Nooj

Thanks Jeeper. It's 9-10 oz, cut from a double shoulder I got from Tandy. If I had to make it over, or if I do another one, I'd line it with something to cover the backside of the snaps on the flaps (so they don't rub on the ax head). But since it's just a rough old camp ax I wasn't too worried about it. I'll repaint his ax with POR-15 if it rubs the paint off. Nooj

Hi Doug- nice job on your first holster. There's not much I can say as far as critique, following the advice given by those more established and experienced leatherworkers, lol. As far as leather thickness- one of these great holster makers uses 4-5 or 5-6 oz leather bonded with the flesh sides together, giving a more finished/ lined look to the inside, and a more robust thickness/weight; So if you're unsatisfied with the stiffness or thickness you may try that. (I thought it was Katsass that does that, but it's late, and I'm tired, so I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth and be wrong; resulting in my foot in my mouth). Like RWP, I've been using a 50/50 or 60/40 mix of resolene and water- it makes it much more friendly to use when you mix it with water. Less streaks and a slightly longer working time, in my experience. It does take several coats in order to get a glossier finish though; but that depends on how glossy you want it. I do at least two just to make sure I've covered it all and it ends up as a slightly satin finish (I apply with a wool dauber, allow to sit for a minute or two, then wipe it down with a clean cloth, leaving the surface slightly wet but even looking- then let it dry... might not be the right way but it works for me). I think your holster looks nice- I'm working on a Ruger LCR holster myself. Keep up the good work :-) Nooj

That looks great for an hour's work. I'm the kinda leatherworker that would turn that into a three day project... even if it is just practice, lol. I think you did a nice job with the painting/ dyeing, and I also like the random background pattern you've done; It looks simple yet effective. Are you planning a 'game' piece from this practice piece, or just working on carving/ coloring? Nice job. Nooj

I DO like it. Simple, effective, and attractive :-) The only thing I might would do different is to make the belt loop a little tighter to the belt to reduce some slack when drawing. Of course, if you have wider belts that you wear it on, then it would probably be just fine with those. Nice work. What button snaps did you use on this holster, and how do you like them? Oh- and thanks for the construction pics! It's always helpful and interesting to see the build phase of a project. Nooj

Hi All- This is a camp ax sheath I made for my father-in-law who is a Boyscout leader. I asked him if there's anything he needed or wanted (since I need experience, and figured I'd give him something to use to boot), and this is what he asked for. The design is influenced by several sheaths I've seen online. I liked the 'dangler system' and wanted to try to use it with this to offer better freedom of movement, and multiple carry means. It has stitched belt loops for dedicated belt carry, or you can dangle it, or snap it to straps on your pack, or hook/ tie it wherever using the d-rings. This is the FIRST and only project (besides practice scrap) that I've sewn with my Aerostitch. And of course, I managed to break the needle at the sharp bend, causing it to punch through the backside in two places at wild angles :-/ Please feel free to comment or critique my work and design! Every little bit helps :-) Thanks for looking! Nooj

Great topic, Cattle Hide. I've been curious about this as well. As far as replenishing the oils lost in the hide- Does using oil dye affect or contribute to that? I know it contains oils and spirits... but isn't it also alcohol based? That makes me think that the alcohol would negate any benefits of the small amount of oil contained in it. Seems like it doesn't soak through like neatsfoot, either; or at least the pigment doesn't. Just thinking out loud. Nooj

I normally glue to the edge; But recently I tried stopping short of the edge because I could see a line after burnishing, where two pieces were joined (which I thought was a result of the glue at the edge). I ended up pulling that work apart due to the gap between the un-glued edges, skivving all the glue off with my head knife and re-glueing all the way to the edge. Unless someone has some secret method that works better- bonding it all the way out is probably the best way to keep the edges tight together (even if it means you end up with a visible division line... maybe that's just me though). And I agree- if your machine can handle leather it can handle a lil ol' glue layer too. Nooj

Ok, that makes sense. Like I'm making the turn before the "lock" has occured, right? I don't really have a handwheel... but I believe I can do what you're talking about. I'll give that a try and see how it works- Thanks for the response! Nooj

While practicing with my Aerostitch I tried sewing some 90* turns, and it hasn't turned out well... I'm wondering what I'm missing. I get to the point of the turn, lift the presser foot (with needle still down) and turn my piece of work- and the corner stitch won't lock it. It basically angles itself to the next hole. Here's what I mean: I'm new to sewing machines, and apologize if this is a basic newbie question, but... What do I do?? Nooj

That's a gorgeous holster. I've loved stingray ever since I saw a pair of stingray boots down in Tijuana Mexico, about 10 years ago. I haven't worked with it yet though... When you say 'dremel your stitch lines', are you referring to the entire stitch line or just each hole?? Also, did you hand stitch or machine sew this piece? Very well done piece of work, sir. Nooj

Beautiful rig, man. I like the stitching, coloring, design- pretty much all of it! How did you attach the belt loops? Nutserts between the layers? Great work- thanks for sharing! Nooj

Now that's thinking outside the box, lol. I like it- very original. Good work on the Pinhead, too. Nooj

Very cool. Great looking work. I really like how you did the dropleg holster. Is that a UAV in the middle of the back of the belt? Nooj

I'm interested to see your seat Banjo man. I have a street bob that I'm planning on doing the seat for (because I wrecked it and tore the seat up...). I'm also curious about how the plastic pan is to work with. If you have any tips or encounters while working with it I'd be delighted to hear about it. Good luck. Nooj

Wow- that seat carving is gorgeous. I'd almost be afraid to sit on it, it's such nice work! Yo're a lucky guy :-) Nooj

I think it looks great! I also like how tight your stitching is around the trigger, etc. I don't have any criticism on for you- It looks all good to me. What do you feel needs improvement on it, if anything? Keep up the good work! Nooj

So, I broke my scapula in a couple of places in a motorcycle accident this past Friday. Now I have all this free time from work... but cant do anything cuz I've only got one arm to use (minimally, at that). Are there any one handed leatherworkers out there? I guess it's situational... but I suddenly want to make a leather arm sling with this oil tanned side I have sitting here (I planned on making chaps with it). Anybody seen a tandy pattern pack for that? I guess when cabin fever sets in bad enough I'll figure out some way to get it done... Nooj

I did the same thing when I cut out the leather for my first holster, lol. I had a big double shoulder- so I just cut another piece out (the right way), and used the mistake for practice, etc. I think you've got the right idea though, if you want to still use that piece of leather for the holster; bond the flesh sides together to form a holster that is slick outside and in. I ran into a lot of "I should've"s when making my first one (do yourself a favor and put a notepad by the workbench to make a list of do's and dont's... I made a mental list and lost some of it, lol). Good luck :-) Nooj

It's not the presser foot cylinder... It's on the very top and has the thread going through a hole in the end of the shaft. The 'take up cylinder' I think it's called. Unfortunately I haven't had the time (nor a workbench or workshop) to test it out yet :-/ But it seems to have a decent amount of travel so perhaps it's ok :-) Nooj

Thanks for the reply! I'm glad to know of someone who has dealt with minor details about the machine. When I got mine the first thread guide post was broken off and the air cylinder on top of the machine has a dent :-( Luckily it came with an extra guide post... But I'm curious if the top cylinder will work with the dent, or if it will hinder the piston inside from moving freely (I can cycle it by hand- but being new I'm not sure how far it's supposed to go). I guess I'll figure it out once I run it; Or at least know what kinda questions to ask you guys. Thanks again, Nooj

Thanks for your offerings of help, yall! I'm certain there will be many times I'll call upon you for answers. I bought a little 10 gallon horizontal 5hp Husky compressor, which I think will run it. I think it puts out 5.1cfm at 90psi. More than likely I'll be using the slowest possible setting to begin with, so my air demand won't be much, lol. At least until I'm comfortable enough to know I can go faster without sewing my fingers to the leather. Nooj

I happened across a Tippmann Aerostitch for sale on a classified ad website and decided to get it. I had it shipped from Montana to GA- It just came in yesterday, I went running out of the house barefoot to meet the UPS guy, lol. Now I just need a bench to mount it to... oh, and a shop to work in :-/ and to learn how to use the thing. It may not be the Caddy of sewing machines, but something about the Aerostitch made me want one since I first saw them. I'm happy with my purchase, and have less invested thus far than I would've with a comparable electric machine. Just thought I'd share I'm sure I'll have questions for you experienced folk once I begin using it. Nooj Those pieces of tape on the machine are "instructions" the previous owner put on to help me out ;-)

Thanks for the positive words, yall. Amuckart- I may have overheated the drill rod when I was grinding it down, and that possibly softened it some. With the machine tool stock I ground with short swipes, and cooled it often. Took a long time to get it ground down all the way. This hand stitching stuff is a lot of work! I can't really get a good momentum going... I have an idea of how my technique should be- I just haven't found my groove yet. I have to set my awl down a lot, or risk poked fingers, lol. Thanks for looking guys. Nooj

I made a few awls during some rare downtime I had at work. The first was the 'trial run'- I used drill rod for the blade, which I found was too soft (as you can tell by the bent up tip). The second was made with machine tool stock, but was a lil too short. The hole on one side of my work big, and the other side was real tight. The third I made from some thinner tool stock, and made the taper much more gradual. It worked fairly well for a home made awl, made by a guy who's never used a real one. All the handles were broom handles I shaped with a belt sander, or on the lathe with files and sandpaper. This is the second holster I've made. It was for a friend's Taurus 1911, and it's my first attempt at using an awl & two needle stitching. I was pleased with the stitching around the trigger guard- it was nice and tight. I just eyeballed all the stitch spacing, even though I have an overstitcher to mark 'em with. Much room for improvement- but considering I haven't had any time to practice, I guess it's a fair job. I used "Omega" brand nylon thread (said #5 on the package... not sure what size it really was). I'm not sure how I like it, but it was the best option I could find at any of the local retailers. And this is a hoster I'm making for my wife's Ruger LCR. This is the first one I've done with a reinforcement around the mouth, and the first fold-over style I've done. I still have to even the edges, then I'll start on some stitching. Comments on my designs, techniques, or obvious mistakes are always welcome :-) Thanks for looking! Nooj