Pounder

roys29 Thanks for posting the patterns and great work on the holsters.

Welcome to LW, best leather site on the internet in my honest opinion. Not bad for a first attempt, look forward to seeing more.

George B I hear you about all the taxes involved with running a one man shop, government sure wants their cut. When I opened my one man business I wanted to do everything "by the book" but quickly discovered the "book" was expensive. I agree I miss the good old days as well. Great tip about the hardware stores, will give that a shot.

I would be interested in seeing what you have. Money is tight, retired, fixed income, but it never hurts to look. PM when you get a list. Thanks

Nice doo dads, great use of scrap material. Gave me some ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Great ideas, have the business cards and handed them out like crazy. Have made a list of all the ideas and am getting started and doing the yard sign as well. Thanks again.

Karina Thank for the link and your appraisal of the punches. I believe I will take the plunge John

Grey Drakkon Thanks for the advice, seems like that may be the way to go. Have not given up on the yard sign but everybody I talked with gives the same advice, website,website. Guess this old guy needs to step up to technology.

Hello: Has anyone purchased or used these leather punches offered at Amazon? As a retiree, cost of tools are important, I would love to have a set of Osborne's or others but things like food and keeping a roof over my head seems to cut into the wants in life. Appreciate any responses.

Thank you to everyone who has replied and provided me with some thoughts. I have noticed other "businesses" with a small sign in the yard for services the provide which means I "should" be alright but you never know. I have spoken with my neighbors and have their okay. I did check with my local authorities and was told I needed to file an application with a non refundable $350. filing fee. AS a one man shop I do not have that kind of cash flow. Of course the same person told me to place a small sign, like a realtor sign, and if no one complains it is not an issue. I have not considered web sites, google or blogs and will look into it. Again thanks for the suggestions.

Thank you for sharing.

Ed57 Welcome to the best leather site on the internet in my humble opinion. I have tooled leather for 30+ years and thought I knew a thing or two until I found LW, was I wrong. The money I have saved since joining has more than paid for the contribution and the people I have met, who are more than willing to help, have made the connection even better. I look forward to seeing some of your work .

Hello: I operate a small one person custom leather operation from my home and am located on a well traveled highway and am thinking a yard sign may produce additional business. I would like to hear from those that have yard signs, what business have they produced for you, etc. Any thoughts or ideas regarding what should be placed on the yard sign, pictures of current signs would be great. Is it better to make your own or have a pro do it? I appreciate any and all feedback.

I have a Cowboy 227R that handles all of my needs in that area, billfolds, belts, etc., and it has a table attachment that is extra. I am not an expert, I will wait for them to weigh in but it seems all of the machines are basically the same with a few minor alterations depending on the dealer. Customer service is an issue but all of the companies that list on this site are exceptional in that area so it comes down to price and what you want. Hope this helps.

Thanks Ole South, kinda thought that is what it might take look forward to checking out the video.

Hey All: I am making a messenger bag with a three part gusset, bottom and two sides. My questions regards the corners and how to sew them together without bunching. Are there ways to trim the corners before sewing and if so where might I find a pattern or books on this subject. I have Valrie Michaels book but it does not address this matter. I look forward to some great replies. Thanks Pounder

First, I admit I suck at drawing patterns. I need a 1 inch belt/ hatband design incorporating a leaf and flower of the Tulip Poplar tree. Can anyone help, I have goolged pictures and other information but converting it to a design is beyond me. I appreciate it.

Welcome, glad you found us. In my honest opinion, the best leatherworking site I know. Look forward to seeing your work and sharing.

For my two cents, I have the CB 227 and am satisfied with it. Basically they are the same machines just different providers so the choice is yours.

Hate to bump my own post but I really would appreciate some input from people who have purchased mallet dies.

Hey Mark Fellow Hoosier here, where are you located, I am always looking for another supplier or contact.

Hello: I just received my first custom mallet die and need some input. Although the shipping receipt had prominent warnings about the sharpness of the die when put it to use it only marked the leather. For information the die is a 2 inch length by 1/2 wide cross and I am using it on 5/6 oz. leather. After several attempts to sharpen I was finally able to get a clean cut by using a small sledge hammer, is this normal with custom ordered dies? I have purchased belt end dies and have had no problem using a cheap polymer mallet with great results. I expected to have to sharpen the edges after a few cuts just like you strop a swivel knife but this seems rediculus. Anyway, I would appreciate some input from others that have purchased custom dies, is this normal? I don't want to mention the company until I know more but at this point I will never do business with them again.

LTC, you are probably right but this customer has deep pockets. Silverbullet, thanks for the idea about screw backs, that might just do it. Cardinal Leather, I really like your idea, I printed it so I could refer to it again. Between yours and Silverbullet I might have a chance to figure this thing out. Thanks to all who commented, now off to the drawing board.

Well I must have stumped everybody with this one. When I figure it out I will get a patent since it seems like it has never been done before.

Hello I have a customer requesting bolo ties for his daughters that can be converted to wristbands and then back to the bolo ties. Has anyone ever done something like this? He has provided me with authentic (so he says) arrowheads for the facing and attaching them to the bolo plate, which I intend to use leather, does not present a problem but how would attach it to a wristband that can be removed and returned to the bolo tie. I hope this makes sense to everyone. I appreciate any help, direction or tips anyone provides.