Caffy

Thanks Mike, That may have been the problem. I was not letting it get tacky enough before. I didn't want to have a problem putting the Os leg on the smooth leather and having it come off on the client. Yes, I burnish and finish all the places I could not get to easily again after putting things together. But I have not done an inlay before, so thank you for your tips and expertise. I appreciate it very much.

Thank you very much Mike, I have been lining with 2 - 3 oz Veggie Tan, I will try using your method. Perhaps I am not letting my cement set up enough before putting it together. Your holster in the photo is just beautiful!!. Love the color and design.

Hi J....like you things, very unique and tasteful! Are you painting on your designs? How are you getting that look? Just curious. Thank you and have a great day! Caffy

Hi, I have a question about the inlay procedure. I have to do an inlay of ostrich leg in brown in the center of the holster and the rest the client wants in black ostrich leg. They want an pancake design. I am wondering if I could use the flesh side out, and glue the ostrich onto it to give it a better tact, does anyone ever do this? I would have a lining with the smooth side of the leather on the inside without having to line. I have been having trouble lately with my contact cement failing and the lining and leather splitting after making. This never happened before and I can't figure out why or what I am doing differently. I am using Wedgwood contact, but ordered some Barge to see if I can fix this problem. I put the contact on the flesh side of both and clamp between two pieces of smooth masonite till dry. Also, where would I look to find hidecrafter's video? Thanks so much you all are so very helpful!

Hello all, I was asked to cover a car steering wheel - I am very dubious about it, I heard it's not an easy thing. I have no idea how to get started . I told them I would give it a try, but never done it before and don't know what the results will be. Can anyone shed some light on this, or have ideas? Do you cut the leather on a bias? Use upholstery leather? Then comes the sewing. What kind of thread, waxed? and what stitch do you use. As you can see I need a tutorial on this if anyone has one. Thank so much you all are terrific!! Caffy

Thank you very much. Great chart.

Thanks so much for your reply! I use 277 mostly. Caffy

Hello all, Can anyone tell me a conversion for size thread to weight? I use mostly 277 size and was trying to get some colors other than the standard, black, white and brown. I called a company that seems to have a lot of colors in the nylon and poly, but they sell and weight only and they have no idea what weight 277 is. I thought a thread company would know, but they don't. Does anyone have a conversion for this. I use 138 also for some light weight things. Thanks in advance. Keep cool, Caffy

Thanks Ray I don't know either. Bless u too!

Hi all, I got a saddle from Billie Cooks years ago, they recommended olive oil and said they use it. Anyone ever try that?

Hi all, Just an additional note. I heard the GA5 can leave some marks on the leather when sewing, so was glad to know that before purchasing. I ordered a Cowboy 3500 instead. Really looks like a nice machine and I am looking forward to learning how to use this big thing. I am used to home machines so it will be a real change. Can't wait! Happy leathering all.

Thank you so much, that helps tremendously! I called Ron at Raphael Sewing, he is setting me up with a GA5-1R I think. Its in my price range and takes the heaver thread and needles. Thanks again and have a great day.

Hello Wiz, I need help! I am making holsters and now need a machine to sew them with. I have been doing them by hand, but business is picking up and so...... I am looking at a Consew 255RB-5 and and Adler 269-273. Also a Consew 227R Cylinder Walking foot. I have no idea if these will sew the holsters or not. I am new at these type of machines. Don't want to get the wrong thing. Do the cylinder type machines have an advantage to sewing thicker leather, other that the obvious one of getting into small spaces? I put a call in to Bob Kovar, but have not received a call back as of yet. I use 7-9oz leather, doubled. Thanks for your help.

Hi, do you still have the Springfield XD-9? or the Walther? Thank you Caffy