Doc Reaper

Use your stamp, sign your work! Something's up when they don't want a signature on the work! Tell that customer that ALL work gets marked, even at Walmarts you find tags!

I make templates out of half inch thick wood stripes that are as wide as the belt I'm making. I used a drill press to drill the holes in the stripe of wood one inch apart. I use a nail that is slightly smaller than the drill bit to keep the nail straight and centered, I insert the nail then lightly tap it to mark the leather. I have different width templates for each belt blank width, about seven different templates I have made years ago! Most are made of cedar that a neighbor cut down in his yard. If you make a template, make it so it last! Quality begets quality!

When did you purchase the dye? Was it shipped during the cold months? It may of gotten a bit frozen, I've had dyes happen when I lived in upstate NY.

Just get hold of Bob, he can give you an exact amount! The Cowboy 4500 is worth the money, stop buying used machines that need repairs, my next machine will come from Bob!

It's October 14th, the 4500 is great on the repairs I do for customers, repairs are my way of getting to know the machines temperment, if you haven't made a choice get the 4500! I have no prob with the tension of the stitches, I also glue all my seams before hand. I'm glad that I purchased the 4500, I'm also trying to open a 2nd leather shop where I will be manufacturing items. The 4500 really makes things easier, but hand sewing will also be used in my shop, it's a lifetime promise thing!

I've been known to use "Chapstick" it works and keeps my lips right!

...so how did ya build it?

That's not just nice, it's effin awesome!

I agree with Rich, I have my shop in a 16x20 shed and found that I quickly out grew it. Taking care as you go to test hand tools before you buy them, I still install hardware by hand, just purchased a Cowboy 4500, I'm 55, started when I was 12, the old tools are the best, I have made many tools that work better than purchased ones! Get the tools that you need not the ones you think you should have, always shoot for quality over quantity and you should do fine

How do you form the bib around the tank

What weight veg tan did you use?

I just use a tape measure and have them thread it through the belt loops, haven't missed yet!

This is @ capgun, I have tried that method you explain, I ended up with just wet steelwool. I used 0000 steelwool, white viniger, and a baby food jar. What did I do wrong?

I like it there, 2 1/2 hours away though! Still a great place!