SooperJake

Everything has been going along swell with the Cowboy. But, today, I've run into something new. Switching to heavier leather, from two layers of 4-5oz up to two layers of 8-9 oz , the needle stops right at the start of sewing. It does not pierce the second layer. I changed the needle and also checked the tightness of the the drive belts. Drop back to the thinner leather and it sews fine. I don't see anything in the manual except belt tension regarding a stoppage. The motor and drive belt and flywheel aren't stopping. Any ideas? Thanks, Jake UPDATE: In fact, the needle doesn't sink into the first even up to the eye.

Does anyone know of a good maple leaf pattern... something similar to the Al Stohlman holster book where he has the flapped holster with oak leaves? Thanks, Jake

tooling on the wings would be cool... Jake

I've found the best variety of real bone tools can be found through book binding suppliers. They won't just have one or two, but many shapes and styles. Here is one company for example http://www.hollanders.com Go to their bone folders section under "small tools". Interestingly, I see many of these sites have bone folders made out of teflon. I want to try one of these but one site says they are "teflon- like ptfe". Jake

Do you have a picture of it, Dwight?

Fortunately I have a wood lathe to make my own. Just made 2 mallets and an osage orange maul this week.

What does "raise above hook" mean, Kayak?

Awesome work, Josh! Jake

I've only had it for a week, but I don't think the Cowboy's controller works the same way. I can lay the side of my foot on the pedal, and "press" the air with my big toe ( barefoot) and the machine will creep. I can move the needle through its stroke in 1/4 " or so increments. Speed on the readout is 1600 rpm. Jake

If I recall correctly, the problem was the machine hit top speed right off...there was no way to tweek the speed at the pedal, is that right? So what did the fix consist of? Jake

Practicing on the new CB4500 Cowboy and in fairly tight radii, say the diameter of a quarter or so, my stitches end up either too short or too long...hit and miss. I go as slow as I can. Machine is set at about 6 SPI. Do you generally hand wheel in this type of situation, or is it simply a practiced skill? I've noted that sometimes when I hand wheel I get kinda stuck, and have to back up a smidge and really wonk the wheel good. My partially torn rotator cuff doesn't help I figure. Anyway, I've got really nice straight lines, with or without any guide lines drawn or cut. And larger radii go smoothly. I've got the foot tension perfected; no more drag marks. And the bobbin tension now seems to be about right. At first it was cutting the leather up bad. Looked awful underneath. Now it is real smooth yet feeds nicely. Jake

He needs to upgrade to a Muncie M-22 Rock Crusher tranny..paint some flames on that bad boy... Jake

You mean Illinois allows you to own firearms now? This is progress... (wink) Jake

Before I started making holsters I purchased a somewhat similar case supposedly made for the Ruger LCP. Most awkward thing I ever wore. It snagged on everything and it seemed like I was carrying a "murse". I never left the house with it, but it does store my pocket camera and accessories smartly, now. Since this looks much tighter to the gun, and thus to your belt, I'd have to wear it to know for sure. Horizontal carry is more fumble than swift, in my book. The question is "would you bet your life on it" if it is used as your your primary weapon holster? If this is a backup weapon, I'd say that is a different story. Jake

I'd starve if I relied on hand stitching my stuff "for a living". Fortunately, I don't currently make things to sell, such that I would starve if I did. I do like the look of the hand stitching over machine work. Everything has its tradeoffs, I guess. I'm sure some of the lifelong hand stitchers, though, are pretty darn fast at what they due. This is an enviable skill for sure. Jake

I was just looking at the doubles from Springfield, George. The imports. So you have had good luck with them? No weird coatings on the flesh side like Tandy? Decent scar-free sections etc? Thanks, Jake

Looks better than my first try. You will find there are better leathers out there than what Tandy sells, and often for less per Sq. Ft. Hermann Oak ( available through vendors that support this website, and directly from HO, and W&C ( so I hear but still await my first order, week 7, I think) are much better for tooling and forming. I have also noticed that when I dye the holster, it ends up stiffer than an non-dyed one. Not sure why that is. Perhaps one of the experts will chime in. Jake

Just purchased and received the CB4500 Cowboy this past Monday. Jake

We had night deposit bags at my store that had a Sooper heavy duty zipper that ended with a key lock. The bag was made of thick canvas but I see no reason why leather wouldn't work. Google " locking deposit bag" to see what I mean. Jake

My recent piece from Springfield's was nice. I did hear that buying directly from HO was even better quality than what Springfield carries. I'd like to see that in person. I guess half the time it depends on who you talk to. I just don't understand why W&C doesn't want my money. Would it make a difference if I ordered 10 sides at a time? Anyone? Jake

Just a note...I've molded several style holsters for my XDM 45 4.5" barrel, and my standard XD 9mm SC 3" barrel fits these holsters pretty darn good too. I don't think the upper gun / guard dimensions, at least, are all that different. Mind you, I haven't put a caliper to them to get precise measurements. I had both guns out on the desk one day, and thought, "what the heck", and gave it a try. One of my first ARG-style holsters attempts , open toed, will allow the .45's barrel to pass through the toe, and that one was molded for the 9mm XD. So in that case, the reverse is true. Keep in mind I am no expert here, but both guns seat nicely and don't fall out when tipped over. In my first IWB I made, built like a pancake minus the belt slots, siamese loop on the front ; the 9 is actually harder to shake out than the 45. I think this is weight related. In any case, they both fit. This was molded for the XDM 45 4.5"bbl. For what it is worth.... Jake

Pretty sure he does state the thickness in the video. " Not less than 3 1/2 oz., not more than 4oz." ( Paraphrased) Jake

That helps! Thanks, Guys. Jake

I could use pictures of the drop down belt guide installed. Preferably one in the 'up" position, and one in the "down" position. CB4500 Thanks, Jake

Thanks, Folks. Wiz, Thanks. I've printed off your tips to post on the wall behind my machine! Jake