Bluesman

I want to buy some small peices of alligator to make a guitar strap. I have several questions I would like hear from the folks here before I call the Swamp People. 1.) Should I get it pre dyed or dye it myself? Or, Can I dye it myself? 2.) What is the correct procedure to do an inlay. I want to take a piece of 8/9 oz Veggie Tan and cut out a pattern in the center and then inaly the gator. Do I have to carve up the sides of the gator to fit into a skived section of the hide? Or just lay it on the back glued down, put down a liner and stich? I appreciate any and all guidence. Thanks, Jon

That is very nice. You must be one proud owner.

On ther basket weave page he offers customs. i'd call, bet the answer is yes. A half stamp is a great idea.

Love mine and want more, lots more.

Buy Barry King. Simple, cry once and be happy for the rest of your life. His tools are, will, make you explore new things, within yourself..........Maybe not, but they are very very good..

I do it Like Bob............................Work's Great. Some work, but great results. Good things don't happen without some sweat.............

Good Tequila, made from 100% Agave will get em naked, everytime, :evillaugh:

Sylvia, You are way over thinking this. Sqaure, clamps ruler.......WOW. Go, get yourself a shot of good whiskey and work with me here. Find for your first hole and mark it with an awl, so you can see it. Then locate you next hole the same way and on and on. Now look at them. Are the awl marks straight inline? If so punch em, if not move em. 1/16" off Center to center on a belt/strap hole to hole is nothing. It is far more obvious when they don't run in a straight line. If you really want them within .0000001 of an inch on center within .00001, get a laser. Now take another shot of good whiskey, and Jim Beam ain't it.

TTCustom that is good. Let's go one step further. How about we add another piece, (section) to your design. Add a hole the same punch diameter at attach it at the hole center line with a bolt so it can swivel. You could use the front part to stamp hole #1, then put the swivel part over hole one, pin it with another punch. Then swivel the front end to find center for the next hole which is exactley 1" away and on center. I need to draw this up. Edit. Actually after thinking about this, you could use two center finding jigs attached by a center link to give you the preffered distance from hole to hole to hoel. In this case 1" Both would swivel independantly and be on the same center line.

Pretty much what TomG said. You can also, Case, Tool, Dye, Oil, Finish. The oil, Neatsfoot or EVOO will soften up the leather nicley. Then the finish of your choice. TomG has good recommendations. Remember to post pics when your done.

Just got a really nice plough gauge from Bruce Johnson. Life is good!

Terry, I'm a retired toolmaker and will say, that is wonderful. Your attention to detail is second to none. Now, if it cuts that's even better. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

calc was simple. Abstract algebra hurts your head.

Sylvia, Differential and Integral Calculus is advanced math. Beyond that is abstract alegebra and quantum physics. This is basic stuff taught in Algebra I. Never seen it in Engineering School. I would bet it plays a larger role in Architecture and design. None the less, way cool theory, mind altering concept. i like it. Jon

that is incredible. I'm a math head and never heard of that. It explains wide screen tv. Thanks for the post Sylvia.

What is the relationship between Toledo Cowboy machine and Niel's Saddlery Cowboy machine. Arfe they the same machine, sold by two differnt dealers?

Cheryl, That looks pretty cool. Now, take your time to produce different colors and hues. Don't rush this. Just an FYI, when you post, don't hit the "Reply" button on the post, unless you must quote what soembody else has said. Use the "Add Reply" button below the post. It cleans up the thread from continuously reposting pictures adn verbage. Keep going girl!

JL is spot on about the stone. Watch some You Tube on how to use a sharpening stone, get one, and get on with it. If you wanna cutup and carve leather you have to know how to sharpen, everything. Dull tools are dangerous tools. Two weeks ago I had no clue how to sharpen a swivel knife, but today they glide. It's all in wanting to do it. Good luck and happy carving. Jon

Actually Sil, its a leather love seat. What else but, leather furniture in a leather work shop. I have to send out thanks to Frank from Rockin' K. I paid him a visit on Friday and got the ideas for the hanging canvas rags, with the hand cutout, and the plastic bins to organize. Sure makes a difference with the two benches and when I know were everything is. Thanks, Jon

My wife gave up half of our lower level family room for me to make into a leather work shop. I don't have a basement, live in WIsconsin, so the garage is out. Next best thing, here you go. I grabbed an adjustqable table, hydraulic legs adjust the height 12". Added a top and an old 1" piece of marble. This along woth my granite slab and wallla........tooling bench. Picked up some small shelving to house the dyes, finishes and odds and ends and that's all neat. lLso grabbed another 5' x 3' table top and utilizing some plywood and a couple of folding horses, and we got a cutting and finishing bench. Best thing is that the balance of the room has a 42" HD TV with some kick 5.1 surround sound. So, we can jam while we tool. Thanks, Jon

Very nice pattern and excellent job. What did you use to raise the leafs?

Very Boma inspired and you did an outstanding job. Your tooling is excellant. Did you sew the bag by hand or with a machine? That is quality, right there. Good Job!

Have never done one but I think your pricing is a bit low. I would think 2k is more the ballpark. Tons of work there and I like the train robbery idea. Now that says Country to me.

if you have not applied for or received thw Trademark for " Eye of the Horse", don't state it. The actual carving can only be claimed as a Trademark if submitted. The name has to be submitted on a separate form. Don't open yourself up for potential liabilities. As for the brochure, keep it simple and to the point. Here is what I do and here is how to get it.