Ferg

If you think it is not too good, maybe it isn't. Don't expect folks to fall over themselves to comment on something that has only been posted for a short time. Patience is a virtue. You done okay for a first project. If you keep at it you will likely want to make another that you will like even better. ferg

i think I can understand the frustration of your condition. I would go a step further: In lieu of the C-clamp use an air cylinder from Graingers for instance, Mounted in a bracket with a multitude of fittings that are available plus home made. A small pancake compressor will supply sufficient air to the cylinder as long as you don't get carried away with the diameter and length of "throw". Amount of pressure can be regulated with a pressure regulator. Small cylinders are usually good up to 120 psi. If you wish I would be glad to experiment for you in using the cylinder. That is, if you do not need it quickly ferg

Not everyone agrees but I learned many years ago when building homes and doing many decorative items in wood plus other materials, you never ever let anyone have ownership of a screwed up piece of work. That covers freebies or less than normal price points. My .02 ferg

That would be an acquired taste. ferg

Saddle bags: You may want to study some Sheridan designs closely if you wish to make them more true to the original designs. Potty seat: Nice work Cuff: Very nice. Your wife could market her work. That does not mean you couldn't ferg

I like most of your designs. I believe your stitching needs a little work ferg

Mike, My take on this was not that you shouldn't want the item but if it becomes a luxury of little to no use, the money is not worth it. Not unlike buying antiques ferg

Mike, Let's put it this way. One of the finest swivel knives available is a SK-3 for $135.00 ferg

Two problems I see from your post. Belly leather is stretchy and not well suited for sheath/holster work plus you are not casing your leather. Do a search in the LW site for casing leather, you will get more info than you probably wish to have access to at one sitting. ferg

Nice work. Font doesn't appear to be "Western" though. You may want to include more carved space and not quite so much background. ferg

Lot's of English men and women in this forum/community. Welcome! Peruse the site and learn and contribute. ferg

Linen seems to be a favorite among hand stitchers. ferg

Hi Dink, Personally do not care for the scrolling photos, I suppose I could get used to them We quit using any advertising system of anyone. Our sales increased with an obvious increase in pocket money. Make sure you have the full name of the site/your business in the first line of your front page. Robots love it. ferg

The auto primer could be lacquer based, solvent/water. Either way, I think you have a nice chap painted gray. ferg

Mike, Pricing is quite often decided by your clientele, at least the ones you are aiming at. If you want to get into high end belts I would suggest you practice your work and consider some more expensive/classic hardware. Your selection of hardware design is okay. Understand that Bobby is a top of the hill craftsman. His belts are beautiful, finely detailed, expertly carved and finished. ferg

A Merry Christmas to you too. Nothing wrong with your tooling that practice will not improve. Beveling a little rough. You need to put a finish on the edges of your belts. You have selected appropriate hardware but IMHO these are not $100 to $200 belts. Tandy hardware is cheap Chinese, 'nuff said. Take a look at one of Bobby Park's belts. ferg

I'm sorry, I don't get this "Non Leather" people bit. Plus I don't see where the leather from a steer that has died a natural death and drug home from the prairie, is such a wonderful deal???? Guess I am missing something. ferg

I certainly do not agree with another posting. I think your antiqueing looks spectacular. Great job with design and tooling. Be proud!!! Merry Christmas fewrg

Hi Kinsey, Welcome to the forum. You will be pleased with the folks and information available here. ferg

There are folks on this forum more informed than I but I think you have the style of needle in your machine that sews exactly as you describe and from your photos I would say all you need to do is change the style of the needle. I would call this a western style stitching. Did I miss something? ferg