I got a Bonis machine back in April. Finally been putting it to some use. Going from handsewing to the Bonis was like trading in a handsaw for a chainsaw. I thought I'd share a few pictures for those who like to see.

Looks like some nice work.

Are you doing it for fun and as a business?

Wouldn't mind a pair of those beaver mitts.

All I have to do now is get a beaver!

How was the learning curve on the machine? Great looking work!

Looks good! Looks like you do fur pointed up on the mits. I've always done fur down but a friend asked me about doing it your way for riding a snowmobile. Is that your preference or just the way you happen to make them?

Imissed I do it as a self supporting hobby. I started handsewing hats for myself and that turned into making stuff for other people. I really enjoy making things, I just didn't have the time to do much handsewing anymore. So I used my trapping income from last year and bought the Bonis. Send me a message and I'll be happy to discuss options for making you a pair

Miley I am not a master furrier by any means, but in a couple hours I was putting together hats. Still learning more about the machine, but it didn't take long to get the basics down. I bought it from Chuck Bonis out of FL. He was very helpful over the phone when I was setting up the machine and had questions on how to operate. Super gentlemen to deal with.

Jonny, we don't have snow here, so I have always done the fur running back for riding boats and ATVs. I actually made this pair for myself. The hide isn't great and you can see where it was practically cut in half from a snare. When I first started beaver trapping, I caught this beaver in a snare but he broke the cable do to some oversight on my part. I was determined to catch it again. 2 weeks later I got him on a blind foothold. I learned quite a bit from this beaver, and about trapping educated beavers (and how to educate beavers). I thought it would be cool to make them into something I could use as a reminder that hard work, patience, and some humility can get you through most situations.

What do you have on the palms? Is it just a single layer of deerskin? I have a pair of beaver mitts with a palm of elkhide and backed by a layer of fleece on the inside. But still the palms of my hands can feel the cold. I'd really like a layer of fur on the palms, somehow. I don't know how it would feel or fare on the inside of the palm.

Kart, yes, just a single layer of buckskin. you could easily add a piece of sheared beaver or otter to the back side of that. The fur would be sandwiched between the palm and the liner. Would make for a more snug fit, but would add warmth. I made a pair like that last year for a 4 yr old boy. I used otter as the palm, and faced the leather out.

I'm down in SC, so a lightweight fleece is all we really need for a liner

That makes sense. Around here fur pointed up collects snow but I've never had a snow machine and what my friend said made sense. I have a hat and mits from the first beaver I got too. Was under the ice with a snare. It's great to have such a treasure.

Bur , how hard was it to get a Bonis machine ?

Not very. Called up Chuck at Bonis Sales and he helped me decide on the correct machine for my needs. I paid him and he mailed me the head promptly. I ordered a knock down table combo with servo motor and was in business. I had to drill the holes in the table for the head, But Chuck sent me a template, and was available via telephone to help with any questions while setting it up. Super guy to deal with, and great customer service. Glad I decided to buy from a reputable source, was worth every penny.

Would you post a web page or contact info for the Bonis company … I have used them before and was just thinking about one of them the other day, but my failing memory couldn't for the life of me remember the name of them. Would appreciate it.

I FOUND IT … THANKS

Garry-

Looks Awesome