Bluesman

Thanks Spinner. I have tried the Tandy water stain in red and it was really vibrant. So I will experiment with the acrylics and water stains. I don't have an air brush so will haev to come up with a way to spray the finish on. As for what I'm making This is what got me back into Leather work. I wanted a championship Belt and said, "hey I can make that!" So I spent about $3500 making it myself. There how's that for logic.

Hello all, I have a current projecct which requires the following colors. Red, Dark Blue, White, Bright Yellow and Deep Green. It's a football project so think NFL. While I have serval options going on in my head I wanted to seek the advice from the community. I am leaning towards using all spirit dyes, however maybe the acrylic paints would be more vibrant. As of late I have invested in quite a few dyes, acrylics, water based stains, finishes, you know lots of stuff. I don't have in any set the complete list of colors. So what's your recomendation?. Please include what you would finish in. As I said I'm leaning sprit dyes, wax and oil, then finish with Neat Lac. Thanks in advance. Jon

Thanks, I used a Barry Kind basket weave and a Tandy A118 background tool. I will be posting the finished projects later this week. Jon

Got another strap ready for stiching. Will have all four stiched on Tuesday and the finish them up for delivery.

That is outstanding. The colors are great as is the tooling. What really caught my eye was the back cover. I am always trying to make things or patterns symmetrical about a center line. You rewrote my paridigm Ed, thank you. Jon

That is one great looking belt. Questions for you. What size boarder do you use and also the thread size. Thanks, Jon

One yes, Not BOTH SIDES.

I have but one complaint for the stamp I have. A center line on both sides. Center line on the sides would also be helpful. Other than that great tool, I like mine. Or how about a centering block???

It's better to try and then ask questions. A major portion of the learning experience starts with the phrase " Here is what I did" Not, "What should I do"

Leather may be to wet. Let it dry to original color. Really makes a difference

I just sent them a request. I also put down that 'Sylvia sent me"

Here's waht i would do. If that awl has a point on the end, do this. Go to your local, Tru-Value or other smaller hardware store. If you need a poin gorund on they can do it for you. Buy a file handle and check the fit before you grind. if the fit is soemwhat tight get a hammer and pound the top of the handle, pay the guy and your done. You could even use some epoxy. It won't come out no more.

Your on the right page. it's called a Stylus Awl. I use to to transfer patterns, draw lines with a straight edge and mark centers for pucnhing holes. It's nice and long and I really like it.

Found this while doing some searching for something else. Nice to have it all in one place. Click on the link http://saddlemakers.org/id130.htm Jon

If you want a new one here are my suggestions. 1.) Hardware store, cheap 2.) Barry King, $15, really nice, can also use it to transfer patterns and smooth out rough spots. Jon

Is there a point in the end that goes into the handle? If not put one in. Then put it in the handle. Hold the handle in your hand with the handle end pointing to the ceiling. Now tap the handle end with a hammer. The awl will walk into the handle. This is how I install files into handles.

Been working on these three guitar straps ready for the past week. They are ready stiching.

Try Wickett & Craig http://www.wickett-craig.com/ I just got a side of skirting that I had cut from 10/12 to 8/9 no extra charge. I also bought the #1 grade which is there "Special". Beautiful top grain and very smooth flesh side. With shipping it comes out to about $8.25 per Sq. Ft. Mine was just over 25 Sq. Ft. They will send samples. Jon

First one and a great job at that. What is the seam you used on the handel? Also I assume the bottom stiching held in the bottom plug. But was the top stitching just for decoration or is it holding something together?

I use a 50/50 mix, by weight of beeswax and neatsfoot oil. Tu. It in with mild heat from a heat gun then buff. Three coats for a good shine.

That is verry nice. Be proud and do the dance of the :banana: . You deserve it. How was the lettering done. Single finger cut with a swivel knife?

great job. I like it. nice simple layout and eye pleasing colors. The links are great.. I have it bookmarked. Jon

The letter will be one peice like this the "O" will have a smaller circle "o" inside of it connectting the two circles with two lines. I can't think of the font name.