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FYI, Disclaimer will NOT prevent a lawsuit. It may help you win depending on which state you live in. It never hurts to include one. Just make sure you have a business insurance policy with 7 figures of liability coverage. Thats for when you lose. Remember the lady that got millions from McDonald's for the Hot Coffee? She was only asking for 20 thousand to cover medical bills. A greedy lawyer and a "helpful" jury gave her the larger figure. That being said, it all depends on how lucky you feel. Personally I can't depend on luck when it comes to business.

The effect you want will determine the order. How do you plan to finish the leather after you have it painted, dyed and antiqued?

Last time Mike was on was Feb 28 2015 11:28 AM. Anyone know if he is all right?

+1 on everything Chief said. Just remember that tracing FILM is not the same as tracing PAPER. it wont get wet and can be reused to trace the same pattern again. You can buy it from Tandy and several other stores.

You might try placing the T-nut between the two pieces of leather. just make sure you trim the spikes down so they dont poke through. This way you dont have an issue with it against the skin. Other than that its a great job.

Did the customer indicate that he expected the change for free? It may be that he already is prepared to pay for what he wants. I have had that happen. Customer had a holster made then decided he wanted a thumb break added. I told him how much to make a new holster and he tossed down the cash without blinking. Perhaps this customer already is expecting to pay.

Then you have to consider OWB or IWB carry.

Or a local Boy Scout / Cub Scout troop. They love it also.

Why dont you call and ask them?

That looks like a glove snap to me. Tandy has them. Michael

Make yourself a sample piece of tooled leather. Then dip it in the roon a few times. I do 3 times in and out. No time left soaking. Then try the same with the baking soda solution but just dip it one time. I never see problems with the tooling when I roon leather. Perhaps its because the reaction is fast enough that the leather doesnt swell. Its best to try it and see what you think. You could wipe the baking soda wash on but then you have to rinse that off too so the leather is going to get wet. Try a sample and let us know what you think.

Its use in leather cleaning is limited to removing iron stains. Its also a popular ingredient in backing powder. Personally Id stick to Oxalic acid for cleaning leather.

I have seen vague references to Oil tanning vs water tanning. So its possible that the reference to water tanning is another way to say Vegetable tanning. But I can not say for sure.

Ive gotten pebble texture with a poly cutting board that had a rough finish and a mallet. I case the leather, place it grain side down on the cutting board and go over it with themallet. Makes a nice texture. Check out a picture and the original post here.

Yes I think its too thin. It might not wear as well if you get one of those Lead guitarist that like to wave the guitar all around

7 round? 8 round? Or both?

I can measure the Shield 9mm if you like, Just remember they come in two sizes. 8 round and 7 round. Michael

that makes it perfect.

A shoulder strap would definitely save your shoulder. The Jazz Bass is one heavy muther.

Looks good. I personally prefer a wider strap. That looks like a Fender guitar in the picture. Those and the Les Paul are heavy enough for me that I like the wider strap so by the end of the night my shoulder isnt hurting from the thin strap. All taht aside its a very nice looking strap. Ya done good.

That was me. I keep that holster around to remind me that I need to pay attention to molding and that life like molding can be counter productive. But I learned a great lesson so it wasnt a total loss. Michael

+1

That is much better. the leather was close to optimum dampness. You can tell by the burnishing on the shading and the perception of depth. Once you master the skills pick your style and have a blast doing it. You will do well

2mm = 5/6 oz leather so thats a good thickness to start with. looks like the leather is way too wet. wet it and then let it come back to almost its original color. Thats when its the right level of water. It should feel cool to your cheek but not damp. Strop your swivel knife and dont be afraid to make a deeper cut. Its a good start. With a little practice you will surprise your self and impress others.

Belts Galore Is a good place to start. Not everything you want to know but a good starting point. Al Stohlman is one of the old masters in leather work. The book is a little dated but still great information.