@Carl Conlon Kee Auto Top is a solid company. Not only do we install their products in our shop, but they sponsor The Hog Ring. We've never had a problem with their tops' fit and finish.

Shoot an email to Karen St. John (Karenatkeeautotopdotcom) and she can provide you with any information you need. Tell her I sent you over.

This thread is awesome! I love seeing trimmers go from swapping tips in the forum to in person!

@Al Decker OMG, I never laughed harder! We're totally going to share this on Instagram!

I really needed that laugh. Thanks!

Congrats on the new machine!

You hear that guys? Don't you dare start sewing until you fix your hair, put on lipstick and wear a clean dress. No one likes an unattractive auto trimmer! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

On a serious note, it's interesting to see how far sewing has come. Back in the day, it was primarily thought of as a woman's job. However, as we all know, REAL MEN SEW!



Thanks for the great laugh @Al Decker. I definitely needed that today!

Woah! That is beautiful @Francesco Ardenghi! It's so nice, I'd be too afraid to sit on it... :lol:

@Gary Mann It's tricky buying a used sewing machine, because you never know what you're gonna get. The previous owner could have really beat it up.

Check out the NC1 machine by NC Carpet Binding & Equipment. It will run you $1,450 brand new (including servo motor workstation) -- but you can finance it interest free for 12 months.

Plus, you get a 2-year limited warranty -- which you definitely won't get with a Craigslist buy.

Hook up with @Mal Maher, he can tell you all about it.

If you feel like cringing, check out SMS' reviews on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.

It's really disheartening...

Nice work @Orlindo S Almeida Jr! Happy to connect with a trimmer from Brazil!

I second @Joe Chiaramonte's suggestion. Trivantage sells black brass grommets in a range of sizes.

Definitely reach out to @Chris Albright or @Torrie Coffman at Albright's Supply. They're an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to sourcing quality materials.

What brand is it? @Mal Maher at NC Carpet Binding & Equipment knows sergers inside-out.

Why don't you hit up @Mal Maher at NC Carpet Binding & Equipment? He knows everything about all brands of sewing machines and is a super nice guy to talk to. He'll tell you straight up the pros and cons, and might even turn you onto some brands you weren't considering.

We turn to Hydes Leather for all our leather needs. Even if they don't carry something, they're really cool about helping us track it down.

Congrats Fred! Looking forward to its release!

Wow! That helmet is crazy cool!

Kai and Kretzer are great. We recently reviewed Gedore Shears and love them. You can read the review here: http://www.thehogring.com/2017/02/06/review-gedore-craftsman-scissors/

This forum is built on a different platform than the last. I don't think it allows you to list forum members, but I'll double check and add if it's possible

Gorgeous work @kurt moore!

That's awesome! Thanks for all you do Fred!

You can probably find one at a classic parts supplier, like Stock Interiors, Classic Industries, Year One, etc. Most sell them already covered, but you can inquire about how much it would cost uncovered. Might save you a few bucks...

Great topic @Lindbert Guerra!

When we painted our shop we went with a two-tone. The roof and top half of the walls were painted white, while the bottom half of the walls were painted gray.

This was done for very practical reasons. Our craft is one that requires a lot of light. By painting the roof and top half of the walls white, we're able to keep the shop brighter.

The bottom half of the walls were painted gray because they're likely to get dirtier faster -- with exhaust smoke, dirt and other gunk. The gray masks that unsightly dirt and gives us longer time between paint jobs.

100% agree with @Fred Mattson. You going to their shop is an added service. You should be compensated for travel expenses and inconvenience. Charge what your time and effort are worth to you. If the customer really needs you to go to his shop, he'll pay it.

Pro tip: Albright's Supply offers trimmers free foam cutting, so long as you order from them. Click here for details. It's great for cushions, especially if you're doing a lot. (Obviously, not great for custom seat design -- as that can only be done by hand)

Thanks @John Pollock! Welcome to The Hog Ring!