J Hayes

I sandwich the T nuts between the layers. 8-32 x ¼ Tnut and 8-32x3/8 flat undercut machine screw both stainless steel. I clip a bit of the prongs off on the T nut and when I glue everything together I have plywood drilled for the t nut barrel and the clamp the heck outta them. The prongs of the t nut protrude every so slightly and tend to bite into the belt loop a bit which helps prevent them from turning I feel. The key to using the 8-32 is the undercut head, it sits a bit lower in the snap allowing plenty of room to not impede function of the snap. I personally feel 6-32 is a bit light for my comfort level. Jeremy

This is a Bianchi holster, I'll get you more later today. These are 8/32 screws and are stainless steel. Lift the spot YKK snaps. Don't skimp on your product. Jeremy

Stainless steel t nuts from Steel marine fastener and undercut head stainless screws from McMaster-Carr. I make the hole in my loops big enough to go over the post of the T nut. I'll get some more pictures later today for you. Jeremy

I'll call the ATF local office on Monday, but as someone stated the agent may not know. The FFL laws can be very confusing, I have sent handguns to S&W twice, both on their dime and the UPS driver picked it up at my work and it was delivered back to me at work. I would think making a holster would be fine since we are not altering the firearm in any way just possessing it, like when a buddy lends you one for a match or hunting trip or whatever. One more hoop I guess. Jeremy

I was on a gun engraving forum today and it seems the engraver needs an FFL to posses the customers firearm for commercial purposes, ie the engraving work. Does anybody know if that would apply the a holstermaker having a customers gun for the purpose of making them a holster? here is the forum where I read this, hope its okay to post the outside link http://www.engravers...ense-discussion Jeremy

Custom work is custom work, it takes more time and the charges need to reflect that. That being said is someone really going to pay you for the true value of your time? If you work typically sells for X and you can produce 3 regular holsters in the time it takes to complete 1 full on custom that you may never make again will the customer pay you 3 times X for one holster? Tough call, everbodys time is worth something. In my day job I deal with this on a regular basis (goldsmith) people want something that nobody else has, I may not like the design but they are not paying me to like it. So I figure how much time it will take and how much I can typically generate dollar wise in that time and thats what the price is. Nobody eles makes it, and there will be only one so the price is higher. Some go for it others find something close in a catalog, or find someone to do it cheaper. Also if I really don't want to do it the cost goes up a bit more, some things are just a PIA to make, and frustration adds to the price as well. BUt full on custom has it's rewards too, nobody else has done it and it's nice to be able to do something different and get paid for it! Mark, Those are awesome! My LE buddy wants me to make one and I may have to imitate yours slighty, I really like the renforcement on the trigger side, great thinking. Just my .02 Jeremy

I bought the 155, works good but the finish on the tool itself is rough, not highly polished as it says on the Osborne website. Any one else have one that's actually polished? Mine has vise marks on the anvil jaw. Jeremy

I go pick it up friday morning, I'm not sure what stitch it's set for, but we'll find out, just something about the old Singers I couldn't resist. Jeremy

You rock Bob! What do those gears cost? Can a special gear be made for longer stitches? I might just have to buy it if nothing else for the table and motor. Jeremy

Anybody know if the gears are available to get the stitches to 10? It might be a good machine for lighter bags and such. Also can anybody tell me the maximum thread size and material thickness? thanks Jeremy

I'm going to pass on this one, even though I think its a good deal, $150 complete with table and motor. Its on Madison WI Craigslist if anyone is interested. Jeremy

Thanks Bob. Jeremy

Anybody know anything about a Singer 110W125? Is it suitable for leather, say 2 layers of 6oz? I couldn't find much info on it, just something about wheel feed. Thanks Jeremy

The single tube, 153, looks to have a bit deeper throat and the tubes appear longer than the ones on the rotating 155. Am I correct? Undoubtedly the single tube is stronger. Hmm, single tube may be the best as I really only use 2 sizes on my cheap punch anyway. Jeremy

Thanks for the tip, I'll polish them all, and your first reply was awesome! Jeremy

I'd hope the new ones would be as good. Thanks guys Jeremy

I need a new rotary punch and was looking at the Osbourne 155, is it worth the money or are there better ones availble? Thanks Jeremy

FWIW. I haven't been at this long at all, I tried some Nyltex(sp?) and had it cut through a couple times in Horsehide. Tried some linen from ZW, I liked it better than Nyltex, but I thought it was a bit light weight. Then I bit the bullet and got 7 cord Barbour's linen, $55 or so for the spool of 781 yards, money well spent. I bought the white and dye to what I want, I'm going to buy andother spool in black. I got it from Landwerlen Leather, it seems hard to find. I also got myself some code, beeswax mixed with pitch to make it sticky,(Three Rivers Archery I think) stitches pull tight and don't loosen, Nyltex was bad for loosening. I stitch 5 SPI and it looks good IMO, I use Osborne 0 size harness needels and an diamond shape awl. Plus there's just something about looking at that big spool that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy! Like Katsass said, if you get the groove deep enough the cord will sit just below the surface protected from abraision. I'd be willing to send you a few yards of the Barbour's and a couple needles if you like. Do remember it's just my opinion, and I haven't been at it long, but the feel of that Barbour's IS nice, and it didn't seem to fray while stitching like the other linen I tried. Jeremy

How have you gotten along with this machine? I see one for sale near me for $600 on a nice table with a clutch motor. Does the needle feed as well? How thick of leather have you put through it? Thanks Jeremy

Thank you all for the replies, I appreciate it. Seems most like the 441 or clones, I like what I've read about them, they seem to be very versatile, id like to do bags too, heavier stuff. I talked with the funds appropriation department, aka the wife, anybody know when he'll is going to freeze over? Haha. I'm keeping my eye out for some used stuff. A dealer has a Singer 153W103 that he wants $1350 on a new table with a servo motor. Might be a bit high considering I cannot find any listing for parts for that machine. I think a boss may be better than a powered machine that parts are no longer available for. Jeremy

I should've also asked, those that have machines or getting new ones, is the craft your "day job" or side job, or just a hobby. Trying to justify the cost of one, although we spent $2400 on a fancy quilting machine for the wife 12 years ago and I bet she has less than 40 sewing time on it, she did get paid to make one quilt though. I just like my "toys" to earn their keep. Jeremy

I agree, there is something to be said about hand stitch and quality. I do believe if I get a machine I wouldn't charge as much for machine stitched vs hand stitched.

I look forward to hearing how you get along with it. I read about the modification done to improve the speed control, something as simple as paper and pencil turned a good machine into a great one. I imagine the factory fix is a bit more high tech. What made you chose that machine over the many others? Jeremy I was looking at that one online, looks real nice. Id like to know what you think of it and what made you go with that machine. Jeremy

That is a beautiful machine!! I just love the old iron. Any idea of its age? Jeremy

I was just wondering what most people are using for sewing machines? I do know the hand saddle stitch is stronger but am still curious what people are using. Ive been eyeing many different machines and was curious what people liked and what they could sew on them. Thanks Jeremy