js5972

Incredible that I have been working on this "Hops" project on and off for a few days. I am going to dye it eventually but here it is in a somewhat finished state. being a beerhead, I was going to incorporate a shaft of barley into the design but I couldn't figure out how to carve and tool it. maybe someone else out there has? For a pattern, I Googled "Pictures of Hops" and came up with several drawings. I reduced the one I liked and did a little freehand to make everything fit in 4X4 inches. There is a Grape & Leaves pattern on the Tandy website that i have used in the past-sorry, no picture. I am always on the lookout for neat patterns. I found a cool grape and leaf one on a placemat from an Italian restaraunt. If I can find it, I'll post a picture. Be sure to post your finished product.

Tandy Super or Satin Sheen is probably the easiest to work with. I like Feibing Saddle Lac for a spray if you can get it. i would think that anything clear will let some sunlight through over time.

I like the color. It shows off the lacing Take baby steps if you decide to re-dye. It will definitely get darker if you put it out in the sunlight.

This is truly a beautiful work of art. Yes, I think your belt is too thick. If my math is correct, you have the equivalent of 10 oz thickness, which is generally used in heavy service, such as gun or tool belts. The other thing is the buckle is too long and wide for this style of belt. The ranger style belts that I've seen have a 3/4 inch (2.0 cm) billet and a more compact buckle and end tip as well as a shorter billet. This will keep the hardware from obscuring your beautiful carving. I know you didn't post this in the Critique forum, but you did ask...I enjoy seeing your work.

WOW!

Greetings from a fellow Zonie!

Welcome from a fellow Zonie!

A cost/benefit analysis would be my first order of business. Could your productivity be increased enough to cover your added occupancy costs? Is your order volume and backlog sufficient to sustain the necessary increase in productivity? Here in the USA, this is an ideal time to nail down low cost industrial or retail space, Similar economics in th UK?

Now you're hooked. Have fun!

Greetings from yet another Zonie!

The saddle soap is more of a lubricant for the burnishing. It shouldn't be a problem if you use a sealer. Your burnishing technique sounds a little scary to me. Better do plenty of practice pieces to try it out.

I found my first 2 holsters going through my scrap bag today, so I feel your pain. It sounds like you are measuring your stitching-you should get a stitching wheel from Tandy. I have just started using Eco-Flow myself. I was at a class at Tandy and they suggested an application of Neatsfoot oil first to even out the absorbtion. Leave overnight, then use a dauber to apply the dye. Nice design for the holsters. Did you make your own patterns? They look quiet functional.

Along with Tandy, I would recommend Leather Crafters Journal. http://www.leathercraftersjournal.com Practice, Read, Learn, Practice some more.

Hello from a new member. I was led here from Rugerforum.com. I began leatherworking as a hobby in 1998, making belts, cases, etc for myself and a few others. I took a 5 year hiatus in 2001 and restarted after I exited the work force in 2007. I am interested in expanding my skills in making cases, holsters and other practical projects from scratch as well as adding color to my projects. My other hobbies (addictions, actually) are bass fishing, shooting and travel.