jbird22cal

I stopped in to post the above post, ask a few questions and read the sticky on the bag tutorial. I am working on the two pouches. For the first form I used carpet tacks as I couldnt find any other tack. This left really big holes in the leather. I don't like that. Is there a way to fix that? For the second form I used braddly nails, I did it last night so I havent pulled it off the board yet. So the jury is still out on the hole size. Do you all think I used to many nails? I'm worried about being able to get even stitching with all of the holes. Is there any thing I should try? I chose to make a form fo my leather that is square in nature. I thought since this is my first attempt, I thought it might be easier. Maybe... I'm cutting out backs and straps tonight, I used that lemon juice 1:1 mix to clean the first pouch form, works great! here's where I'm at: How does this global limit work? I may need to start compressing images. I'm almost out of room.

While I was waiting for my leather to case properly I started down this road. Following the instructions for the pocket knife case in Al's book, I made this case for a bic lighter. I managed to rush it a bit and still have it turn out ok. (took about 4 hours w/o final finish) Things I learned: 1. check to make sure that brand new bottle of eco-flow glue you got is not dried out before you start. 2. the handly little awl that has inter-changeable blades that tandy sells is a bit bothersome, the blade sticks and pulls out. 3. Don't race when your using elmers tacky craft glue (all I had on short notice) 3. Sewing needles break despite everything being coated in beez wax. 4. a dremel tool will be handy in sanding the edges, as far as finishing it I used am artgum eraser with a piece of cut 600 grit sand paper. ( I learned to use a gum eraser for sanding from a machinest friend of mine when he was doing some work on a rifle stock) 5. Gum T accepts die, had no clue what exactly to do with this stuff. All I know now is that I will run out of that stuff first. 6. that new plastic bone tool from tandy needs to be sanded on the edges, also watch the made in china stamp. 7. Gravity applies... when your stitching pony is between your legs stuff always seems to fall out of reach. 8. when double stitching the belt loop as per instructions, leave it on the looser side as to not spread the hole out in the case. 9. If you need to take a break, take it! that way you dont forget to cut a stiching groove. I'm sure there are a few things im not typing in but thats good enouph. I'm sorry about the quality of the picture, the lighting wasnt great. I've got lots of compliments on it. My own critiquing is that I could have made it so the lighter rides lower. It bites me in the love handle. The edges were easier than I thought.

The order was sent, The tandy flyer that i was looking at doesnt start yet so i didnt get my swivel knife, I ordered a new blade and a stiching pony instead. Thanks all! I'll make it a point to post a picture of the result....

I've added the edge cote (three coates of the regular seemed to work on the cut up belt blanks) I've added a leather cement, I was just going to use one from the hardware store, but I'm going with your suggestion. It will probably work better. I added the gum stuff, I'm not really sure what it is but it keeps showing up in the tutorials so I'll order that too. I hope my rivets fit I bought a boat load when the local leather store closed up. That lining is neat, Is that just a regular fabric? I've got some desert camo that I purchased to make a ginseng harvest bag but it was to light for the job. Thanks for the idea I'll look for a tutorial on here. If it's a regular fabric I can probably aquire most of the stuff locally. Thanks much!

I agree, You tube has a few handy videos on how to use it.

Hello all, I'm moving on up, I've completed my leather bow sling straps and played around with tooling. I practiced my sewing/stitching on a botched tooling attempt and decided it's time to start making cases. I'm excited! My father and I both carry gerber multi-tools. The nylon cases take a heavy beating so I've decided to make them out of leather. I am modeling the case out after a smaller case made for a folding utility knife jobber. The design is out of a thinner leather, two piece, riveted at the mouth on both sides and stiched all the way around (saddle stitch I think) and then closed off with a snap. I have, an awl, needles, thread, wax, an over stitch wheel, the edge wheel thing, and tooling stuff short of a non-rusted up swivel knife. (inherited) also I have exacto knives, utility knives, a head knife, punches, rivets, etc etc. I also have Fiebings and super sheen. I need to make an order for leather and other odds and ends (leather is expensive) and I was looking to see if you folks had any ideas about anything else I might need before I order: I'll be ordering today (12/29/10) when I wake up My order from tandy is: 61941-01 - The Art Of Making Leather Cases, Vol. 1 3204-00 - Craftool Border Tool 8002-00 - Craftool Swivel Knife Deluxe Adjustable 8116-00 - Craftool Plastic Bone Folder 99606-02 - Single Shoulders 6 to 7 oz. 9080-99 - Veg Bellies-Special Purchase 61941-01 - The Art Of Making Leather Cases, Vol. 1 3204-00 - Craftool Border Tool 8002-00 - Craftool Swivel Knife Deluxe Adjustable 8116-00 - Craftool Plastic Bone Folder 99606-02 - Single Shoulders 6 to 7 oz. (2 of them) 9080-99 - Veg Bellies-Special Purchase I thought 6-7 oz leather would work out unless you folks recomend otherwise, Ive been reading these forums and I don't see the need for lining the case for this application. Thanks for any advice.

Well... I was able to find Thiebings locally and I tacked on Super sheen on my last order from Tandy. I agree with you on the smell of the super sheen. It does smell like Elmers, but when it dries it seems to seal off most of the smells. I found I have to read on here for propper application as I have had some of the dye not penetrate well, but that's a different thread. All in all, I really enjoyed making these and I started tooling beyond stamps. A few hand cramps and layout problems but it went faster then I thought. This is an easy little project, I recomend it for all of you have friends in the world of hunting. Short of drying time the leather took less time than the Parachute cord weaving. I uploaded pictures, I apologise if there small, it will only let me upload so much.

Here is what I've got so far. I picked up some info on how to make it from this fellow: bowhunter4e's youtube profile look for project bow D.I.Y. wrist slings if you want to make one or two yourself. I imagine a person could make the whole thong from leather if they had about 5 foot sections of lace.

Hello all, I'm new to leather working. So far I haven't made anything that requires a finish. I started making a bow wrist sling last night. The sling design is of common modern design. It uses 550 para cord for the sling and attaches to the bow via bolt through a 4-5 inch leather strap. I have strap and belt blanks I can use for the leather part as well as grommits for the bolt. I just don't have Any finish that I know will work. I have tung oil and linseed oil that I often use for gun stock repairs/work. I need somewhat of a subdued, color for the leather and a odorless protectant. I have some lightly dyed brack wax/grease stuff for my motorcycle bags but I just don't know where to start. I would use eco-flo if I had a local shop carrying it. I can mail order it if its the best. I'm looking for something simple. Shoe polish, oil, etc. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks folks! I will order those books from stohlman and the weaver catalog. I'll keep coming back here, I have that whole elk hide I haven't figuired out what to do with yet.

Hello all, I just signed up today, I'm starting down the road to yet another hobby. I have been intersted in making holsters and cases for various things. Starting a few years ago I started reading about this craft, but a few things came up over and over that cost a whole lot of money. A few months ago, I stopped at the beadstore/tandy leather store to pick up a clasp for a paracord project and found out that the whole store was closing. The leather part of the store has selling everything 50% off... I bought a bunch of stuff: A head knife, some calf hide, latigo lace, rivets + setters, some needles, buckles, an entire elk hide, an australian strap cutter thing, punch set, and a few other odds and ends. Since then I found I need a few more tools for this holster plan I have such as a skiver and an oblong punch. I have a vew pieces of a thick leather strap, so I made a straup(sp?) for my knifes and I started looking at these tools and realized I need to know how to use them propperly such as how to cut strait with a strap cutter, how to prevent that little fuzzy in the corner of a cut, how to stitch, why do I need to lace, etc. etc. I have Looked through some of the stickeys and Found a couple of books I need by this all Stohlman (sp?) Are there any other places besides these books and this forum I'm going to need to read look at? I only plan on constructing plain things for now, and the majority of books I have lookedat are for tooling pretty designs, I'm a long way from that and there are a lot of folks around here who already do that, but if you try to find someone to sew up som motorcycle chaps and its sparse. So I want to keep it basic and learn new construction and repair. I'm also looking for a supplier of veg tan leather, Tandy has it, but its quite spendy. Any direction you folks have, I would appreciate it, I'm trying to get organised and aquire the last few bits and pieces before the dead of winter so I'm not aquiring it all at once.