dsolsbery

When I am stitching with white thread, the thread turns dingy colored from the piece I'm working on. I use waxed thread. How do I prevent that from happening? I want the stitching to really ”pop. Thanks, Dennis

Can wood stain be used on leather without any ill effects?

I've been asked to make a saddle scabbard for a Rossi Circuit Judge, and was wondering if anyone has posted any pictures of scabbards they have made or have any advice?. Thanks.

I sure do appreciate the responses. You have answered my question.

Does this compound you use replace jewelers rouge?

Do you clean your strop with saddle soap or something, or is it easier to replace it?

Thorton, how does your setup work?

Marlon, this is definitely worth more than 2 cents. Thank you.

Thank you Mike D. I will try this as well.

Thanks Mike. That will be my "standard operating procedure" from now on.

Much obliged for the answers. I'll try them then go with the H O from now on.

After reading several responses on how to smooth the flesh side of a piece of leather, I tried sanding a piece of Tandy leather. Well.....the more I sanded the hairer it got until I had to quit because that piece of leather started looking like "Cousin It." Is this because it's Tandy leather?

I've been looking at the different things ya'll have made and they are beautiful. I've asked this question before, but I thought I figured it out and come to find out, I was wrong. So I'm back seeking help. A lot of the items I have seen have such a nice saddle tan or dark color, but the stitches are very white and gives a great contrast. How do you keep the thread white without it picking up color and becoming dirty looking? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES! Never crossed my mind. Thanks Aaron.

Thanks, King's X. The amount of information I've already found in a short amount of time is pretty overwhelming.

Double U, if I were talking to someone else about leather work, I would have to change your statement some. "He's ridiculously talented. Him, Bob, Don Butler, etc., etc.,", I would replace the first "etc" with your name.

Excellent work. Very well balanced. The eye is drawn to the initials. I have no expertise, I just know what I like, and I like this.

I should have researched more "How Do I Do That" posts. I drilled my stitch holes, then I dyed the leather. The dye got down in the holes then rubbed off on my thread. I should have dyed before drilling the holes. Just to add something, I have a dremel drill with a drill press for it, so my holes are nice and straight. I've also found that if I take an 18 gauge brad, cut off the head then chuck it in my dremel, I can then sand the point down to super sharp. I then can use it like an electric awl. If you're lazy, you can come up with all kinds of labor saving shortcuts.

NEVER MIND! I THINK I FIGURED IT OUT. THANKS ANYWAY.

I'm in need of some instruction from all you experts. I like to dye and seal my leather before I stitch, but the problem I'm having is that my thread is picking up the dye from the stitch hole and it ruins the appearance of the project. How do ya'll deal with this? Thanks.

Thanks Robert. You have some beautiful holsters. That is what I'm interested in the most. I like making the iwb, owb and the western rigs.

AMEN, Redrock and thanks.

Thanks Redbeard, I look forward to trying different things with leather.

Hello David, Hico is about 60-70 miles southwest of Ft. Worth. I was born in Tahoka, so I'm familiar with your area.

I am sooo green to leather working, that if you stuck me in the ground, I'd grow. But, I LOVE IT! My name is Dennis Solsbery, 62 years old, wife and two grown children, a deacon in my church, retired from the Air Force, working full time for a security company at a nuclear power plant and live in Hico, TX. I became interested in leather working when I bought handguns for my wife and me, and when I started looking for holsters, I decided I could make one as good as the ones I looked at. So.....the seed was planted and I haven't looked back. That is until I look at the work you people turn out, then I tell myself, "you don't have enough time left to learn all that!" Oh well, I'll have fun trying. Even though I joined a year ago, I haven't examined this site as closely as I plan to now, and I look forward gleaning all I can from the boatload of experts here. God bless you all!