Sixer

Nice work! That came out GREAT.

Springfield Leather should have what you need. http://springfieldleather.com/store/department/105/Fasteners%2C-Hardware-%26-Handles/

Just awesome! Thanks

Good point Kayak, Right now I'm just using word of mouth and a Facebook account. No "real" website, so nearly all of my customers are local. I don't really feel like there is a huge market where I live for holsters outside a certain price range. Plus, with a sewing machine I could venture into belt-making and other projects that I would rather not hand stitch. If I can find something at a reasonable price... my fingers would thank me

Thanks for the info Art! As far as needing a flat bed or a cylinder arm... what are the advantages or disadvantages of the two? I honestly have no idea what I would need for holsters...

Thanks Bronson! i've looked at few different types of snap setting tools but I really don't use the snaps often enough to justify the cost. So far I have been very pleased with how the Dot snaps set with the little manual setter and anvil that I have. It's the same tool I use for the line 24 snaps, only the Dot snaps seem to set much easier / neater than the cheaper Tandy type snaps.

I hate to sound helpless here... but I've been getting more holster orders than I can handle if I continue to sew by hand (which is a good thing!) It's time to invest in a sewing machine However, I have become completely confused on what to look for. I'm on a limited budget (probably $500 max) and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction. To stay in my price range, I will probably be looking at older models and used machines. I need something that can handle at least 2 layers of 7/8 oz Herman Oak leather. Can anyone give me an idea (list of makes / or models of machines) that I should keep an eye out for? Any help is greatly appriciated!

Thanks for the replies! I went ahead and ordered 100 sets from Dot Fasteners.com They had the military black that was looking for... http://www.dotfasteners.com/pull_the_dot.html Even though my order was $80 shipped, I figured that's 0.80 per set (4 pieces) instead of $2 or whatever some other places are charging... Plus, they should last me for a while! The shipping took about a week and customer service was great about answering the phone and getting me a tracking #

This is one of the first few holsters I'd ever made... but maybe it will give you an idea. Edit - I see what you mean, the laser grips on the 1911 will be farther forward on the gun... hmmmm?

I haven't made one for a compact 1911... but I have made a similar holster for a Glock 26 with crimson trace grips. I lowered the mouth of the holster so the top was just below the laser. You should still have plenty of gun to work with for tight retention.

I see a number of great looking holsters here, and they all have such neat and clean belt slots. I've tried a 1 1/2 in oblong punch... a hole punch, wood chisel, and dremel sander... Just not getting the nice clean looking results I'm after. Anyone care to share their preferred method of cutting belt slots in OWB holsters?

Those are some FINE looking holsters! Nice work

Just curious how many of you use these on your holsters. If so, where do you buy them... and are they set with the tools as regular line 24 snaps? Also, I'd like to buy some in black but I'm only finding them in quantities of 100+. Right now I can't justify spending that much on snaps. Does anyone sell them in smaller quantities? Thanks

I have a friend who works for the local DSF unit. He asked me if I could make him a leather holster that could accomodate his H&K USP along with a TLR-1 tac light that is attached to the rail. I've never done anything like this, but I told him I could sure give it a try. He is wanting an OWB style holster with an FBI forward cant. I'm curious to see if any of you have experience or words of wisdom for something like this? The obvious issue is the bulky light that will be in front of the trigger guard. I won't be able to do much, if any wet molding around the trigger area which may cause retention issues... I'm thinking a thumb break may be necessary... Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks

Very nice! If you don't mind me asking... how do you make the cartrige holders? The rig looks great.

I have used Springfield Leather Co. a number of times. The customer service, products, shipping time, etc. is TOP NOTCH. Great people to deal with

Bob, You just answered my next question! I'll keep an eye out. Thanks again for your help Eric

Thanks for the quick reply! Unfortunately not what I wanted to hear, lol... but you just saved me $300 Looks like I'll be sticking with hand-stitching my leather for now. Thanks again!

Sorry for the urgent post... but I have a chance to purchase a Singer 20u33 industrial sewing machine for a great price. I need a machine that can handle up to 2 layers of 7/8 Herman Oak for holsters. Is this a machine I could use? Is it worth $300 in excellent condition? Thanks in advance

Thanks for the help! I sharpened the punch a bit, got a bigger hammer (rubber), and placed the leather on a concrete floor with scrap between. It was MUCH easier to punch through the leather. I'll have to try a little beeswax next time! Thanks again

Looks great! I've been wanting to make the jump and get a sewing machine... I have no idea where to start though.

Thanks for the link Art! I could probably swing $110 for something like that, but I'll need to sell a few more holsters first Mountain Man - I'm using anything from 7/8 oz 3/4 oz Herman Oak.

These little things are driving me nuts! Im using Line 24, Line 20, Segma, and Glove snaps for various projects. Right now I just have the set-all kit that comes with the little cheap anvils and setting tools. I'm using a good solid surface, but can't set a good snap to save my life. Is there an easier way to set snaps that doesn't cost a couple hundred dollars?

That's awesome work! I wish I could find a good tutorial on wallet making. I would definitely make one for myself

Thanks for the info! I've also looked at a few different bracelets that use a little stud (Sam Brown?) ... I might have to give those a try.