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Content Count
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About HallisChalmers
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Rank
Member
- Birthday 10/30/1956
Profile Information
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Gender
Male
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Location
Houston, TEXAS
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Interests
Amateur Radio, gunsmithing
LW Info
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Leatherwork Specialty
Noob
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Interested in learning about
Wallets, journals,
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How did you find leatherworker.net?
Google
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Have a friend that needs 50 or so lock pick cases made in the Austin, TX area. Will consider outsourcing if affordable. Contact via DM for additional information.
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Noob having trouble cutting leather from pattern
HallisChalmers replied to HallisChalmers's topic in How Do I Do That?
Thanks very much for all your help everyone. This really gives me many options. What a great community! -
Noob having trouble cutting leather from pattern
HallisChalmers replied to HallisChalmers's topic in How Do I Do That?
Thank you all for the suggestions. I do use a cutting board and have tried the rotary cutter, but the one I have is wobbly. I'll look at Olfa and see if that helps. -
HallisChalmers changed their profile photo
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I recently retired and have more time to devote to leathercraft. Unfortunately, at my age, I'm suffering from weak hand strength and am basically wheelchair bound. So here's my problem: I have a lot of problems when trying to use a template to cut out my pieces to make credit card wallets. I scribe my pattern lines, but when I go to lay a stainless ruler to cut my lines, the leather seems to "roll" under the blade and I end up with a piece of leather that is not square. It usually happens when I use lightweight leather (less than 6 oz). Heavier leather like 6 to 8oz is a bit easier but my cuts are sill wobbly from time to time. I can cut a fairly decent line, but every time I get towards the end as I draw the blade to me from top to bottom, the blade wavers a bit at the end. I've tried different types of blades (box cutter, X-Acto, head knife, Olfa, etc. ) but at the very end the blade wavers 1/16 to 1/8th inch at the final end of the cutting stroke. I'm only doing very small pieces, as I don't have a large table or bench to work on. Any suggestions to improve my cutting ability - or is it just a matter of practice, practice? Thank you for your time.
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The Finger Seat "dedication" To !
HallisChalmers replied to chainftw's topic in Motorcycles and Biker Gear
Oh yeah...go ahead and sugar coat everything. Why don't you tell us how you REALLY feel? Nice work... -
Another Apocalyptic Survivor Sheath
HallisChalmers replied to NoahL's topic in Gun Holsters, Rifle Slings and Knife Sheathes
Very nicely done... -
Thank you, Timothy! Greatly appreciated....
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Excellent!
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I work in a totally unrelated field (telecom), but jerks seem to grow like weeds - no matter the industry. I thought it might be intersting to try this: Next time you have a prospect that wants some particular type of work done on their custom order - get out the video camera. Tell them that you want to be sure that your work matches their exact requirements and specifications, because you truly value them as a customer and want to make sure they are 100% satisfied. Do it in a friendly matter-of-fact way with the camera in a corner and start recording. Get them engaged in the specs and details - act professional (not adversarial) and they'll forget about the camera (hopefully). I know this sounds Big Brother 1984-ish, but nowdays there are a lot of scammers and double-talkers that are really in it for the $$$$ and want to screw you out of your hard work. The unblinking eye keeps most people honest. Anyway, just a thought - I may be totally off base.
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Beautiful work.
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I found this website Animated Knots by Grog that shows how to tie just about any kind of knot there is - with animations to help guide you. They have a decorative knot section that can help you visualize better. Hope this helps someone. HC
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I have a brand new copy of Bruce Grant's "Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Brading" that I would like to trade for similar illustrative or educational books on brading and knotting topics, leather engraving, etc. Please send me a PM and let me know what you have to trade. Thanks! HC
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My Turk's Head Knot Looks Like Chewed Bubblegum!
HallisChalmers replied to HallisChalmers's topic in Braiding
So I should apply the correct tension from the beginning - instead of progressively building up tension as I make the rotation? Ok, I'll try that next time. BTW - I do try to keep all the laces lined up and properly spaced, but chasing that lace round and round as I tighten leaves me with a headache and crossed eyes. It's all pretty new to me so I know I need to practice. I try tying a knot every night for "relaxation" but I end up getting so fixated I don't want to stop. OCD I guess. -
My Turk's Head Knot Looks Like Chewed Bubblegum!
HallisChalmers replied to HallisChalmers's topic in Braiding
I tried paracord and it was ok, but I kept burying the fid in the woven fiber of the cord, and left punchy holes and tears in the fabric. But you are right, for practice, this is probabvly a better option - leather can get expensive. Thanks for the suggestion, Mega.