Leather Skiving Machine, How to Make Adjustments

[@chandraisyanto7458]

I just bought a bell skiving machine and I am so grateful that I found your tutorial.. Thank you so much!

[@michaelrodman6646]

one more shout of thanks, Harry. your video helped a lot.

[@pequodexpress]

I'm glad I never throw away scrap leather because now I'm eating through it trying to fine tune this machine.

[@snooterpoops]

Lol that’s what I’m doing today

[@coopersmom8339]

Hi, Thank you very much. It's very informative. I just started to use Bell Skyver and realized the foot roller (football shape stone feed) runs towards the left side. Naturally it's not skyving at all. Any idea how to make it runs to the right side?

[@Spectt84]

I am SO jealous of your tools & equipment. You have such nice stuff. I am currently "on-lookout" for my first [used] sewing machine. Not sure exactly what I'll end up with yet, but your older videos were invaluable on teaching me what I need and what to look for. Now I'm just waiting for the right deal to come along...

[@WillChestnutt]

Again, great film and very grateful to you for spending the time Harry :)

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Will.

[@farhadfadayi7389]

thank you, very useful, I got mine a few days ago. mine is Kraft 801, but everything is the same.

[@pequodexpress]

Teflon tape works well on the presser foot to prevent marking up the grain side.

[@artieshell9205]

Thank you, sir !! (I’m Artie of Mascon Leather)

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Artie that is a compliment from you sir, you do great stuff and a great channel with Mascon Leather.

[@jackreeves3001]

Harry, you are amazing. I enjoy your varied videos more and more. I find my looking forward to them with anticipation. You are the renaissance man. Thanks for sharing!

[@OrthodoxJourney359]

Mine just came in today and this video helped tremendously, thanks.

[@harryrogers]

That's great thanks, and I hope you enjoy your skiver.

[@aarontafoya297]

Nice Machine! Thanks for sharing.

[@nadiab.4306]

Hello can you please show how you make the adjustments with the stone in the right position, in the right angle ! You explain it, but I need to see it! I would be very grateful! thank you

[@shannonmoniquehandbags]

Hi great video. How do I are should I oil my skiing machine?

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

The machine makes a lot more sense now I have seen it in operation. It helps to know that the leather feeds left to right, not front to back as with a sewing machine.

[@graemeyardley1043]

Good article, thanks! Is there a way to adjust the machine so it doesn’t mark the top side of the leather so heavily? I find I get a noticeable line sometimes after passing leather through the blade. Appreciate your suggestions!

[@strobelartesao]

Thanks! There are not many good content on that

[@squeezy99]

Great video. What is the minimum depth of skive? What is the minimum thickness of skive? My project requires feather edge skives about 8mm deep.

[@harryrogers]

I have done those but it will depend on the leather and practice in adjustment

[@thevictoriapavon]

Great video, but only one thing missing. Where does the oil go? How often should you put it?

[@harryrogers]

Hi..on mine there is a little silver disc on top that I have put oil down a few months back. I should probably oil it a bit more, but it's not making any squeaks and also I don't want excess oil to mark my leather. It sounds bad but I have never looked to oil this more, unlike my sewing machines that get weekly top ups.

[@judithclauss5515]

Excellent info for this new owner of a bell skiver. Thank you.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks

[@markedwards2005]

Best bell knife tutorial out there by far. Just brought one, only problem I have is the handle that moves blade left to right doesn't seem to do anything... any ideas H Regards Mark.

[@harryrogers]

Yes I had the same problem...you need to loosen a bolt inside that clamps round the bell knife axle...just a turn or so and then it's fine....also on top of the machine is a chrome oil drop lid....put some oil down there...I think that's where the adjustment collar nut was...I.e. underneath in that location...but I can't really remember.

[@jamieramsay299]

Excellent video - thank you so much! So helpful as the guide that came with the Consew is pretty useless. Any suggestions on how to change out the feet? Mine came with a 30mm but I wanted to switch out to the 50mm and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get it off. Thanks again!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks...you have to undo the chrome knurled screw on the right just above the foot and slide the little metal plate backwards, as the foot retaining screw has a keyed slotted top to it.

[@jamieramsay299]

@@harryrogers Eureeka! Thank you so much, Harry!

[@Mazerunning]

I need your help. I recently got a skiving machine but the grinding stone is rotating anticlockwise instead of clockwise. What can I do?

[@harryrogers]

Hello Jainey...I am not certain and what I am about to suggest may be dangerous, so if in doubt please get professional help...if the stone is belt driven then I guess you can either put a half twist in the belt or if a twist is already there remove it by untwisting it half a turn. If it electrically driven maybe reverse the wires on the motor....these are only guesses as I have never had to look at my feed stone, and I am not a qualified machine mechanic or electrical engineer so please take what I suggest with a pinch of salt. Perhaps someone else here can help?...or on leatherworker net?

[@mistahebza]

Mine is doing the same thing

[@Mraquaholic]

Hi again Harry. I've recently bought a used 801 and it's working ok for the most part but I can't get the stone to stop working. The shaft that goes through the casing is worn and needs replacing but I can't understand how it's supposed to work. I have an idea that the pulley assembly might be in two clusters but they seem to be as one and I can't move the apart. Can you shed any light? I should add that it does work and does sharpen the stone and I'll probably be using it even less than you do but I'd rather have it right. Also anywhere for parts that you might know apart from the Ali's. Thanks. Paul

[@harryrogers]

Hi Paul...Have you tried the disengaging clutch lever on the right hand side? Ebay has some parts.

[@Mraquaholic]

@@harryrogers That's the shaft I'm talking about Harry. Nothings happening. There's a firm in London that might be able to help but they're still on holiday. It still skives well but I want it right.

[@pequodexpress]

When the knife is new, it doesn't seem possible to adjust the to and fro positioning very much. It seems more of an option once the knife starts losing width.

[@heraroupa]

Thanks Harry. I have a similar machine. But I don’t know what I did wrong in the settings that the machine sort of eat my leather 😭... I will rewatch your video again and test the machine again. Thank you so much for the video. I’m a fan now 😊

[@harryrogers]

Thanks...and I like the look of your cat.

[@loisgibbs-reid6400]

Thank You!!!

[@lindahulley1781]

Thank you!

[@annwaters9484]

You stated in the last video that the feet are interchangeable with other skiving machines...I have an Artisan skiving machine but it did not come with all the feet you show. "Will the Brother feet and attachments fit mine also?

[@anthonymcquillan4283]

Dear Harry hope all is well and your looking forward to Christmas. I wonder if your could give me some advice we are thinking of buying a bell skiver for our a small workshop can you recommend a model and a supplier. Kind regards Anthony

[@harryrogers]

Hi Anthony...I think the first decision is whether you want a bottom drive only maching like me or top and bottom drive machine. Then decide whether you want a clone or an original. I have a clone and I am very happy with it...Good for bag seams etc. Mine is a Tysew bought in their January sale years ago....very reasonable price and apart from needing to grease up an adjuster no problems at all, and it's had a fair amount of use.

[@anthonymcquillan4283]

@@harryrogers Many thanks Harry for your quick response, I will do a bit more research and make a decision. Kind regards Anthony

[@willgavigan8768]

Hi harry thanks for all your videos! I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to clean the abrasive wheel (driving stone) is what you call it in video. I was skiving some veg tan and the wheel is covered with the leather. Thanks!

[@harryrogers]

A light stroke with a BRASS wire brush may help.

[@willgavigan8768]

Thank you

[@pequodexpress]

If you don't have vacuum suction, do you feel it's needed?

[@harryrogers]

I do not use it enough to need that.

[@suebates5267]

Harry can you answer a question about my skiver please?I can’t seem to stop it making holes in the leather when it comes to the end of a side that has already been skived.I’ve finally got it to skive properly except for that.Thankyou in advance.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Sue, I am sorry but I don't know...is the roller still true and round?

[@suebates5267]

@@harryrogers yes it’s brand new.Hi from Australia by the way. I love your video’s. Thankyou for being so prompt.

[@harryrogers]

@@suebates5267 is the bell knife too far from the machine foot? Or too close ?

[@suebates5267]

@@harryrogers I’m finally getting back to you. After trying to make the bell skiver work properly for 4 weeks. The company sent me another skiver and It works perfectly. I thought I was doing something wrong but it was a faulty machine.Thankyou

[@harryrogers]

@@suebates5267 That's great Sue.

[@runzhixie1195]

Hello, when I try to sharpen the blade, it runs a bit and then stops -the motor doesn’t work further … what could be the cause ? Thanks!

[@harryrogers]

Hi is the clutch lever jumping out of its slot ? It does not hold in its slot very well on any of these machines, so that is a likely cause.

[@arleenharkness2694]

Hi, Harry. I just got a skiving machine. I have it set up accept for one problem. The grinding drum turns away from the bell knife. What did I do? And how do I correct it? Thank you.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Arleen...there is a knob on the front to move the grinding stone closer to the bell knife.

[@edsonbest4416]

My teacher and mentor

[@Nancyjarnecke]

Thank you for this amazing demo video(s). Do you have any opinion on alternate quality brands that might be less costly/expensive than Brother®️? Thanking you in advance for any advice.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Nancy I find clone machines from a reputable seller, like Tysew, very good. I think just find a reputable dealer and see what they can advise.

[@Nancyjarnecke]

Harry Rogers THANK YOU so much for your info. In the video, I see the word Tysew on your machine. But I also see the word Brother at the bottom. I will do more investigating. Retail price $1300 USD or greater. Your video library is wonderful. You’re skilled on many levels. And we thank you!

[@harryrogers]

@@Nancyjarnecke Ah thanks...yes that one is a Tysew who also happen to be Brother dealers. All the best...Harry

[@jayj4142]

Hi, Harry...thank you for making these videos... I have an Eligy (I think?) bell knife skiving machine and had a couple of questions I was hoping you could help with... I noticed your machine marked up the finished surface of your leather. Mine does this too. Is there any way to prevent that? It seems that in order to get the feed wheel to grip it, there has to be enough pressure on the presser foot to mark the top side of the leather. Also, my machine is a top and bottom drive machine. I currently have the same bottom drive wheel in mine that you do...I need to be able to slice thicker veg tanned leathers as well as thinner (and softer hand) latigo, chrome tan, etc. My understanding is that the driven top feed wheel (in conjunction with the bottom feed) should be used for veg tanned leather, but for thinner, softer leathers, I should be using the fixed (non-driven) top feed foot. I bought a fixed foot for this purpose, but haven’t tried to change it out because it looks extremely complicated to do so. Any advice on this? I also have a different bottom feed wheel that came with it...it is metal with ridges and cross hatching machined into it. I was told I should be using that bottom wheel instead of the stone wheel if I’m skiving thick/firm veg tan leather...it also appears to be rather difficult to change out. It almost seems as if I’d need two machines to efficiently be able to skive both types of leather. :( Similar to how some folks have a larger cylinder arm sewing machine and a smaller flatbed due to the time required to get a single (large) machine set up to sew thinner projects. People want a single machine that can do everything, but it’s just not efficient with all the settings you have to change to switch from thinner work to sewing thicker projects. Anyway, thanks for any guidance on these...

[@MrThumper1440]

Sorry, not much help, as I’m looking to buy my first skiver......but I have seen a video that may help you. Look up the you tuber named Wild Harry (from Australia). He has a video in which he adapts a roller foot on a skiver. Certain brands sell a roller foot for their skiver was well. Maybe cowboy brand skivers??? But from what I see they are pretty rare. The leading edge of the foot may be sharp from manufacturing, a file and some sand paper may be able to help?. Maybe even a 2 part epoxy like job weld (or the equivalent) that could be applied then smoothed out and the radius set to match the bell with sand paper and a file? Just some thoughts that I’ve had....no real experience here other than watching videos!! Let us know how you solve it.

[@ryanembry8633]

Thank you for the valuable information

[@annwaters9484]

I need a servo motor for mine! It goes much too fast and it's hard to control the skive! Thank you!

[@harryrogers]

Yes even with pulleys in the lowest setting it would be quite quick with a clutch motor.

[@markedwards2005]

Any chance of a tutorial on changing the drive stone... Just brought one but appears the ex owner has ground a big ridge in it. Maybe 🙏 Mark.

[@harryrogers]

Hi Mark...I have a nice and level stone so I don't want to disturb it, but I don't think it's too tricky to swap them out!

[@markedwards2005]

@@harryrogers thanks for replying Harry... been looking at it this afternoon,:can't figure it out as yet! maybe I'll do a tutorial if I work it out Mark.

[@harryrogers]

@@markedwards2005 leatherworker.net/forum/topic/82400-bell-skiver-feed-roller-replacement/

[@markedwards2005]

@@harryrogers Thanks Harry.. Managed to get the wheel out, bit of a faff tbh. got to wait for new one to come now. Thanks for the help. Mark.

[@annwaters9484]

VERY helpful! Thank you!

[@sandollarstudio803]

Bought Dison 801 Skiver, it arrived with a stuck handwheel. Any idea how to loosen it ?

[@harryrogers]

If it's the one to move the bell knife to and fro, check the holding collar on the main horizontal big screw coming out the back of the bell knife itself as it may be too tight.

[@sandollarstudio803]

@@harryrogers It arrived, set it up, attached the band to the motor and Dison Skiver, nothing, The handwheel, the one that should move by hand to clear away debris is stationary, it can not move. After out waiting the Chinese New Year , going back and forth I am on my own. I live in rural Nova Scotia and need to figure this out. Thank you.

[@harryrogers]

@@sandollarstudio803 Hi if it's the far left one, I have never bothered with it...it holds a clearing blade behind it. I suggest you find a parts diagram off the net for a skiver...they are all similar, and that should help. Good luck.

[@sandollarstudio803]

@@harryrogers It is the farthest right , the one before the clutch that engages the grinding stone.

[@buragaprasadbabu9226]

Good sir

[@billychapman1923]

Great info,,,Thanks Harry....

[@fhng]

At 4:40-4:50, I can see it leaves feet mark on the leather after cut. Can it be avoid?

[@harryrogers]

Yes one does have to play around with the adjustment to get it right...its slightly off here, and hence the mark....I need to lift the heel a bit.

[@edsonbest4416]

Amazing

[@devriescustomleather1109]

Good!