Fredo

Thanks to everyone for Their input. After reading posts by LOBO, SHORTS and MARK I got the information I realy need. This may seem like a good idea but when lobo decided to toss facts and logic into the mix I had to rethink the swap idea. Turns out that I have experienced a lot of the issues simply dealing with freinds on motorcycle parts and tools. I can imagine how fast things can go south when dealing with a mail system that can be iffy at best. I have a bad habbit of takinge people at their word so I ignored the possible negitive aspects of such a co-op. That habbit has cost me in the past. I am not saying anyone reading this would be one to mess up the deal, but it can and has happened before. So with that said I'm out. I hope I didnt get too many folks spun up.

Thanks Guys, BigO, I use 5 strand linen thread I buy from the local yardage store. I dye it using ecoflo highlite stains. This one is saddle tan, 1 part dye (stain) to 3 parts water in a zip top baggie baggie. I let it soak about 5 minutes then hang it to dry. Wax and use it for the specific project..

I know I could have posted this in the critique forum, however I wanted to get input from holster makers and users to help me get better. This is for my Firestar M-40, feels very good, retention is tight but usable. I have started to experiment with a vaccum food sealer to get the initial forming done. I can see poor workmanship in the finnal use of the folder/bone tool. I think that comes from not waiting untill my leather is a bit dryer. Anyway your thoughts and critique are appreciated. Fredo

I'm going to agree with the previous posts. A stitch line along the trigger guard ould make a big difference here. Good looking set up, your customer should be happy.

Dwight, Thank You!

Bitone, Im thinking that shipping would be on whoever is shipping at the time. Just to keep it fair. Now say that you have one I need but you dont need mine then I'd be covering shipping both ways. PS: Your Name "Bitone" is exactly what I'm going to do to my Firestar M40. Frame and slide parked, buttons, trigger and hammer will remain in "starvel" finish. Two tone guns RULE!

Well this is just preliminary however I imagine it would go something like this. We set up a list of contacts for all interested in joining the co-op. Then a mass mssg is sent out to the list with something along "I need a gun mold for XYZ gun. I have molds for swap for XYZ guns. Of course original owners will always get thier molds back . It's a loaner swap, one where I use your mold, you use mine and we return the molds to the original ownner ASAP. Of course we will have to be men and women of our word. trust is a funny thing espacialy when you're talking about the interweb HA! I'm hoping others will chime in with thoughts and ideas how this might work for everyone involved.

I ordered a Blue Gun from Rings. (Ruger LCP). I expect it to get here in the next day or so. Thats a good thing because I have 2 orders for holsters for that gun. Now I'm thinking I'll need to keep buying them for the other more popular guns. However at over 50 bucks per unit to the door it can get pretty expensive for sure. I'm wondering if any of you would be interested in forming a co-op of sorts? I'm thinking that we coud set up a swap system. For example if you need a mold for the LCP, I have one that I can loan out. If I need one for say a Glock then someone can loan that out. Just tossing out ideas here. I'm sure that money flow is an issue for all of us here and it might make for a good way to save a little cash. Fredo in San Diego.

BigO, nicely played

Thanks Guys, I was secretly hoping someone would say "Sorry, you'll have to buy a kimber ultra carry II" Oh well I guess I'll have to make due. I'm going to order a rings blue gun in 1911. Thank you gents!!!!

I want to make a holster for a firend as a suprise. Unfortunately I do not own a Kimber Ultra Carry II (yet). I'm wondering if I can use any high end compact 1911 .45 cal for the patern? That way I can make the holster, send it to him and suprise the heck out of a heck of a nice guy. I already got his wife to secretly mesure his belt for me. My Idea is to copy the rig that Nick Nolty wore in "Extrem Prejeduce" Thanks in advance.

Mike, I''ve tried both ways. I find that if the leather is even slightly damp it can "fog" my dye. For me a dry leather is easier to dye evenly then any type of moisture. I have tried to lightly case my leather when dying with water based dyes and it didn't seem to help at all. You might have to set up a small lab and do a little testing with a few scrap pieces. Good luck.

I'm by no means an old hand at working leather. However I tend to go with what works. You said the last one turned out 'GREAT' ,Just saying......

Thanks, egg-zackly what I needed to know.

I'm wondering if any of you place your blue (dummy) guns in the oven when you heat treat your leather holsters. I spoke with the guys at rings blue guns and they said it is comon for them to be heated well above the 120 degrees I would be using to stiffin up my holsters.

I looked at your work and through my wallet in the trash.

Please more information on the use of a rolling pin. Thanks in advance

Troop, thanks for posting this motivating post.

Ok I guess my knife work is sub-par. Thanks for setting the bar so high.

Thanks Mike, when I delivered the holster I was so excited that he didnt toss it back at me I forgot to take a few pics with it in-place. I'm going back to check on a new gun so I'll take my camera and see if I can get a shot (no pun intended) of it with the pop-a-cap in place.

Thank you!!

I'm having trouble getting a good burnish on the edge on 3/4 oz veg tan leather. The problem is the leather is so thin that I can not maintain a firm line to run across my burnisher. it wobbles and bends causing a ugly finnal product.

I can not begin to thank all of you for your posts and what I am able to learn in a short period of time. From reading on here, looking at posted pics her eis my offering for my first IWB. Constructed from 9/10 and a dbl layer of 3/4 oz You thoughts and critiques are appreciated. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v44/Fredo/leather/IMG_0307.jpg

After reading Lobos reply I decided to make myself a gun belt. I uused 9/10 oz veg tan lined with 3/4 oz veg tan. At first I thought it might be a bit too thick but it turned out perfect for conceled carry on my Starfire M40. I have to tell you there is a real difference that you notice right away when you are using a purpose made belt. I still need to work on my stitching, as I always seem to end up withb a cpl of wobbles on the stitch line.

I'm thinking a second Kimbber Nice work on the hoolster, great choice foor a Kinber as your first gun.