JohnD

Great thread. Nice tutorial Don, Great info all around. This is what makes this site so great. John

I spoke with Montana leather again today. They said my most of my order was out of stock, So I cancelled with them and ordered from the number that duke posted above. It was actually cheaper so I was able to add a couple more tools. It probably won't ship for a week or so but at least I know that. Thanks for the help everyone. John

I finally spoke with someone on the phone this evening. The gentleman I spoke with was very nice, but unfortunately the office was shut down so he would have to check tomorrow and give me a call back. He did say that they usually stock Barry's tools and they usually ship right away. I almost cancelled, but I considered that if he calls me tomorrow to say that my order has shipped, then my tools will be on the way. if there is a problem tomorrow, then I'll consider my other options. Thanks for all the responses. John

Thanks for the responses guys, I guess I should have asked before I ordered. I haven't heard anything in just over a week now. They haven't even charged my account yet. John

Robert Beard makes them, Google either his name or pro tools. I think they run around $50 a pop. EDIT: Sorry, pro series tools. http://robertbeardtools.com/Matters.html scroll dow the page a bit, They're $60 each. I believe he makes them as he goes too so there might be a wait.

Not Leather related, But still dumb. When I was in the service, I was inspecting my squads weapons. One particular gun required that you press a detent and turn a knob to remove the barrel, And expose an area were dirt accumilates that most dont know about. Now, thinking I'm cool for knowing this and ready to give this Marine crap for finding his wepon dirty, I asked him to hand me his bayonet and proceeded to press the detent and turn the knob WHOOPS. The bayonet slipped and went about half way through the palm of my hand. I tried to pretend it didn't happen and continued inspecting weapons but the other Marines didn't appreciate me bleeding all over their clean weapons and, if you've ever had a particularly deep pucture wound, You know that you can tend to get woozy. So I asked my team leaders to finish inspecting their teams weapons and ended up walking away to find a seat, out of sight. It was a while before I heard the end of that one. I actually have quite a few dumb mishaps with knife stories, But I'll spare you all the gory details. John

Has any one ordered Barry King tools from Monatana Leather? I'm curious as to how long it took to get your order? I ordered some tools from them last weekend, They sent an email confirming my order and thats all I've heard. They haven't charged my bank account yet and when I checked my order on their site, It doesn't give any info on the status of the order and when I call the 800 number I can only leave a message. I'm not an impatient person. I understand if the tools are made to order, I just would like to know if thats the case. The website doesn't say anything about that. Just curious if anyone else has dealt with them and how it went? Thanks. John

I think I see something at the red arrow that looks like a possible joint. Actually after reading the other posts and looking a t the pics again I can see the diagonal line too

WOW, Roger. That's crazy. That is awesome! Is that your own design? When I first joined this forum, I remember seeing your work and thinking it was great. I didn't realize there was room for improvement but you apparently made room for it cause that is F@#$%N amazing. I hope that doesn't sound backhanded. Your tooling is incredible. John

Ed, Check this page, about 2/3 of the way down is a PVC outfeed support that may give you an idea on making one yourself. I actually have something similar (made from aluminum) on my work truck That was originally made to hold a tool, but I made a table top for it to hold my laptop at any height I need. I had remembered the Black and decker table but that would hurt if I had to leave it. The satchel idea I had in my head had the outward appearance of one of your bags but folded out almost like a trapper keeper type of deal. Thanks again John Edit: Sorry I forgot the link: http://www.newcastletriton.asn.au/Hints%20&%20Tips.htm Whinewine, I thought of that and I actually have some felt glued to the back of my slab to keep it from scratching "my wifes" kitchen table. Thanks

To add to Jordan's post, I went to Big Lots ( a close out store) and found several crappy belts for a buck apiece They were new so no need to clean up the buckles. Just cut the belts off and discard ( or find another use for the vinyl or pvc straps that have the words "new york" bedazzled onto them). John

Kimber, I had thought about tv tables but wasn't sure they would hold up. I'll take your word on it and give it a shot. Thanks. My hotel room has two tables but I didn't want to have to pay for damages. Ed, That does look interesting, although you're right that it probably wouldn't suit my needs. Thanks for the input. I actually thought of you when I was considering what to do to tote my tools around. I thought of trying to make a satchel type of bag that would hold my slab (Tandy 12x12" granite) and all my stamps and carving tools I will need to practice. I instantly pictured a bag like the ones you do, only that would sort of fold open and the slab would strap in and the tools would fit into loops. Anyway, I ended up realizing that would be too much work for the time I have and went and bought one of those aluminum tool attaches, which, although heavy, fits everything nicely. Thanks again for the help, John

The company I work for has forced me on the road. I have been living in a hotel for the last 6 weeks, hitting home on the weekends every so often. My Brother in law has given me fair warning he will be needing at least 3 seats in about a monthe or so (2 with tooling). So I have today and tomorrow to find a portable workbench that I can take on the road with me to practice the patterns that he wants tooled. Does anyone have an idea as to what might suit my needs. It should be (or fold up) small enough to fit in the trunk of a compact car, with 2 other people's suitcases. it should be strudy enough to withstand the rigors of carving, stamping and hole punching. Hopefully it will be fairly inexpensive, so that if the company decides to end this torture and send me home and I have to travel light, I can just leave it. I know there has been a thread on this before the crash, but my search turned up nothing. I appreciate any replies. Thanks John

Wow, Marlon, That carving is beautiful. You've got some real talent. I like it, I like it alot. Can't wait to see the finished product. John

Here's my attempt. Mind you, this is mostly guessing. In the afternoon I went to an old friends (or old neighborhood) for a bar-b-que. It was bring your own so I brought some beers and chips and a steak. .The forecast was for a hot day so I was in my shorts and flip flops (or sandals). The hostess was playing AC/DC very loud and was very drunk. It wouldn't be long bfore she would vomit. Bluey ( someones name?) was watching a previously recorded tennis match(?) on TV and was also watching the hostess, but she wasn't interested. Out the back everyone was drinking a lot of beer and people were starting to pass out. Dave had come in his speedo swim wear, he is such a jerk and doesn't spend much money. We ran out of beer so I jumped in my Sport utility vehicle (land rover?) went to the local beer selling establishment. I crabbed some snacks on the way back. I was tired by now so I sat down next to the hostess who was complaining about some loser at work. I was too full of food (or drunk) to answer so she called me a dummy and left angry. I was mostly guessing on this and had to call upon my past experiences watching "Crocodile Dundee" and listening to men at work songs in the eighties. But it was fun. Thanks. John

Great to see you here, Duane. We've met a few times at shows and the smoke out. ( I help out the Acme Choppers guys) I look forward to seeing more of your work and possibly picking your brain a bit. Welcome. John

Hey Dan, Keeping busy, huh? It's been a little while. Nice job on the seat, John

Very nice. What weight leather did you use and are they lined? Very nice indeed. John

My son plays airsoft and mentioned that he had to carry his side arm in his pocket. We discussed the options and he decided on a shoulder rig and this is what we came up with. I've never done more than a pocket holster, so this was new to me. I started at around 7pm and finished around 1:30am. The dye job is hideous, but he's pretty excited about showing up with this. Sorry for the crappy pics. John

The Berserker (bike) is pretty sick. Paul Cox also designed and built that girder, Which I really dig on its own. John

WHY ARE YOU YELLING? Just kiddin' Nice sheath, I like the simple stuff. How did you do the border? John

Awesome carving...Just as impressive is Jordan's use of a Johnny Cash lyric. John

Not to Hijack, but since his name came up, I am a huge fan of Christians work. I look at his galleries all the time, I just can't get over how clean his tooling is. I dig the way he fills up his seats with skulls and such, almost like the sheridan style, but with skulls. Very cool. John

James Thorndike Witherspoon III I always really enjoy seeing your masks, Roo. You do very interesting stuff. John

Funny, When I first looked at the pic I thought, "how's he start it?" What does "sent out for paint" mean? "out" to the driveway so The overpray from the can don't get on the furniture? Oh Yeah and....SPORTSTERS RULE! John