JasonGwiazda

Hi all, My customer received his shotguns and really likes them, but we've come across a problem: I used the measurements he supplied me, but they fit a little too tight, by about an inch or so. I was thinking of taking off the zipper from the outside part of the leg and either lacing or stitching the zip onto a strip of leather about an inch or so wide and then replacing the old zipper with this strip. I guess like a lace in piece but stitching the whole lot on instead of lacing as he wanted the zips to be stitched in. Would this be a feasible alteration or would you suggest something different? Is there a way to make the zips adjustable? He also mentioned that the little pull on the zip broke off as he was doing them up, so I think I will need to replace all the zips with some heavier duty ones than just the Tandy zips, but that is all part of fun in the learning! Thanks, Jason

Good job! They look great!

Yea mate I've nearly finished it for ya. I've done a few bridles and made those chinks for Steve, a pair of haying chaps for when we do hay and some shotguns for Dave M. Check the shotguns out here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=32143&st=0&p=200242entry200242 Funny that, I'm looking at upgrading my machine when I get the $$$ you can always use ours if you want, it does chaps alright, just doubled bridle leather she struggles some. When you say the chaps were laced, were the belts laced in or the whole lot?? I've got exactly 1 month until I leave and then will be back in August.

Looks pretty good mate!

Thanks Mark, I will have to send them by post as my customer is from interstate, so I don't know yet... I used all the measurements he gave me, so like a glove I hope!!

Hi All, I've just recently finished my first paying customer's pair of shotguns. I used Mark B's shotgun patterns and did them without the fringe. There's a few mistakes here and there, but I think they turned out alright. Comments/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I'm a bit late on this one, but they look pretty darn nice, I hope the shotguns I'm working on turn out as good as these!

G'Day mate from South Australia!

Wow that's amazing! Merry Christmas to you too!

Thanks for your kind words guys, I appreciate it. And Merry Christmas to you as well Joel. Both pairs have created some interest, so it looks like I might just have to make some more! Mark, I might get a copy of those armita instructions when you have them finished, and maybe the spur strap dvd too!

G'Day fellow leatherworkers, thought I'd post some pictures of the first 2 pairs of chinks that I made. The chinks are for a friend, he needed a new pair to go with his new saddle before the Aussie Equitana. I would have liked to have made the fringe longer by an extra 1.5", but didn't have enough leather. The stamping was my first attempt (other than a couple practice pieces) and I'm pretty happy with it. (sorry I couldn't get any close up photos of it!!) I used his old chinks as a template cos he said they fit good but needed to be longer (he's about 6'6") The armitas are my first attempt at leatherworking. I used Mark B's chink template and slightly modified it to suit. I made a few cuts here and there that I'm not proud of but overall I'm happy with them. Let me know what you guys think, any criticism would be fantastic. Jason

They look awesome Mark, might have to try that myself!!

Nice job mate, they look real good. How did you attach the buckle to the strap? Cheers, Jason

Looks good!

Thanks for the kind words Moe, I just used a steel ruler and my head knife for cutting the fringe, I didn't keep a track of time, but it took me a little longer than some of the better guys cos I'd never done it before. I think it looks like there's heaps of fringe as they are on top of each other in the picture! Cheers, Jason

G'day Everyone, Thought I'd post some pics of my first pair of armitas. I used Mark B's chink pattern as a base and modified it to suit. I made a few mistakes here and there but I'm pretty happy with them for my first pair. Thanks to Mark and TkLeather for their advice, very much appreciated (oh and to Bevan for the use of his stamping tools, thanks mate!!!) Let me know what you think

G'day all, I'm in the process of making some armitas and have a chink pattern that I'll work with but was wondering if the apron is attached straight across the 2 pieces (like a belt in you jeans) or does it follow the slight downward curve like the 2 yokes? In regards to the lacing in the leg plates, how is it secured to start and finish with? Any hints would be appreciated. Cheers, Jason