JACKP

I have both Is this all I need to make coad? Anyone got a quick recipe? I don't care to read and research for days. A lot of info out there but precise. Thanks Jack

Thanks for the info Chuck I've had some brewing for about a week with the steel wool but was think about cast Iron shavings (brake drum). It could actually make a difference as steel is an alloy of Iron with stuff like maganese ect. added that could effect the vinegaroon. When I have time this winter I'll give the iron a try.

I just found this on another site and found it very interesting and helpful Brew some "vinegaroon." Spray fine-grade steel wool with water and allow to rust for several days to a few weeks, rewetting the material daily. When well rusted, put the steel wool in a jar and cover with boiling vinegar. Let steep several days. Longer steeping time and rustier wool will give you the darkest color. Mix vinegaroon with a small amount of commercial leather conditioner to make it easier to apply to leather. Vinegaroon is a good choice for small objects that can be briefly submerged in the dye, such as a leather wallet. 4Brew coffee. Strong coffee can be used as a leather dye. Brew the strongest coffee you can, double the amount of grounds you would normally use, then simmer in an uncovered cooking pot to reduce it to one-third its original volume. You can also use leftover brewed coffee, reduced on the stove top, or instant coffee mixed boiled in water. Allow to cool. Mix coffee with a small amount of commercial leather conditioner before applying to leather. Coffee is a subtle pigment, but can revitalize a faded tan leather sofa by giving it a richer brown hue. 5Go natural. Red onions can be boiled down to make a shade of blue. You can also make a brown dye from the green outer skin of fresh walnuts; crush the walnut skins underfoot and boil the pigment out of them. Natural dyes will give leather a more subtle color than commercial pigments and are most suitable for doeskin or other naturally pale leathers. .

like myself, I thought you might find this very useful, I know I do.Shows the use of a head knife, staining, glueing ect.

Thanks Cowboy316 Jack

Has any of you used Will Ghormley's patterns info on making holsters and belts? I've really been impressed with photos of his work. I need to make a cartridge belt for my new holster so I just order his patterns for cartridge belts. Jack

I am making a holster for my 1872 open top. I first dyed a sample with british tan. Looked great. Then I dyed the holster and it looked OK, but as it dried it seemed to get redder and redder. Short story, it's more red than I would like. What is the chance of dying it a darker browner brown and come out all right. I've got making the mistakes down pat , now to get it right Jack

Thanks LH

I am in the slow process (limited time) of making double loop holster and I'm a little confused about what to do next. I have the inside and outside glued together, grooved for stitch and edges smoothed or sanded straight. Do I dye it next then stitch ,then wax and slick the edges or what? Thanks Jack

Thanks Jeepraz,

What size needle do you use. I have some that measure .050 on the shank and .075 at the eye. I can throw the thread into the eye so I know I can use a smaller needle. They go in the punched hole (awl puched) up to the eye and that is where the struggle begins and the needle is winning. I will be sewing knife sheaths and at least one holster for now. I read where folks use different sizes but the numbers they use are greek to me and different companies seem to use different systems. Thanks Jack

I recieved my half shoulder from Tandy today and the color is very light. I would like it darker. Is there a tutorial on dying leather anywhere ? How to choose the right dye for leather ect. Any help would be appreciated. I will use the leather for knife sheath and a holster. Jack

Thankd again for the help men. I just ordered leather from Tandy plus a few tools. It will be a few weeks before I get time to start but I will keep you posted. Beautiful work Katsass Thanks again Jack

Thanks for the info Denster. I suppose you are saying ,use 5/6 oz. and double that to make it 10/12 oz. in the end. Thanks again Jack

Hi, This is my first post. I've been reading here for a while now and You folks have given me the bug. I've wanted to make a holster for a while now but thought I had to have a sewing machine . I now have the wonderful books, Hand sewing leather, and How to make holsters by Al Stohlman. I would like to make the Frontier double loop holster on page 24 of How to make holsters. Any advise on what leather weight, lined or not, and best place to get said leather would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jack