Rawhide

Right now I am drinking Lingenberry juice (from sweden), but the Saints just lost to the Redskins, so I might need something with a little more kick. Marlon

Yeah, I did the google thing. That's why I came here, to see if anyone has a source the use regularly that may not have a website or something. Thanks for lookinig. Marlon

Thanks for the ideas Russ. I'll give 'em a go. All other suggestions still welcome. Marlon

Now that's using yer noodle. I will definitely try and incoroporate this to my workbench. Thanks for sharing. Marlon

Anyone know of a place to get some round buckle blanks? Thanks, Marlon

He never ceases to amaze.

Whinewine, If you do a member's search on BarryKing and look for his posts (he only has a few). He explains the Sheridan brown that you may be after. Marlon

These are not mine...I wish... they are from Peter Main, (and I'm sure he makes a commanding salary with his work.) He asks me to post these to this forum from time to time. By the way, Here is a close up of the hair... Marlon ...there is a drawer in the base...it is lined with green suede. In answer to another question...acrylic paint was not used on the angel. Attached is a close-up as requested...the wings were one of the most difficult parts (there are eight parts to these wings) as there are fronts and backs (the overlaps of feathers are different) that had to 'kiss-fit' to a feather (no pun intended) edge. Her hair is also a separate piece and it was the last piece put into place after all other pieces were secured with hidden threads. Peter

Peter is just getting ridiculous with this...enjoy. Marlon Hello, ...here is a challenging piece. All that you see is leather...kangaroo, cow, goatskin and gold leafed leather for the binding. The base is constructed of heavy card, bound in goatskin, colored with spirit dyes to simulate marble. Peter

Stainless is extremely hard to drill. I'm not sure that "home depot" type drill bits will do the trick, repeatedly anyway. You may need to try some diamond tipped bits from a place like woodcraft or go to a metal fab shop and ask a ton of questions. Marlon

Wish granted... ...here is close-up. The dollars are tooled and colored with spirit dye...they are onlayed on the boots...the buckle features an inlay. Peter Marlon

My answers in red. 1) Glue I'm looking for a powerful glue that will bond somewhat quickly, that is somewhat flexible and waterproof. I'm currently using what seems to be rubber cement (from Tandy). When I bond with this cement, the grain side of the leather doesn't bond that well to another grain side side (flesh to flesh works wonders, however). First step is to scuff up the grain side. You can use a scratch awl for a small piece, or some sandpaper for lager pieces. Plus if you want the pieces to stick together permenantly, you'll need to use either contact cement or PVA glue. (PVA glue is Tandy's leatherweld, or Fiebings Leathercraft Cement). So you know, I'm pretty sure the process I'm using is the best, basically I coat both sides, wait until slightly tacky and then push together and hold firmly You can also use a roller of some sort to be sure they adhere evenly. What kind of glue/cement do you use and where do you get it? I use Tandy rubber cement when I'm lacing or stitching because it will pull apart if i need it to. I use Barge contact cement for a permenant bond, or Fiebings Leather Cement for permenant flexible and Clear bond. I get Barge from Tandy, but you'll need a Tax ID to get it in pint or gallon sizes. I get the Fiebings from Hidecrafter's, but I'm sure there are many places you can get it. 2) Edge Coat Also, I'm looking for a more robust edge coat than the yellow bottle of "edge kote" sold at tandy (only available in black and brown). I know there are better, more thicker edge coats that bond very well to edges of purses, wallets etc. Where can I get some of that? And in other colors? I just use Fiebings spirit dye for the edges, and then slick it after dying it. I can get any color I want using dye vs. edge coat. Marlon

They are tooled. I will ask if he will send me a close up. Marlon

Boots to match Alligator buckle...

yeah that third hand is really hard to beat. Glad you like yours. This one is a variation of the one Al designed. Marlon

Thanks guys. I appreciate the compliments. I can't take credit for the seat, but I rebuilt the rest of it from new wood. Hopefully it will last me a while. BillyP, Thanks again. Those plans did help a bunch. I couldn't follow the plan exactly because it would have meant a lot of reworking the existing stuff, which I wasn't ready to do. Marlon

Here's a picture of my stitching horse clamps that I just completed. I had forum members BillyP and Blake assist me with what they had in design and I modified the design to suit my needs.I drew the parts in CATIA (3d modeling software) and printed a full size 2D section. I traced the section onto the end grain of some hard rock maple and had a guy at the local Woodcraft rough cut them out for me on the band saw. I then used my belt sander to finesse the shape and then an orbital palm sander to smooth out the finish. Then I cut out the necessary notches and holes with a jigsaw. I covered the tips with garment weight leather. They aren't perfect, but they work for me! Marlon

Kate, I used to work at a casino owned by Argosy Gaming, and they had a strict policy of "NO BEARDS". I could wear a small goatee under the bottom lip, but no further than that. I got the job wearing a beard in the interview, but was told I had to shave to keep it. Not sure if it's the same now since it's been over ten years since I worked there. Marlon

They do not have a web store...yet, they are planning to have a purchase online option. I'm not sure who they contracted for IT, but I'm pretty sure they don't have their own IT department. Kate, I agree that we as a local community can only account for so much business, plus I think that they do need to get on the ball and get it done. For folks like me or those who don't mind calling in orders, it probably doesn't make much difference. But for those who depend on web buying and the like...they are losing countless customers daily. I hope they can get it right. Marlon

I went into H/C yesterday and believe me they are busy. They've got a ton of classes lined up from George Hurst, to Peter Main, to Barry King. What Ron told me is that they have to complete the "what do we keep, what do we offer" lists first before they can complete the catalog. I know everybody wants it right now in this digital age. I still think they are a viable supplier and will continue to use them. Marlon

Not sure. I remember at one time that a magnetic money clip would kill a credit card. That's not the case anymore, but I can't speak for the new digital items. Marlon

Those are a little thinner than the size I use from woodcraft. I have a woodcraft store near me, so I can walk in anytime and don't have to wait on shipping. The 1.5 mm thick is about 1.8/32" or roughly 1/16th of an inch. Marlon

I use these from Wood craft. They are very strong and thin. Marlon

And to think, that coin is CARVED! He said it took him a couple of hours to carve it. Marlon

Peter has done it again... Hello, ...firstly I must thank Frank J Zaharek Jr who was kind enough to send me the buckle blank. I carved a one dollar coin and inlayed it into alligator....the buckle is lined with kangaroo (saw how to do this in an old leathercraft book). Because of the (unattractive metal) loop being visible when worn, I have covered it with goatskin. Will post the completed belt and accessories at a later date. Peter