Hi Guys, I was interested in this model for the same reason. Then I saw a video demonstration of the clicker function being used. From that video I saw that it takes multiple presses around the die for the shape to be cut. In the comments Dream Factory mentioned that this is supplementary feature. What I drew from the comments and video is that you COULD use to to click patterns but its not designed for continuous usage in that capacity. Just my 2 cents but I would be happy to learn differently when ppl get there machines and can give direct feedback. This is the instagram post with video: https://www.instagram.com/p/BxsO9y7FR8Q/?hl=en

Completely agree about China, 3-5 years ago the options for tools of all sorts was pretty slim. Then the Chinese saw an opening and now you can get all the small bits and things you could need from them including things I didn't even know existed lol . My machine came with spares of the fuses and the cable connecting the heating plate to the rest of the machine so that was definitely positive. I would hope the machines I listed above would come with the same.

Hey everyone, I also have a similar hot foil press, it has a few extra bits on it but same basic thing. I havent encountered yet the design flaw that Phil mentioned. As he has mentioned the issue I made sure to treat it gently. I also have the plate lowered quite close to the surface so the distance of travel is short. It doesnt make it easy to align and place your item but it does work in a satisfactory manner if you use the acrylic sheet method Phil showed in one of his videos. I got my machine with type for around 450-500 if I recall correctly. Not the best, but it does the job. If you do want to go ahead with one of these units I would recommend an upgraded version: https://www.etsy.com/listing/652926767/workonleather-new-desktop-hot-foil?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hot+foil+stamping+machine&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&organic_search_click=1&frs=1 or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32852765017.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.6dd813calFyRcf&algo_pvid=f14545f4-d3d8-4296-a335-89b820cc6a83&algo_expid=f14545f4-d3d8-4296-a335-89b820cc6a83-27&btsid=e3042628-3849-4ca3-983f-c938525fdc45&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_5,searchweb201603_52 The first is 650 and the second is around 600, and from my research the next step up is a Dream Factory or Iron Bridge machine from Korea which 1200+ with shipping. Also as Phil mentioned maybe a used Kingsley or something. If anyone has any better options I would be happy to hear becuase I would like to upgrade my machine in the future. Also as Glen mentioned, Phil might be breaking his machines because hes getting serious gainzz :-)

I can second the Iron Tanks buckle. I ordered one when I made my power lifting belt around 2 years ago. Going good so far.

Awesome man! Glad to help

Thanks Daniel! Great points, Im just going to start working and see where things take me as far as wall boards and organization. Fortunately I have enough room now to kind of leave things out until they find a home.

Thanks Phil!

Thanks Daniel! Thanks Adil and Maru, Im very happy with the space, just have a vague feeling of something not being right.

Thats great feed back! Maru! Do you know if the stamps can also be mounted to a stamping machine as well?

Hi, Welcome! A good place to start could be a small card wallet. They offer a chance to learn and practice a lot of the basic skills and dont require a heavy investment in amounts of leather. Good Luck!

Hey Fadi! Thanks for your detailed feedback. You brought up some excellent points. 1. Duly noted. I was too excited to actually get out there and actually participate. In hind sight I realize that I actually wrote off the whole market as an experiment in my mind. Something to change for the future. 2. Message received about presentation. I need to get 2 matching tablecloths and make sure they look normal. Also noted about making a nice card holder or maybe buying a simple metal one. Regarding the tools, this is actually something I was torn. During the market I had some tools out on the table or displayed. The positive of that was exactly what you mentioned and people engaged in conversation partially for that reason. The thing that I was worried about and felt nervous about during the market was that if I was focused on my work I wouldnt notice if someone took one of the tools, or maybe damage them. A possible solution would be to display them out of reach of customers... The lack of logo/company name etc. was intentional. Currently, I am employed full time and my employer contractually doesn't allow for employees to work in tandem for themselves or other companies. Ill be finishing my contract in the summer and will launch the brand/company then. 3. Products - I completely understand and agree. I need to expand the products and offer simple options. I think some simple valet trays could be nice and some luggage tags along with more keychains. I want to stay away from too basic stuff though as I dont feel it works with the aesthetic im trying to aim for. 4. As a result of this market I received an invitation for a DIY craft fair in May. From what I understand, I think the larger focus will be workshops. As such I will be raising the prices for sure! Thanks so much for the feedback and the critique. It is helpful, and gave me directions on which to improve.

I have a knife from Elfita that is very similar to the Indespensible but in a wood sleeve. I have had it for more than a year now. Pretty simple to use and becuase the wood is kind of boxy its more chunky that the Indespensible and therefore for me easier to hold and grip. Sharpening is simple, it doesnt hold a edge for a very long time but it also doesnt dull so quickly that its annoying. Just my 2 cents on the topic.

looks really nice!! Do you know of a supplier in Europe for WC bridle leather?

Hi, So I can give you my experience using 3.85 cheap Chinese Irons to make a 12mm thick power lifting belt with a lever buckle. I knew ahead of time that there was no way to punch all the way through so I marked my as deep as possible ( maybe 3-4mm deep) and then used an awl the rest of the way. I found that 3.85mm Irons with 18/3 ( .55mm) worked quite well. I would recommend the Kevin Lee Irons with the caveat that you still will probably need an awl at some point. Another issue to take into account is that it might be worth your while to invest in a 20-30 tooth iron due to the lengths your going to be marking on a regular basis. I think the time and consistency that it will give you could be worth it. Hope this helps

@Philip Thanks Philip, I have had 4 sets of his Irons for about a year now, along with a knife, french edgers, regular edgers, creaser housing and other assortments. Incredible quality for a great price and hes super responsive. I will need to make a video and post it here. Video making is another first but I would feel comfortable posting it here as I feel this forum is a warm and welcoming place.

I just looked at the video on Youtube and I saw that 16 people had disliked it. Where did you guys see 1200? I can understand if people are upset if they financial supported this and it was this short though. A bit disappointing I guess..

@olena.wills Thats great feedback. Im excited to speak to Kevin about this after he gets back from Chinese New Year. Did you mean Matt Nudi sold his Blanchard wheel and started using the KS irons instead?

Hi Fadi, Thanks for your kind words. Its hard for me to look at my work and not only see what went wrong so I'm happy to give it more exposure. This is actually the first time I have ever tried to take nice pictures of something so it shows how easy modern smartphones are capable of taking quality photos. I actually gave some thought to undercutting the foil but I was worried it would affect the protective coverage. I realize now that this was a bit over kill and will definitely undercut next time and spare the hassle with the edges. Thanks again for the advice.