Pounder

I appreciate the input, seems the "best guess" is the only way to go.

I have received several orders over the years for belts but generally the customer is buying it for a gift and only know the waist or pants size of the receiver. Given that information I always add several inches but sometime this presents problems especially for personalized belts. I always try to get the customer to measure a belt from tip to tip but this is not always possible. Anyway, is there a standard equation or chart that is available? Brazos Jack has a chart for Plains Gun Belts but I do not believe that would work for a dress belt. Thanks for your help, look forward to hearing from all you experts out there.

Red Cent Is shocked you are not already in business, cosmic erring your work I am sure there is demand. Anyway,being in the "business" myself I would stay away from Quicken home and business, I purchased that system two years past when I started my own only to discover I need to buy the upgrade now ifI want it to comtinue. Not bad mouthing them but I should have done more research before buying but I never suspected something like that. Will befollowing this post as I am interested saw well.

Fantastic design, outstanding work.

Treed Good suggestion I will check them for reference. Regarding machine stitch to hand stitch, both are nice but I never made a mistake while hand stitching but I do need to practice my machine stitching.

Welcome from Central Indiana, where it is also cold and snowing.

Nice, customer should be more than satisfied.

I would like to know about vendors that will be there, might be worth the three hour drive.

I have a Cowboy 227R that I cover with a large plastic bag type container when not in use. I have slit the back of this bag to allow the thread to hang as usual. Recently I was told this was bad for the machine due to moisture. I keep the machine regularly oiled (every time I use it) but with all the other dust created in my shop, i.e. sanding leather, polishing metal, etc., I am more concerned with the dust. I have a dehumidifier as my shop is in my basement. Anyway, is there anything to this, should I create cloth cover for it or just leave it out there.

Dwight: Thanks for putting it all in perspective, sometimes I am to busy looking to see what is right in front of me. I deeply appreciate your sage advise. Chuck Burrows: I appreciate the link to the DVD's maybe a hint for Father's Day, definitely something I would like in my expanding library. Everyonw on here is the best.

Thanks for the info Camano Ridge, somehow I see all these holsters with perfect machine sewn threads and just did not think that would be available int he old west. Something learned. Signed into Cas city a few days past and have been lurking there and seeing some of your posts. Appreciate the tip about half priced and the library, will check both. In the mean time got an order for a rig last night just minutes after posting this from a local shooter.

I would like to build western holsters and have purchased several of the current pattern packs available but I want to offer a authentic product. For example, did the original holster makers have a sewing machine, some how I doubt it. Where can I locate information how the original holsters where made, how were the dyes made, did they make their own. I know this is a broad question but I am just starting in this area. I have looked at "Packing Iron" but at $150 a copy that is to much for my pocket. Any suggestions. Thanks to all in advance. Pounder

Hey Papaw I'm located east of Greenfield, Indiana, wish is east of Indianapolis. I operate a small one man shop from my basement but it is full time. Shoot me a PM and I will provide additional information but you are welcome to stop by anytime.

Hey Tree Reaper, again thanks for the input. Seems you are the only one that respond to my posts. You don't know how much I appreciate your direction in these things. Man, I am in your debt.

Thanks. Tree Reaper, that is a good idea, will steal your design if you don't mind.

I have a one ton Harbor Freight press I use for stamping letters on belts and other projects. Has made a big difference in the bounce I experienced with a maul, old hands just don't seem to have the strength anymore. Anyway the problem I am having is alignment of the letters, try as I might while holding the belt and working the lever I always seem to get one of the letter stamps off a bit. I recall seeing a home made jig (for lack of a better word) that would allow the placement of various sized straps for proper alignment of the stamp. Unfortunately after two hours of searching (serious case of computer eye going here) the forums I cannot find it. Does anyone have plans for something like this or any ideas of what I can do to modify this press for better alignment? Thanks for any ideas or directions, I am off to use some eye drops now.

I have a Tandy Polymer Cutting Board that for reasons unknown has warped. I have tried putting a weight on it to flatten but within a day it warps again. I am thinking of throwing the thing into the stove to heat it and hopefully flatten it to the original shape. Before I burn the house down does anyone have any thoughts on this plan, perhaps what temperature I should use? Money is tight so I don't really relish buying a new one. Appreciate any advice you all can give. Pounder

Welcome Emma to the best darned leather site this side of the pond. You will find good people willing to share a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to seeing some of your future projects.

Again thank you to all that replied. Permit me time to really look at and research these answers and I am sure I will have additional questions. A big thanks to Lobo, that is really some in depth information. I hope more keeps coming. By the way, picked up two holster orders yesterday.

Hello: I have been a hobbyists for 30+ years but having retired I opened a leather business, it seems holsters will be my niche as that is what has sold the most. My "noob" question is there anything that list the various models of frames that match? For example if I cut a pattern for a Colt Cobra.38 with 2 inch barrel what other guns would that pattern match? I have researched the web and libraries and cannot find anything but I may be looking for the wrong information. I am hoping all you experts out there and help a feller out so I don't have to go flip burgers to supplement the retirement income. Thanks in advance to any and all who respond. Pounder

And a very Merry Christmas to you Steve.

Hello Papaw and Merry Christmas. Welcome to the best leather site on the internet in my honest opinion. Good coffee, better people and all the answers to any leather question you may have. Hope to see some of your work real soon.

Chain, thanks for the web site, checked it out and bookmarked to come back to it, to much information for one visit. Dwight, can't wait to see those pictures of the shop, always good for ideas and enjoying what others have and can do.

Dwight, I also press my holsters (although nothing as elaborate as that guy) but am looking into vacuum forming, seems like it would be better and I think the customer would be more comfortable than having their toy pressed between a jack and a plate.