immiketoo

I think you could get away with a stamp and then apply an antique in the recessed area made by the stamp. Might be cheaper. I have no experience with a branding stamp.

You may want to leave a border at the edge of your carving so theres unbroken skin at the edge of your work. Regardless of whether you leave an edge or not, you will always want to form leather when wet to avoid cracking, and you may want to consider oiling your piece with neats foot oil after carving and before bending. If you are worried about losing detail, just wet the back of you piece only before forming. Hope this helps.

Can't wait to see it in leather!

This is my problem too. I just love everything I've done so far. There is NO need for tack here in suburban Chicago so I suppose need is dictated by the areas we live in. PLus, I wouldn't have the foggiest on where to start. Except that I can identify a horse!

Thanks Ed, I will be placing an order soon. Thanks for the info on the changes and for the heads up on where to get them. I might have to get a maul while I'm at it!

LMAO! That's the funniest thing I have read all day!

So otherwise they are pretty similar?

Thanks man, I've heard good things about the Cobra, but not too much about the Cowboy and since I'm in the decision mode, I want to make the best decision possible. A machine will open so many doors for various projects. I can't wait!

Welcome Kron! Gunleather is how I started too. You should look at a book called Packing Iron. Great ideas for your SAA! and you have the right length too Anyway, welcome again and enjoy! Mike

Hikari scissors are $$$! Any Japanese cutting instrument is though. As for the holster, I imagine this would be a fun and easy project to do! I'd explore building it as a shoulder type rig as well

Go up a few posts in this subsection and read Bobby Park's tutorial on edge slicking. Very comprehensive. Here's the link. http://leatherworker.net/bob-park/FinishingEdges-2-15-11.pdf Also, you should have asked in chat. we would have helped you. Don't ever be afraid to chime in! Mike

Chris, I'm so sorry! I unwittingly bought one of the BADGUY's burnishers a few months ago when I was getting started. I didn't know! However, as integrity is hugely important to me, I will PM you and order one of yours and send the other one BACK to the fraud as soon as I get the new one, along with a letter indicating that as a leatherworker, I will not only patronize people within the community, I will do everything I can, to ensure that everyone else does as well. Man I feel awful.

Randy, that would be awesome! I may be up your way later this month. I'll PM you when I head up that way and if it works out, maybe I can stop by!

PM Sent back and an email sir.

Bob's book just gives you the elements, you have to lay them out, create your own and arrange them as you see fit. Do you have any books on sheridan carving? I could post some pictures of the stuff I'm talking about if you like. Basically, there's a system to it. Find your main elements like the flowers, and place them, then draw in your vines, stems and stumps in a way to fill the pattern.

Chancey, you looking more for a pattern or the actual carving of it? I have Bob Park's book and I'd be happy to try and come up with something, but truthfully, it would be a first time for me. Anyway, if nobody else chimes in, let me know. I'll start working on the basics. Mike

Why the Cowboy over the Cobra Class 4? Any insight is appreciated.

Back to the envy sir! I want to play at your house!

Your stories are all interesting! I have a full time job as well. I'm trying to find what I love (So far, all of it) , but I want to be able to do ANYTHING with leather. Cowboy boots or shoes is high on my list, as is learning to lace/braid. There's just so many things that are fascinating, and many of them seem to cross over each other. This forum is both bad AND good because I get to see all kinds of work and I want to try them all. I am thankful for the friendships I have made here and the knowledge I have gained. Its really amazing and humbling to have conversations with people I admire, and to have them encourage me and compliment the work I've already done. I have said it before, this community is the most friendly and helpful of all the ones I have belonged to. There are no trolls, and everyone seems genuinely helpful. So, while I haven't perfected anything yet, I feel like I HAVE to keep experimenting with other things.

Excellent looking belt. What finish did you use?

Here's a few with new light box.

Awesome. I want one badly. As for your bike, just make it something pretty and be very supportive when you give it to her.

Awesome. Use a jedi mind trick on the saddle bags.

Full color and antiqued...

You, you da man. Nice work.