Shadowsbane

I am in a very similar situation as you. Lost a bunch of work possibly thinking of getting into this as a full time endeavor in order to make up that lost income or in my case more. The primary difference however, is that I am in much more of a pickle due to various reasons, and I grossed about 50 cents more an hour than Federal minimum wage last year. So, for me and mine, the expectations and hopes are far lower it would seem. Even so, though I am doing as many here are suggesting for you, and keeping my day job at least for the time being. As well as offering more than just holsters to people in order to branch out a bit and get more steady business. But, best of luck to you, and I know I will be watching the results of your thread closely.

Is this still for sale?

Looks good!

I soaked a piece of non dyed veg tan leather for awhile rinsed it off and gave it to my son to teeth on after he would only chew on my belt blanks. Didn't hurt him at all, and he really enjoys it, my mother did the same thing for my sister when she was that age. It was a rather large piece that I had clipped all the corners off of though. Granted it is probably not the best idea in the world, but better than some. As far as making my shop safer: Currently I am in a small 1 room apartment. So the baby's room, the living room, my work station, and due to the cold my bedroom are all the same room. So I have taken/am taking several precautions to help with this. 1) All my sharp tools are wrapped up in a tool roll that you can find for wrenches and thrown in a box with a lock on it. 2) My dyes and other chemicals are in a 40mm grenade ammo can that even I can barely open without 3 hands 3) My newly acquired embossing machine has the wheels off of it, and the crank tied down so he it will be hard for him to hurt himself with that.

I have gotten what I needed. Thank you all.

Yeah. The sales definitely come and go, that is for sure. I do know that as soon as I get one, a much better deal will pop up shortly after. Well I can keep looking. It ain't no real biggie for now.

cool, thans.

I did. Two are sold, one is in TX and wants to sell locally, and the 4th has yet to respond. I do have hopes for the last one however.

Looking for a Tippman Boss, and an embosser that is compatible with the Tandy embossing machine wheels. I can pay via Paypal, or cash in person if you are in NC, VA area. Used is fine as long as it is functional. I also have an interest in accessories for those items. (Material guides, flatbeds, creasing wheels, etc.) Tell me what ya got and what you want for it, and we can probably work out some deal. Shadow. Also, I do all my work in my tiny 1 bedroom apartment and have a young baby crawling around. So nothing electric please. The less wires, belts, or switches he can get his hands on the better.

I live in downtown Raleigh area.

where in Florida are you?

My latest project a bandoleer commission of a bandoleer holster for a scoped 44mag blackhawk. Here is the holster itself and the finished product. Holster strap holds 12 rounds of 44 mag on the strap, and is left handed. It is also constructed so that it can be worn off the belt, and tied around the leg for extra stability.

I live in downtown Raleigh.

Hello, I'm shadowsbane. I'm pretty new to this whole thing and realize that my projects lack a certain finished appeal, but I have just purchased a nice tool set to get started and that seems to have made a tremendous difference. Anyway here are a few samples in the order I did them. Feel free to slam them into the ground if need be. Hardened leather armor. Consisting of 14/16 oz leather that was hardened using the water method Squares measure roughly 2"x2" at bottom and 1.25"x1.25 inch at top. Laced together using waxed linen thread with rivet support at stress areas. This is also part of the armor, using once again 14/16 oz hardened leather that was stretched and shaped to my leg. Belt fasteners are chrome tanned. Purse holster I made for my wife. Sewing was done with a sewing awl being used to punch the holes. Boning and other shaping was accomplished with a pair of chopsticks from the local Chinese restaurant that I polished up. This is a knife sheath I made for my hunting knife. Leather is molded to the contours of the blade allowing for excellent retention. My current project is CCW belts that I am beta testing. Belts are hand sewn using waxed linen thread, while the holes are punched using a 4 prong chisel sized at 3/32s. Picture is shown half done to emphasize the stitching. Well those are the lion's share of what my experience is in leather crafting.

Just signed up today after lurking for a bit. Seems like a really neat place.