JLSleather

YIKES.. I didn't realize the bag was that much money. Seems like the vacuum would be better for forming turns/twists/corners (since it pulls IN as well as down), and with the hyd version, a guy would want to put something between the foam and the leather so you don't "texture" the leather with the foam. In the ONLY video I ever recommend, Sam A. uses a hyd press to form a G19. One IMPORTANT difference here between that and what you often see... Sam's corners are ALREADY in the holster due to the unequal front and back patterns... WHereas with those 50/50 things, a guy would 'smoosh' down (only).. nothing in the hyd to pull in the front / back (top of slide and under guard). OH .. perhaps worth stating here: LOTS of boys 'n' girls are making holsters without EITHER method.

If you're going to purchase patterns, I would recommend: For shape / design: How To Make Holsters Art of Making Leather Cases (there are 3 volumes - each with its own subject matter For learning to tool leather: Tech Tips Pictorial Carving and pick up some downloadable carving designs while you're there. This will let you concentrate on learning the carving. There are thousands of books and patterns available these days (not to mention an ocean of why-tube videos), but I have yet to see any which give a more complete understanding of the PRINCIPLES laid out in these (including some which apparently think that if they charge more money, some people will think they are "worth more"). The point of these materials is not to carve and / or make THAT project, as much as it is to show you WHY it's done that way so you can create your own.

Been a few years, but I've been to both of those. Both pretty small stores - always wondered why they were so close together but sold / stocked the same items. Must be quite a few hobby folks in that area.

Oh, yeah -- here ya go. Some pics of what one set up looks like and some holsters made with it And the link to the parts kit (the link in that thread doesn't quite work any more). http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Project-CRS-Continuous-Run-Pump-Vacuum-Press-Kit.html And then a guy would need a bag (available in the same place) and a pump (seems most guys get the HF pump). Course, if you're leaning to the hyd version, then you'll likely want some foam pads to insert between the press and your leather. http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=41_524

A cheap hyd press from HF will do your molding - the 12 ton is enough, but the 20-ton is virtually same cost This has one advantage over tthe vacuum in that it can also be used as a clicker press. The 'plus' of the vacuum is that the pressure is applied in more than one direction, simultaneously. There are threads from a few years back about which parts were included in a "kit', which was then paired with a cheap HF pump.

If you're using contrasting thread, it's easier to dye the part under the belt loop before sewing on the panel. And you'll likely find it faster and easier to pick up some type of punch for the slot rather than drilling. Some use an oblong punch, some use a round punch for each end and a knife of some sort between.

depends how big the slot. Usually, a modeling spoon works.

Well.. uhh.. while i appreciate the vote o' confidence, fella aint gotta go farta find somebody knows more about sewin' than me

List it in the for sale section -- it's KUSTOM

So, you were hoping for a video with actual, useful information? Cuz, as a rule we don't do that ...

Yes, you should return that.

I stay away from teh nylon zippers for all but the smallest projects. Otherwise, I've had a pair of insulated cover-alls with an aluminum zipper for years now... no troubles - and they do get some hard use (now if I could just find them after moving!).

Well, yeah.. much of 'around here' is a bit unproductive. Mom would like some of that stuff that lady with the stained glass makes, and she was so nice I just offered to do it. Like leather work -- pretty simple if ya got the right stuff.

You can do this a bzillion ways. I've dyed the leather, then finish, then stitch- didn't want the finish "pooling' in teh stitching. And I've stitched, then dye and finish - wanted teh colors to all work together. And I've dyed, then stitched, then finish - when teh thread should contrast with the leather color. I always oil AFTER dye, and always finish AFTER dye and oil. Otherwise, don't matter.

...while the leather dries? During those short runs during the move, had to do something when there isn't enough time to start new projects, but haven't finished all the other tasks. So, couple gals on about getting some simple graphic work done - on a budget. So, they seem to be happy with what they got, at the price they got. Cutesy sellers who wanted a "banner" in their shops (that broad graphic at teh top).. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClearerImage https://www.etsy.com/shop/DawnsINKSpirations

It almost was Swing anna miss.. not quite what I was aiming for. Still, it'sa 8 outta 10, so just a couple tweaks to go .

Swing anna miss.. not quite what I was aiming for. Still, it'sa 8 outta 10, so just a couple tweaks to go .. Used this W/C skirting, since for some reason it isn't 'hardening' like W/C normally would --- so putting it to use here!

Sounds like I should take another look at them I see I deleted the email I got from them, so it'll be 'from scratch'

If I remember right, I didn't order from knifekits due to some of the info they requested. If I'm buying something, you would need my name, shipping address, and credit card number. You're selling something, you would need to know what I want, where to ship it, and how I'm going to pay for it. Anything else... why?!#!@!

I suppose I could list some patterns for sale NOT 50/50, but it does seem like there should be a charge for being the only one doing that. Gotta wonder if there would even be a market for that -- if people complain about the cost of a blue gun, maybe they aren't interested in that, either. Well, maybe just won't worry about it, since it's far from the original posts in this thread

Oh, and dont forget to check ebay on occasion. There's a lot of crap on there, but you can duck most of it by putting 'rings blue gun' in the search, and setting the search options on the left to MAX $50. This will spare you seeing all the listings priced HIGHER than you can get them brand new.

Ring's Also, .. Alternate Force $43 guns (quick!) bluegunstore name is easy to remember, but the "free" shipping is added to every gun, so buying 3 means paying the "free" shipping 3 times Bunkhouse Tools They have a few models I haven't found anywhere else. Different look, but they work great. Good service, too. Duncan's Customs Aluminum molds - I like these. $50 guns and $15 mags Index Fasteners $45 ($60 for the "holster ready" mulit-molds), plus they have holster accessories (loops, screws, washers, etc) less $ than many places http://www.holstersmith.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=555_563 These last two appear in search, so I listed even though I've never ordered there. http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=41_585_586 These last two appear in search, so I listed even though I've never ordered there.

I mean a actual pump. The little pic looks like it came with my baby girl's bicycle See kin i find that link to one that some leather girls n boys use.... I didn't see the post I was thinking of, but did find the info. This post shows pics of the setup that some found useful.

Does that INCLUDE a pump? Seems pricey if the pump aint in there.

Not true. Actually I was referring to that whole zoo that occurred on teh first page of this thread. This isn't true, either. That's what I was talking about the pet rock -- because something SOLD does not make it GOOD. Unlike what you hear, actually 6 million people CAN be wrong So, to be clear here.. I don't care what holster a guy makes, or even IF a guy makes them. I'm only replying here to let you know that what I said did not refer to you.