Sixer

haha... well I'm a complete noob when it comes to carving or using HiLiter, so there is a pretty good chance you know more than I do on the subject Whine, what your saying makes sense (in theory). I'm trying to achieve something similar to this in color - It's fairly dark yet still has a much darker, almost black, background. So was this achieved with just normal dye, or was HiLighter involved?

I'm working on a simple carving design for a western style holster. I'd like to Hi Lite the pattern and then dye the entire holster a darker shade of brown with Fiebing's pro oil dye. The Hi Liter has a light brown color to it... so I'm wondering if I need to apply the Hi Liter to the entire holster BEFORE I dye it... in order to keep a consistent color??? My concern is that if I use Hi Liter on the front design only, then dye the holster dark brown, will I end up with two different shades of brown? Any help would be appreciated, before I go and ruin a perfectly good project Thanks!

Looks great! The only advice I would offer... keep the edges rounded. Sharp corners tend to fold and wear easily. Also, I always like to burnish the inside of my belt slots. I'm no expert, so take it for what it's worth. Still, looks very nice

I had a customer request a pocket holster for his Derringer. He lives out of state, so I am trying to find a replica training gun / blue gun / etc. so I can get this holster made up for him. Here is a pic of the gun. Any ideas where I could find a dummy gun for this? Thanks! ETA - sorry for the enormous pic!

Great info! Thanks again Wiz!

You make a great point... I've been more concerned with getting the "normal" blue guns when I should be cranking out holsters for the P7. I love that gun! There is definitely a strong following for the P7 and I know that finding a good holster was a PITA. That's actually part of the reason I got into leatherworking to begin with... I figured I could make my own instead of waiting 6 + months to get a Del Fatti holster

I really like Feibing's Leather Sheen that comes in a spray can. I use Leather Balm Atom Wax before applying the Leather Sheen... it's worked out pretty good so far.

Thanks for the replies! As far as thread thickness goes... I don't really need something to handle the THICKEST thread available. It just needs to be able to handle thread sufficient for holsters. I'm in no rush, but I do plan to purchase a machine sometime in the near future. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if I should be on the lookout for a older used machine or focus more on a new machine. Money is tight as always, but I would rather save up a few more $$$ than buy a machine that will just get me by for now. I appreciate ALL the excellent info... keep it coming ETA - Wizcrafts any idea where I could find more info on the Cowboy 227R? I Googled it and literally found nothing.

I'll make this short... but I've been doing as much research as I can on sewing machines for leather. I still feel lost with all of it. I need something that can handle 2 layers of 8/9 oz leather. I'd like to have the option to use the thickest thread possible. Since I'm working with mostly holsters, I need something that will not mark up my leather. I don't mind buying used. I have no preference between a walking foot or cylinder arm machine. My budget is $1000, but less is always better. I've been keeping an eye out for a used Tippmann Boss, but I'm not sure.... Considering my bugdet and needs, what would you reccommend??? Thanks for the help

I use an awl blade as well. I chuck it up in a drill press and punch my holes (pre-marked with a stitching wheel). The drill is not on, I just use the press to get nice, straight holes. Perviously I used a goover on the back side of my holsters, but I've found that it's not really neccessary.

I am having a hard time finding rivets, grommets, eyelets in a FLAT BLACK color. Any suggestions on where to look for these? Thanks!

So you've got about $300 put into your vacuum set up? Are there any less expensive alternatives? Maybe something that can be used with a Shop-Vac or similar....

I don't have much experience with exotics, but I know exactly what kind of problem you're having. I guess it depends on what you are making (holster, sheath, etc.) On owb/ pancake type holsters, I've seen that a lot of makers only use exotic skins on the front of the holster. My approach would be to make my stitching grooves on the back side / cow side of the holster. I'm interested to hear what others have to say....

Thanks for the info Ben... it looks like Brownell's and Midway actually carry it as well. I ordered a 2 oz container, so I'll give the stuff a try!

Not silly at all, it sounds like a great product. I want to try it... just need to get around that $9 shipping. A couple of questions - Does it make the leather more firm? Do you just use it to burnish the inside of your holsters? How long does a 2oz or 4oz tub last you? Are you sure it doesn't come with magic beans Cheers!

Sounds like a product I would like... Unfortunately, I'm not about to spend $12.95 + $9.45 SHIPPING on a 2 oz tub of anything that doesn't include magic beans

Basically a leather "bucket" with a belt slot and a thumb break... That's about all I could come up with.

Wow! Great info guys. Thanks for taking the time to explain the process. MUCH appreciated

can anyone give me info or tips on how to make shell carriers? Something like the pictures below... Are they stitched between every shell? Is there any wet molding involved? Just kind of lost on where to start.... I appreciate the help!

Anyone? Doesn't need to be a bullet carrier for 22LR... I'm just looking for info on how to make them in general

Here's one I made... it was a PITA! As you can see I messed up my maker's stamp on the back. Kind of a neat design though.

That looks great! I've been wanting to learn how to make something like that... any suggestions???

Thanks for the suggestions! Since I don't really have the extra time right now to dye and wax my own thread, I gave the good folks at www.MarineThread.com a call. I talked to Ron, who was EXTREMELY helpful. Instead of placing an order and possibly paying for something I couldn't use... He is sending me a color / size sample of thier waxed thread, ALONG WITH a work size sample (approx 3yds) of the thread I had intended to order. I thought that was pretty cool! That's how you earn someone's business! If all goes well, I know where I will be getting my thread from now on.

Title says it all... What kind of leather are you guys/ gals using for the inner pockets of checkbook covers? Thanks!

Does anyone know where I can find waxed thread for sewing holsters and accessories in colors other than the normal black, brown, and nuetral? I have a customer who would like a black holster with red stitching... It would also be nice to have a larger variety of colors to offer for other items such as collars, cuffs, and everything else. Thanks in advance!