mncarpenter

very good!! thank you, I had forgotten Lindell- Thanks to everyone-I knew you guys would help and is much appreciated!

I recently finished up a "European Bend" from Tandy, and then got some Hermann Oak belt bends- the HO is much "dryer" and stiffer, more difficult to cut and sew. I've noticed when glueing that it often takes 2 coats of contact cement when gluing the flesh side, as it sucks the glue right up. Wetting/casing helps for cutting, immensely, especially when edging, and I even sew while cased, much nicer. The Euro Bend from Tandy is very nice leather btw, and wouldn't mind using if wasn't so expensive, not that the HO belt bend was much less... I do like the HO better, seems to mold better and stay put, but it seems to get too wet really easily, its like a sponge.

I have a customer wanting holsters for S&W models 686/L frame and a 66/K Frame-naturally there doesn't seem to be a direct dummy model for either..has anyone used a Ruger GP 100 for the 686? Or a Taurus 85 for the 66? I know Rings has a K-frame dummy, is this close enough for the 66?

maybe thats why I'm seeing the changes in tension- too low of tension?? I know at times,for a few stitches, the bottom stitch doesn't pull in- so do you crank the tension down on top and loosen the bottom?

funny you say that, i've had the same thought. I tried holding my thumb on it but that gets convoluted real quick. I've even considered tearing a baitcaster reel apart and using the pawl to make a level winder...

how in the heck do you wind a bobbin and get it level, with even tension, with a drill??? I go slow, and try to keep the thread level, it always ends up with a ball on one end or both, sometimes in the middle-drives me nuts.It makes a difference when stitching also, with tension changing at times. is there a technique for this, or better yet a bobbin winder?? other than the goofy little spindle? Thanks for any help, I love this thing otherwise.

just oil and seal it, the backer isn't molded on a Crossbreed

try dyeing before anything else, it will mold just fine, let the dye dry first though

The cant is good if you wear it at about 4 oclock, nice job

I like the dark blue, looks pretty classy-you sure won't see many more like it.

you should maybe read again...they called the day I ordered to let me know they were out of the shearling- my wife didn't tell me for several days. Springfield took care of it immediately when I called them. The elephant hide scrap bag was a small part of the order,the rest of the order was fine, and when I emailed Kevin, he promptly took care of it. I have no issue with that, and was pleased that it was dealt with promptly .He could have easily disputed that I didn't receive what I had ordered.

Ordered some stuff from Springfield Leather last Friday, including 2 HO single bends sight unseen, which makes me a little nervous. .Someone called from Springfield that day and left a message that they were out of the shearling pads I had ordered. My wife listened to the message and erased it, then told me about it the following Monday night. I called Tuesday afternoon to check on the order, and they had held it waiting for a response from me.(thanks Honey) I asked that they take the shearling off the order and go ahead and ship it, this was about 3:30,4:00pm. I believe I talked to Emma,she was apologetic about the delay, and I told her it was fine, my wife could have told me about the call much sooner. I received an email an hour lather that the order had shipped. I received the order Friday, with 2 beautiful pcs of HO belt bends, 8/9 oz, and misc other stuff. And a nice note from Emma. I had one other order from SL, had ordered the scrap bag of elephant hide,as part of the order, and received one piece of elephant about 6"x2". I emailed Kevin about the error and again received an almost instant email back with an apology and a ship notice on a bag of elephant. I love these guys, very friendly and courteous, and quick to deal with problems. The only thing that would make it better is if they sent a free sewing machine with every order... One thing I know, there will eventually be an issue with an order, or service or whatever. What makes all the difference is the response. Springfield Leather has my business for a long time to come. I am not affiliated with SL, nor am I having an affair with Emma.

thanks all, maybe I'll stick to my belt sander for a while, mount it vertical instead of horizontal.

I have one a Kahr 9mm, which is a perfect fit for a K9/K40-the customer bought the dummy gun and tried in several holsters he already owned to test,then sent to me, then told me that the holster I sent him fit perfect.

I've been using an old belt sander, on its side, fastened with a couple of brackets I made to fasten to piece of melamine. It works OK , not perfect. I've been considering an oscillating spindle sander, has anyone used one ? if so what's your thoughts? I find that with the belt sander, I get a "flap" along the edge, no biggie, can trim with my edge beveler, but still a bit of a pain.i'm thinking the oscillating sander make eliminate this, maybe give a better finish?

How smooth is the flesh side? I'm getting tired of fighting raggedy fleshy backsides .

What leather did you use? I'm thinking of going there for holster leather. I have some of his sample pieces and looks great.

Right back at you,really liking the Boss. Got here quick,works well.

sent you a PM-will take it if still available-Bruce

I'm runnung away from this one, I've been reading the threads in this forum and you folks know what you're talking about. glad I asked first, Thank you , gentlemen

I'm thinking about answering an ad for a Mercury 280l, which I understand is a clone of a Nakajima 280l and a basically tyhe same machine as a Juki 241.Does anyone have any experience with these machines, I'm thinking of using it for pancake holsters, belts, mag pouches. I would like to be able to sew with a minumum of 207 wt thread. I'd appreciate any input, info on the Innernet is sparse on these machines, I spose because they are kind of out dated? thanks in advance for any inout.

Do you still have this machine? Any photos of it?

I'm in the same boat, I've looked at the same models. The only thing that stops me re: the TechSew GA5-1R is the bottom feed, vs compound or needle feed. Don't like the idea of the feed dogs marking up the leather, even if it is the back. Is there a way to minimize this?

Hi guys 1st post, been reading on here for awhile soakin' up the info.I couldn't resist trying this. I picked up a box of the gallon Ziplocs today after seeing this post. Best 2.99 I've spent in awhile, weirdly enough the store had the replacement bags but not the pump. I put the cone shaped nozzle on my 6.5 hp shop vac and presto, instant mold. I also took it out ,( I just used an extra piece I had cut for a compact holster, haven't tried on a complete holster yet) , and put a piece of foam rubber over the leather and tried again, no more wrinkles. Pretty slick and I think could easily finish hand boning after leather regains some color. I used 6-7 0z and no problem getting good detail, I think 7-8 overnight in the bag would work well. Have some to make and will try on them. I'm also going to give it a shot on some kydex , I build a hybrid lined Kydex holster that is sort of a pain to mold.