Messages

Actually, this subject of pet protection on furniture was raised in the past, not much would said.

I picked up two or three pieces of customer furniture to do "pet protection" covers.  The customer
brought it up a few times during our encounter - before I admitted it could be done to about any level of
detail he wants.

Now he is hounding me to do them and doesn't care about price. 

I told him to wait until after Xmas and I would make them to what ever detail he wants,  I prefer to do and check his reaction before money is assigned.  That made him happy - I read his attitude to say -
price doesn't matter just do it and help me save my house full of furniture.  He has the money and literally
is to spend to save his home.

So, the market for that is dependent on what the customer wants to save - his expensive furniture!!

I caught on!

Doyle

Mojo, all as well,

Yes, that bronchitis is everywhere and I have just tried to deal with it.  Hope everyone recovers soon.

There is a lot of business out there waiting.

Doyle

Merry Christmas to all our friends.  You are performing with a beautiful spirit to celebrate in church meetings and with friends - especially your customers.

This past year has been different, marketing was assumed for we focused on the similar things.

It is nice to spend time with your friends.

Looking forward hearing from you all as the years goes.

Doyle

Just a few comments regarding the existing input.  First:  I knew Buck from a good time ago.  He never
was full time at doing this work.  He loved the Vintage work and it did separate him from most uph guys.  He has demonstrated his talents in this segment of the work.  He conducted classes in traditional work at his residence and I wanted to make the trip just once but workload would not fit into the equation.

He stood out for sure, but back then anyway, I don't recall his interest in the traditional work that transpired in and around the 60's and later. He had tremendous patience and a drive in the much older
work that required traditional skills.  The definition of traditional skills does vary among good experienced upholsters.  It is the work performed on furniture built after 1900 +_  (skills that apply), then some, it is work they see several years after turn of the century (even 50 years later).
Technology has/is moving so fast, some technology used just 50 years ago is related to as traditional.
Those skills are also shrinking.
 

I have done real old techniques, some about half that old and can't leave out the tech used today.  Categorizing the technique used has as much to identify what traditional means - Or it is better defined
by the total technique used and materials used.  Mediums of hair and down used on a piece better classifies how traditional one is when working on older items.  Much of the real old furniture is not actually done with the same techniques/fillers as the originals.  Big difference in definition of what
is traditional. There was no foam (synthetic fillers) - everything used was a natural grown product.

That is definitely the older vintage traditional work,  Buck in my observation was really motivated in this
circle.  Another point, there some of those type of resources one can't get and it gets harder as time
passes.

Buck, did not enjoy vintage car (or any car) work, when I communicated in that direction,

I, and truthfully, want to gain all I can from all technologies used to build/manufacture anything.

There are other participants here who do and have done noteworthy items of different technologies.

Look/read what MOJO  has cut out!  Very impressive.  I enjoy his respect for technology - and he demonstrates in all he does (successfully also).

All technology is meaningful to me.

Doyle

The China made stuff is breaking down fast and some want it repaired because they are guessing
new would also.

Sewing and patterning tech has changed.  Their work may be cheap but it is assisted by automated
equipment at factory level.

Do what consumers want!

Doyle

Same thing we all experience - PRICE SELLS!

Doyle

"Trouble with the backrest",

You did say Milwaukee chairs -- maybe that is the understanding of why I have never seen much less
done any of those backs.  Only the bottoms were done on those sold in this area.  The backs are curved
and nicely finished walnut like the rest of the chairs/tables too for that matter.

Actually, we own a complete set of Danish Walnut (table/chairs) and still like them very much.  I have redone the bottoms at least once (maybe twice?).  As stated, the furniture was bought new (no back upholstery) and for customers - never had exposure to this backrest upholstery issue. 

Maybe the Milwaukee chairs were manufactured this way?  I didn't research this specific product, so
can't take a profound position.

Someone else had any experience on this backrest issue?

The work looks nice, however.  But, I can appreciate the fact they aren't simple to do.   The curved
back doesn't suggest doing it with upholstery (only a trade comment).

Doing a few of the older (original) ones in your market?  Lucky!

Doyle

Thanks for the replies:

My settings are right along with all of yours.  The issue is, the staples cut through the fabric when driven.
I can use less hand pressure on the gun (not press hard and actually try to elevate the gun - which
helps).

Frustrating to say the least.  To be thorough in this problem, I will try (again) different guns (I guess I have 3 or 4) there are several hanging there.  Today, I will try the narrow stapler gun because it is
double welt day - this will broaden the test.

The wood in the current chair (s) is extremely hard - don't think that is the problem for I have seen
this before.

Maybe all my guns are "worn to this point"?

Doyle

Regarding:

   a.  Line pressure (about the same as you - 85 to 90)

   b.  Rebuilding the air gun - I have entertained the idea but upon inspection of the gun, I notice
        other things in addition to seals that need replaced also. 

Another point:

The line - I have used hose straight from compressor (not as convenient).
               Also, I have used the small coil lines - but it doesn't last long.

Maybe there is something I haven't tried?

BTW, I drain the air tank often because it collects moisture.

Doyle

Specific questions:

1. Do you set the air pressure on the air line and that serves all requirements?
   
2.  Also regarding the line pressure;  Does it depend on the gun being used?

3. Or on the size of the staple

4.  Or on the density of the wood?

Just wondering, because I reminded myself it has been a while since the
line pressue entered my mind.

Along with the staple gun subject - what kind of luck has been experienced with
installing a seal kit - = to extend the life of a gun?  Or, have you found best to just
replace the gun?

I have several guns and seems one or two may need replaced or install a repair kit.

Thanks in advance,

Doyle

Finished some other type work - started a love seat upholstery job.  Don't know the age for sure
but is at least 50 plus years old.  Coils in the bottom supported by cables with metal straps on
both ends.  Removed staples but could originally been done with tacks (saw some of those left).

Style looks traditional, but no skirt.

One thing I noted, don't believe ever saw it before and that is the side to side deck seam, joining
the front, selected cloth to the decking denim, is not is not stitched to the spring top burlap.  It stays
in the side to side depression, but surprises me it does it without a seam.

I did note a piece of fairly thick plastic welt filler is sewn between the two materials (uph & denium), is pulled plenty tight (side to side).  Obviously these dynamics makes the join look professional.  So,
I will not fight this issue, since there isn't an appearance or durability issue.

First time I have seen this - so learned another way of doing this - with coils I suppose.
For sure this baby is heavy and I have to make it pretty!

Never stop learning in this business.

Doyle 

Yup!  The definition of "french seam" has evolved.  It even isn't anything we have brought up - that is
accepting the French Definition of long ago.  They did it, named it, and time has changed their original
definition.

The french used it frequently and don't believe the way it has been used the last "60 years plus or minus"
it has been used and named as the French did.  Even in the auto work over time, the name tag
has evolved.

Guess what matters is how it is understood.

I have restored some cars, now over 75 years old that used the older French term for the application
back then but that "seam" definition hasn't been used in our country  (to my knowledge) since
like I said, probably almost a 100 years ago. 

Everything evolves!

Let it happen,

Doyle

Generalizing - doesn't apply in a lot of cases (auto restoration that is) - if the restoration is not done like
EOM, the vehicle will loose points in a professional show.

Besides, when done right can add nice looking detail to seam.  If not, well get the right equipment could
be the right decision.

BTW, tape on most newer restoration is not tape, instead those "french seams" are accomplished, stronger with newer equipment, where not only are the two top threads accomplished, there is a criss-
crossing across the center with more thread (yes, it makes the top stitching stronger - not just an
addition of the top threads).

On autos made some 40 (plus/minus), the top stitching with (call it tape - if will) not only adds beauty but much greater durability.
 
I agree with the main issue:  french seaming can look amateur, especially if not performed with a
machine engineered for that job. 

Skill/experience/objectives(true restoration) sought! Are important considerations plus who is paying
the bills.

Doyle

That is a consumer choice.

Assuming every older piece is not true, there is not a statistic suggesting this. 

The matter, even if found, can be handled professionally, if noted.

Doyle

Thanks Eric for the suggestion.

This one machine does all sewing required for the chair covers (all seams are serged - that is).

Impressive looking machine.

Doyle