wizard of tragacanth

Wouldn't denatured alcohol be the best cleaner for an airbrush? I don't know, just asking. nick

That is a gorgeous project. I am not a skull guy myself, but the whole design works. I love everything about it... the muted colors, the unfinished edges, the carving, the "antique" buckle matching the colors... everything. nick

There are definitely arguments on both sides of this issue. I have had some previous co-workers that were very disappointed when I forgot to put my stamp on, but these people knew me on a personal level. OCD people probably see a stamp as a blemish, especially generic stamps like mine. Beautiful stamps are probably much more welcome, such as JLS's stamp. If they are not OCD, then perhaps they are agents, possibly International and wear watches and clothing with no marks of origin. Whatever... it is a custom product and that means giving them what they want. nick

Hey, wait a minute... aren't you the one that brought this up... accompanied by a pic of two 1911's ??? I'm confused... as usual. nick

Shower curtain... what a great idea! One may be able to find a shower curtain with an interesting design. It would be waterproof and the proper thickness as well. In the U.S. we call these Dopp kits. If you buy one at the store, it will be lined with vinyl. Mine is lined with solid yellow but you could be creative. nick

Great idea!

If you have the real gun, why not use the real gun? I do this frequently, especially if I am only making a one-off. However, you could make an unlimited number of holsters from the same gun, if you wanted to. It's not going to harm it. I just wrap the gun in a single layer of Saran wrap and wet mold by hand (or in a vacuum bag), NOT in a shop press. nick

Start with Tandy tools but avoid the cheap versions. For example, Tandy has two different rotary punches (I am not saying that you even want one of these right now, this is just an example). The $18 one is made of stamped steel. You might get enough work out of it for one project but the holes may be sloppy! The $50 Craftool Pro version is expensive but it is a good tool and worth the money You may be able to find the same heavy, metal version on Amazon for less. It is worth a look. A slot punch is another example. The $13 cheap shiny silver punch that looks like chrome, is a poor tool. The $40, Craftool Heavy Duty Oblong punch, would be the level that you would be looking for. You will need a cutting mat or board. Cheap kitchen, poly cutting boards will work for this, or a poundo board from Tandy. You need cutting tools. You can start with a an x-acto knife for small projects and a utility knife for big stuff. If you are stamping, you will need a granite (or similar) slab to back up your work. You need the appropriate sized needles and thread for the particular project. You need a way to mark your stitching holes and a way to make the holes. You will need some dye. I recommend Fiebing's Pro Dye. You need a finish coat. As an example, use Satin Shene for a low gloss or Resolene for a high gloss. That's just two out of many available finishes. The list goes on, but I am getting tired. Watch some YT videos on the types of projects that you want to make and pay attention to the tools that they use. Have fun! nick

Ohhhh, Buddy!

Frodo... wow, what a wild idea! You think up some cool stuff. nick

Oh, I really like this one! The contrasting red belt loop with your maker's mark is a great touch. Only the owner will see it but it really adds to the custom feel. nick

Grant, that is some cool artwork there! nick

Important question -- What are you planning on making? Off-hand, I am guessing that you will want to return all of this stuff and start over. Well, I take that back. You will probably want the edge beveler and if you have a drill or something similar to mount the slicker on, keep that, I guess. Again, there is no definitive answer until we know what you are making. nick

Yeah, I would agree, that is my first thought anyway. Without seeing it in person, I am guessing it is two layers of relatively thin leather, with odd shaped scraps of leather glued in between and lightly wet molded. Then maybe it is tied in a knot and left to dry! nick

Yeah, I always thought that the only variation in the models was in the finish and the grips, I mean, a P238 is a P238 as far as I know. They don't come in different calibers or anything. I cannot imagine where or why they would differ. https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p238/ nick

That's a nice looking combo. The holster matches the gun. Love those Wiley Clapp editions! I agree with JLS that I would go with a heavier leather, like 8/9/10 oz leather for a gun of this size and weight. It appears the the back panel of leather impinges on one's ability to get a full firing grip on the handle. The front panel looks just fine, in that regard. I would suggest trimming out that little triangular piece that can be seen peeking out by the trigger guard, when the holster is viewed from the front. This may be of no importance to you and I am talking purely about aesthetics here, but it looks like the belt slots could be cleaned up a little. I can see a little bump in the transition between the punched holes and where the slot was cut out. Wrap some 150 grit sandpaper around a paint stir stick or similarly flat tool, and smooth those out, then dye and burnish the slots. Not necessary at all however. nick

Looks real nice. I cannot figure out how one would attach the holster to a belt? nick

Very nice work. Your customer is going to be very happy and proud of this case. nick

You could use it for lining jewelry boxes, valet trays or some such thing. Wrap tool handles? nick

My local Tandy has a new display of several different machines. They have a hot foil stamper, a clicker press and a couple of others. They are definitely upgrading their own products, such as their Craftool Pro tools and incorporating desirable products from well know manufacturers. Several months ago, they gave me a survey for my likes and dislikes, regarding their inventory, things that I would like to see added to their inventory, etc. They are doing everything that they can to stay competitive. I applaud their efforts. I think we are seeing the beginning of a new and better Tandy. nick

Really nice work there. Yes, "CLEAN" is the word. Is the "natural oil finish" Neatsfoot? Beautiful combo with that Raptor! nick

I was also very surprised by the results with Sno Seal and Shoe Polish, but as I said, I did only one application and did not warm the leather. In the next day or two, I am will do a second coat on all of them and re-test. The results could change significantly. Maybe this time, I will remember to put a Control Sample in the test, especially for color comparison. nick

I wouldn't have thought of this one in TWO million years!

There you go being creative again! I never would have thought of that in a million years... nick

Thanks zuludog. I think that I will go over to Tandy and see if they have a Pro Classic that I can try in the store. nick