Rawhide

Here is the notebook I posted pictures of a couple of weeks ago. I finished it with several coats of neatsfoot oil, Sheridan RTC Resist (one coat), and Sheridan Brown Antique paste (one application). Comments and critiques always welcome. The first pic is of the entire notebook, and the second is of the lacing detail. Thanks, Marlon

That's an excellent price. How has your sharpening progressed? Any luck? Marlon

Brent, do they sell to the public, or do you need a tax ID? Marlon

Welcome to the forum. Very nice chap work. Posting pictures is pretty easy. Seems like you got it since you have some chaps posted. Here are the instructions anyway. Once you create a topic or add a reply, underneath the white text box is a box that says "attachments". Over to the far right of that box is a button that says "choose file", click this, navigate to your picture, (total pictures must be under 1MB to post), and the click the green "upload" button. once it uploads the "manage current attachments" tab (on the left) will have the number of attachments linked. If it says 0, then your file has not uploaded. If you have the files uploaded, the click "Add Reply" Marlon

That looks like the "crazy legs" tool that George Hurst did an article on in the LCSJ. That is an awesome saddle. Saddle makers are the best. Fine work!!

Wow. That is fantastic. Nice work Kathy. I'll have to give the goat a try. Marlon

I did not see your gun box, but I do thank you for your observation. Are there pictures here of the box? I would definitely like to see it. Marlon

What I'd do is line the side walls of the box sides first. Use 3M spray adhesive. Then place your foam padding down using spray adhesive here as well, then again on top of the foam and place the velvet on the foam (a little over sized) then you can tuck the oversize in between the side wall and the foam. Marlon

RTC is a resist formula created by Bee Natural products (same folks for Pro-Carve). Basically a block-out. Here's a picture of the label.

Thanks Ken, I hope to try your vest tutorial one day when I grow up. It's definitely looks like a lengthy process. Marlon

The dust is still available at hidecrafters. Marlon

Thanks Indy. No matter how long I look at a piece. I always seem to forget something. I still have the piece cased so it's no sweat to add the rest. Marlon

Clay, I emailed Peter for those boots and he sent the picture to me. He says... "..here is the photo of the LSU boots...I can only take credit for the tigers," Regards, Peter Marlon

I've been wanting to carve a notebook cover, so I used Chan Geer's packet on How to Draw Sheridan Patterns for my design idea and went to work. The pattern has been drawn for a while, just never put to leather. Enjoy. By the way, I'm thinking of oiling it, putting on some RTC, then antiquing it. (Sort of the Sheridan Way) Tell me what you think!! Marlon

Ian, Plugs are scalloped under-layer(s) of leather that serve as a filler piece for applique embossed pieces. the plug is cut slightly smaller than the final size of the actual carved piece, and is scalloped to give the overall definition of the piece. Then a thin layer of leather is carved normally and is then molded on top of this plug and glued to it. this is how he gets the 3d effect on most of his work. Marlon

Well since I like to work nude, it might not be a good idea for me. (just kidding). I would probably forget to turn it off though and I may curse myself out loud or something embarrassing. This might be a great idea for classes as well. As far as cameras go, I think technology has come far enough that you almost can't buy a bad one. For the host, I think as long as you have High speed, your provider may host it for you. And considerations....Don't walk around naked. Marlon

Clay that's an excellent tutorial. Thanks for the effort. I can see why folks were confused, that thing looks real man! Marlon

Absolutely stunning. Peter you never cease to amaze. Clay, you should ask him to send you pictures of the LSU boots he did so you can post them. Marlon

oops, heres the pic.

I bought an awl from Peter Main, and it's blade is much smaller than the awl blades that you get from tandy or osborne. This awl has to be sharp, really sharp, and it will glide through two layers of 7/8 oz leather easy. The diamond is the best way to go, I think it makes the stitch line look distinctive and perferct. Round holes are fine, but don't make the stitches lay correctly without some manipulation. I'll try to remember to post some pictures of my awls tonight or tomorrow so you get an idea of the size differences. Here's a picture of drilled holes with the tinyest drill bit and the holes are still to large, but this was multiple layers (I think 3) of 13/15 oz leather.

Hilly, Did you buy a good one or a cheap one? There's a vast difference. Also, you must sharpen the tubes. I sharpen everything I buy simply because it isn't sharp enough. I even sharpen my scalpel blades. (O.C.D.?-mmm, Maybe) The reason for the rotary punch is to punch the holes in the field. He said that he was a working cowboy, so I figured a rotary would fit the bill a little better. I actually don't own a rotary, because I also prefer the single punches. (Which I sharpen the heck out of). Marlon

FYI, The state of texas is lifting taxes Memorial Day Weekend for certain energy star appliances. visit here to find out more. Marlon

Welcome to the forum. My suggestion would be to cater your purchase to what you're going to make. Since you're making collars, you'll probably need a strap cutter (if you're making just a couple, you can get by with a razor knife). Probably a rotary punch for your holes. Stitching awl, thread and maybe rivets and rivet setter. That's a start, I'm sure you'll get some chimes on this from more experience makers. I haven't made any collars. Good luck. Marlon

Noticed he hasn't been back to reply either, plus it was his first post. It's not likely for a person to register and post a bash like that without some provoking such as: What do you all think about Artisan...and so forth. Me thinks it's just a hit and run. I have a small Artisan and I love it (I think my wife likes it more than me). I can't say enough about their customer service either. If it isn't right, they'll make it right. Thanks Artisan. Marlon

I understand. If you've already got the credit there you might as well use it. I actually bought Barry's maul without testing it. But have been using it ever since. I thought it would be too weird to use vs. a mallet. But I was instantly hooked. I've been using a maul for the last 8 months or so and don't see myself going back to a mallet. I think you'll enjoy a maul. Good luck with your tool. Marlon