mlapaglia

I have Kevlar thread. I also have Kevlar socks I got as a gag gift to protect me from ankle biters. Haven't used the thread yet.

I bond them flat. Never had an Issue with the 2 sides. YMMV

IWB for a Sigma I'd use 8-9. It's sturdy and I have a lot of it. For OWB Id use 7-8 or 8-9 depending on style and leather stock.

3M 77 spray adhesive is great stuff. I use it to apply 8.5x11 bright orange notices on the windshields of cars that park in handicap spaces illegally. Put it right over the steering wheel so I'm sure they see it. :rofl:

Gee, I have one and its great. I have never had a problem with it. Maybe you got a bad one. Michael

Careful, I have a buddy that works for Pixar. We could animate it. Of course it would take a year to get it back......

Some of us use or used the fancy software in our day jobs so its VERY easy for us to do it. I use Autocad. The same software I used to design the Audio/Video/Fire systems for the Hawaii Convention Center some years ago. It's second nature once you have the skill set. For me it's faster than paper and pencil. Everyone uses what works for them. Since I have access to a plotter I can "print" patterns with a maximum size of 48 inches wide and 30 feet in length. Now all I need is an Elephant that wants a skinny belt. There is something about designing and printing a pattern for a $100 holster on a system with $10,000.00 of hardware and $8,000.00 of software. I love overkill. If I did not have the knowledge and access to this system I would be using paper and pencil too. Michael

A strop is essential. I made mine from a 5 gallon paint stirrer stick. Its i.5 inches wide so some old belt scraps were perfect. One side is 7" of rough out and the other side is grain out. The total length is 11 inches. The 5 gal stick is thick enough that it works great. I need to put more green on the grain side but it works great and is a good size for small tools like swivel knives my french edger. I made one with a full length 5 gallon paint stirred for bigger knives and tools. Michael

Springfield leather sells Herman Oak and I have always received good quality hides from them. I call them up and tell them what I want and what I plan to do with it and they pick me a hide that meets my needs. Calling is better than ordering online. They are a supporter of this forum.

A round hole will cause a straight stitch. Using a stitching groove will also cause the stitch line to be straight. If you are using no more than 5oz thickness of leather this hand punch will make a great hole for straight stitches. https://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/3229-00.aspx Michael

I have never had a problem with the tape. I only use Scotch brand blue painters tape.

If its a straight edge put some blue painters tape along the top and bottom of the leather so all you can paint is the edge.

The basic answer to your question is Yes. No need to request we be nice. Everyone here is nice. It is what makes this forum so great. Not everyone is good at using search. Ask your questions someone will answer them. Michael

I offered to post the pics for ladycobbler Based on the serial # it is Aluminum. Which is a good machine.

What kind of finish look are you going for? Matte. Gloss?

PM sent.

Cast iron or Aluminum? Serial number please?

I would airbrush Resolene over your stain. a few light coats should solve the problem. Michael.

Mildew is a result of mold spores and dampness. Mildew is mold. If you have mildew the leather is or was stored in a damp area or got wet. Anytime you get mold of any kind you should take it outside to clean and make sure you do not bring the cleaning cloths or sponges back inside. Try your best to keep the mold spoors from flying around the area where the leather is stored. Keep it away from sunlight. If you store it flat store it grain side down to help protect it. A humidity of 35-50% is good for long term storage. Don't get it wet or feed it after midnight. These are my opinions based on what I think is best. YMMV Michael

Vegtan works very well for belts. Just make sure its from the back. I buy Backs and Bends for belts. Works great. Herman Oak Leather is all I buy anymore. Michael

The-Art-of-Making-Leather-Cases-Volume-1-by-Al-Stohlman, and Volume 2 and 3 These books are a little dated but have a lot a valuable information. Leathercraft-Tools-by-Al-Stohlman. This book explains how to use and sharpen most leather tools.

Mine too. I think its a sign of wisdom. It's certainly not caused by age. Michael

Chief, Very nice. I like how you sewed the tail on the guitar strap. I need to make one for myself and I was not comfortable with making the tail piece all one piece. Yours is much simpler. Im going to steal your idea if you don't mind. Thanks Michael.

IT really depends on what you are doing with it. Belly wrinkles and stretchs a lot. for little items, things where stretch do not matter and for practice tooling and stitching. It's not normally used for things that need firmness. It is also a poor choice for things where it would be bad if it stretched. Like Belts and straps. Michael.

This is true. I don't use belly so and forgot how they are. Thanks.