an impatient sort I went ahead and bought this device. As with yours mine has a bit of slop but your suggestions are dead on. I saw the video before buying the device so I knew what I was getting into. Alas I broke my collarbone a couple of weeks ago so I have several more weeks of healing before I can resume my leather working. Breaking your collarbone at 69 years is a total pain, physically and functionally. Thanks for the video. Lofton in Philadelphia.

[@GriffMJ]

I have had the Sharf-Fix since 2007... still going strong and an excellent tool.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@greghanson-w3d]

loved how you discovered reversing the cut. great job tightening the tolerances!

[@billieb]

Excellent vid showing the mods with things us normal folks have around and can do. The aluminum foil trick is priceless.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@njones420]

perfect, just what I was looking for!!... bought this a few days ago, and figured someone must have already fixed these issues. Thanks!

[@s.t.6769]

So I just bought one of these and implemented your tweaks -- excellent! I used neoprene washers which worked well. Thank you very much - so helpful. Once it is stabilized, it does a great job. I mostly work in very soft leathers and need to skive seams -- this will save my hands and a lot of time. As a sidebar -- I bought mine from eBay which looks like a clone of the green one, painted black. It says it is made in China and 'designed in Germany'....funny.

[@jprleatherworks1565]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I just bought one of the cheap versions off Amazon to use for thinning the cover for bookbinding. I've had lots of the same problems you describe, and I appreciate you showing how to fix it. Much appreciated.

[@geraldclavenna6413]

I bought one after I watched this video the 1st time haven't set it up yet but looking forward 2 using it thanks 4 sharing

[@rayvisco8545]

Thank you, friend! This video was extremely helpful! I didn’t know about this tool and only hope it isn’t too expensive. I am still a beginner and just can’t seem to get the hang of skiving by hand. Thank you for your time!!! You are appreciated!!🙏💚

[@cn-lo3dn]

thank's a million i practically gave up on mine thinking that maybe it's a cheap knock off from an amazon seller you save me from paying hundred of dol buying the german one i will certainly make those adjustment thank you again c.n canada

[@bookie60]

Awesome video. I also like using quality safety razors as blades. they are interchangeable and seem sharper in general than the blades that come with the tandy unit.

[@freddiemoretti8456]

This has to rank as one of my favourites on KZbin. Thanks for sharing! Cheers...Freddie

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@freddiemoretti8456]

After purchase I have not set it up yet, will do so after doing your adjustments, looking forward to using. Cheers...Freddie

[@cassiejeanette]

I sent mine from amazon back because I couldn't get a consistent cut. This is very helpful, thank you!

[@cornwasher]

That was a very well presented tutorial and repair video. Good job.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thank you very much!

[@rayvisco8545]

And your repair job was amazing!!!!! 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@billhubbard2312]

Thanx for your video, very informative indeed. I recently bought a Tandy pro skiving machine too ! And with your video, I'm not quite so Intemidated. I will begin trying your remedy's soon Thanx Again my Friend !

[@robert1088]

I will try mine again after watching your video. My main problem was keeping the blade from splitting up through the grain side of the leather . I was holding down on the left side where leather went in and also on the other side. I saw where you held it level on the side you are pulling.Thanks for the tip, I will try again!

[@Malc2112]

I purchased one of these recently. Luckily it didn't have nearly the amount of play yours had. From China but mine is painted painted green. I noticed the posts are a hair above the frame but no wobble...yet. Good to know I can fix it if need be.

[@lvxleather]

That's a cool tool, I like the old school look of it.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

It's pretty handy, and for the price it works well.

[@uptopmikep7065]

Great review and demo video of this machine. And thanks for the "fix" ideas. Keep up the good work!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helps.

[@stephenrobb8759]

After watching this video, I went for the knock-off to learn with. IF I reach the level of using iit big time. Then, I know the high-end model will be worth the $$$. Saving in the range of $300. The labor to tweak the loose parts is very worthwhile !

[@WeirdWWII]

Excellent piece of kit!

[@Lpagesd]

This is so helpful! Thank you for the indepth guide!

[@YoutubeCensorsYou]

This was a phenomenal video. I learned something about both the machine and mechanics.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching!

[@BlueHeart-q6g]

Ps you can make leather washers. I use a large hole punch to make disc's then punch a small hole in the center.

[@Laetitiaangelini]

Same problème here. Trying you fix tomorrow! This is a great video! Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@clydecox2108]

This is very helpful information. I’ve been thinking about getting that same machine. Thank you

[@mrrustygray]

Excellent tutorial.

[@SP-nx8qx]

Mate I see you pulling through this thing with what seems like everything you got, and I only have one word for you: Feather. Thats a brand of blades. Trust me (and mind your fingers, they cut like the devil)

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

Oh thank you for this video, I bought one when tandy first introduced them at the leather show in Waco. Just have had a headache trying to figure it out.

[@geraldclavenna6413]

Thanks a skiver was going to be my next purchase the higher price is what put it on hold as always thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@uwatenage9]

another well received video. thanks. can you show the link to the german schmidt scharpex version of this machine please? i can speak german and i searched in german looking for this machine, original version, and was unable to find it anywhere. granted, my internet fu is pretty weak.

[@kookie175]

hand cranks are still the best way to go for efficiency and overall consistency in skiving all area

[@jesusdeleon7636]

These are really great tips… thanks for sharing

[@kcg3927]

New on my wish list! Great instructive video. 👍🏽👍🏽 Thank you & keep it up...!

[@matthewthemanparker]

Great video. I ended up having to install a jam nut on the height adjustment knob. It kept creeping down after each time I raised and lowered it causing me to cut through the leather if wasn't paying attention.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@randomscandinavian6094]

This model retails at $341 in my country which seems like a lot to me. I’m not going to buy it based on your very helpful video. I typically need to skive smaller pieces that are already cut to size and since it is difficult to feed all the way from the right side edge, I think I will make do with my trusted old skiving knife. It does look pretty though. Thanks!

[@FatManLeather]

Great video, thanks for the tips to tighten the adjustment mechanism.

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Thank you for sharing your fix

[@gm_fatboy]

Thanks for the video. I never heard about the manual skiving machine. Am I right it's not for small leather pieces?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Depends on how small. You need it large enough to be able to hold on to. Really small pieces you're going have to do it by hand with a skiving knife.

[@margaretdebie2935]

Thank you for the great video. It helped me to solve the problem.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching. And thanks for subscribing!

[@VeganSmasher]

Dude... that was super-helpful!!

[@pablovarelq2834]

Thank you for sharing your tips your a good man

[@Augcliffe]

Excellent video!! Is it just me or does it look extremely easy to slice your finger if you slipped?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thanks for watching! Yep, you have to be very mindful while using this skiver.

[@johnbittinger7590]

Do you think this tool could be used to thin down larger pieces of leather? I rebind bibles and I’m looking for a solution to thin the leather cover panels down to around 2-3 oz. Is that asking too much from this skiver?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Thinning down the entire piece of leather? No. IMHO, you need to just buy 2-3 oz hides.

[@graphixkillzzz]

I'm like, "how is that a skydiving machine? 🤨" my brain doesn't work 🙇‍♂️

[@RoadAgentLeather]

ha. Thanks for watching!

[@stevehood10]

blinding flash of the obvious using a magnet, made me feel like a fool, I've been losing those little clips for years. No more!

[@zd9297]

How well does it do with softer leathers? Or something like an oil tanned leather?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

I've used it with oil tanned leathers. As long as the material doesn't stretch. Soft, stretchy leathers would be a no-go.

[@daveturnbull7221]

I just got a 2nd hand Scharffix (£160) and can confirm that it doesn't have those tolerance problems.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Ah. As I suspected. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@MichelleHubb]

how well does this tool work on soft leather for upholstery? I need to thin down my leather to make buttons

[@RoadAgentLeather]

It really depends. I would say it's NOT good for soft, stretchy leathers.

[@dilligaf8349]

Could you bevel whips prior to plat ting with this machine?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

No. Or at least it would be very difficult to accurately bevel the thin strands you'd be working with.

[@dalenielsen7054]

Thanks, “MacGivering” Chinese Machinest work! Brilliant! 😂

[@hrisostomzanet9793]

Can you skive chrome tanned leather or only veg tan?

[@moisesmera7913]

what about curves instead of a straight line? you think you could do it?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Not sure actually. I've never needed to skive a curve with this machine.

[@m.g.5203]

What do you think, is it possible to use with soft Nappaleather 1,1 - 1,4mm? Your leather is very hard, but Nappa very flexible And is it possible to use Norma blades? For example the "Feather" Blades very sharp

[@johnhull2941]

nice tricks bud cool vid

[@micky1thousand176]

Great informative video, thank you. What type of leather was the black piece you showed at about 10 or 11 minutes in, and where can I find it? I've been looking for something similar to make notepad covers.

[@loftonharris5632]

Check out Weaver Leather Supply. They have dyed veg tan and chrome tan leathers in various colors and weights. Tons of options for notebook covers.

[@invictusbp1prop143]

I wanted a skiving machine. But I thought they cost more and I wanted to be able to do a wider cut so I decided to justbuild my own…after a trip to the hardware store, a ridiculous number of hours dedicated to the project, if I was billing time, I’d be about 23 thousand dollars of time in by now. And I have a skiving machine that kinda works like I wanted….sometimes. Should have just bought one.

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Lol. I've done the exact same thing many times: spent way more time, effort, and money when I could have just bought outright.

[@LeSourisBleu]

VERY Helpful!!

[@iamnoone.]

What is the one I see you put leather in and put a weight on it then pull it through

[@RoadAgentLeather]

In this video? At what time?

[@iamnoone.]

@@RoadAgentLeather no not this video you have used It in other videos. Was just wondering no big deal

[@iamnoone.]

@@RoadAgentLeather I just saw one it's a leather splitter

[@dennishinckley6326]

Fixed mine. But it still grabs the leather and cuts it all the way through. Will not skive more than a few inches then grabs and cuts all the way through. How do you stop the blade from grabbing the leather and cutting deep

[@RoadAgentLeather]

You fixed all the play in the mechanism? If so, perhaps the next thing would be how you're holding the leather. I try to pull horizontal with my right hand and use my thumb on the left hand to keep the leather pressed against the roller (using the edge guide as a support). Check out around the 10:40 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKqanIeNoKt2gas

[@cooper67]

big help! thanks

[@elimss09]

I have one and I have stopped using it because it is very difficult to operate, many pieces are lost. Also, it is very dangerous. One can be cut easily.

[@OglesbyLeather]

Thanks, I am now smarter than I was a few minutes ago!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@1800duane]

Thank you great video

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@ilesanmidaniel3151]

How can I order for one

[@RoadAgentLeather]

You can buy these from Tandy Leather. You can also find versions on Amazon.

[@bbarker5766]

The problem is that the are rushing the job instead of doing it properly for the best fitting threads and pins it's just ran and put in the parts drawers for assembly. As a machinist I plan on making my own then I eliminate all of that stuff you had to do to make yours work well. I might make a few and sell some too. 🤔🤔

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Cool! Make sure to film the process and post it here on KZbin! I'd love to see it.

[@woodwoman9130]

Great vid thanks

[@RoadAgentLeather]

No problem 👍

[@tomasbocanegra311]

Cuánto cuesta como la consigo

[@RoadAgentLeather]

You can purchase from Amazon.

[@markedis5902]

I couldn’t get my machine to work. Wish I’d seen this sooner

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Sorry to hear. What ended up happing to it?

[@moisesmera7913]

also im guessing not veg tan would be harder"?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

True. The softer/more stretchy the leather the more difficult it will be.

[@kentbuchanan9731]

Thank you I have been looking at one of these but see mixed reviews. Also, I "cringed" through the whole video because that outside corner of the blade and your thumb as so close.😬

[@RoadAgentLeather]

lol. I THINK it's not as dangerous as it looks? I was cutting scraps in this video. If you check out my newest video, the "Wednesday Addams satchel," you'll see a practical use for it.

[@deankay4434]

This is sold thru Tandy only? If so, I won't but it. Our city is way larger than St. Louis and one fabric company closed, the one left moved and doubled prices, same with the Tandy store. Packages of 10 items that sold for a $1.99, jumped to $6.99 now that is out of reach. They get very little business. It is not twice but three times more than groceries. I diagnosed and repaired 2,500 vehicles a year at the dealership. Customers paid $24 per flat rate hour for repairs while ASE Master techs then and not in 2023 are paid less than 22% of flat rate which is based on warranty time the manufacture pays. The truth behind auto repair policies are, on larger claims, a contract rep with camera & note book will ask questions, look at maintenance records, drive tires, broke or worn part(s) take photo and if little or no maintenance & signs of abuse, you are not covered. Be careful as in todays world, it is taxes, vacation, health care, profit margins. So the high cost of a lease, employees, gas, water & heat + benefits (The hidden cost) make a casting and parts to build a machine cost $9.18. Add shipping, mail to business, cost of computers, storage, software, phones and now it retails for $38.98.

[@KALSADA54]

Nice 👍👍👍 I'm subscribe to your channel 💕💖❤️💖💖❤️💖💖❤️💖

[@minerblue9641]

Well I don't view sharpening blades razor or otherwise as being cheap about it.

[@invictusbp1prop143]

Not really what Teflon tape is for, but ok…

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Nothing in my shop gets away with just one dedicated use! Thanks for watching!

[@arviestoutenger714]

𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙢

[@cghrios783]

I bet u can slice your finger too!

[@GabeAran]

This machine is a pos!

[@RoadAgentLeather]

lol. Had a bad experience I take? I sometimes still use it for pieces that are too small for my bell skiver.

[@mrsSheffbenj]

Hi there could I use this machine to thin chrome tanned leather, upholstery leather?

[@RoadAgentLeather]

Yes. As long as the leather isn't stretchy.

[@mrsSheffbenj]

@@RoadAgentLeather okay, thank you