immiketoo

Thats good cause I banged my new weaver punch into my granite slab. Idiot.

Can you post the link? I can not find it to save my life

Nice seat. What do you use for a final finish? Is your leather soft or hard? I'm curious because I wonder how the leather will wear or withstand sweat or weather. Either way, its an awesome creation!

I wonder if you did it like leather armor. heat the water to 175-180 wet then form so it becomes very hard, then finish when dry?

Dont get discouraged or offended. Its a great first effort and everyone here is offering opinions in an effort to improve. I know exactly how you feel since I made my first thing only two months ago. I had many of the same issues, and there are people here who have been doing this for 30-40 years! Nice job, Now do it again, but better

I've seen that very show myself. And I noticed that logo as well. Its a cool look IMO.

Misty, I'd try the Feibings Atomwax. I've used that on some recent holsters and water literally beads off of it. I'm not sure how it would react to sweat etc, but it might be worth a try. Mike

Ron, I can almost guarantee a fid is too big for that project. I have been instructed by those here in the know that the smallest awl available is the proper way to start your stitching, and that advice has really improved the appearance and strength of my products. Here's the link to the edge finishing thread BTW. Good luck on your next project! Your current one should serve you well. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=18101 Mike

I really like the shape of that. What's the final size going to be? My mom asked me to make her a purse and I'm looking for a good design. This might be it.

Ron, you can use a round punch of the correct radius to cut the inside corners, and I use a circle template and a sharp knife for outside corners. Also, I use a series of straight cuts instead of trying to cut the curve. It makes a neater cut IMO. 2. It looks like you made your holes a bit big, and there's not a lot of leather left outside of the stitch. This might be your answer. Also, are you using a softer leather? Veg tanned? Was it wet or damp when you started stitching? This could also cause your hole distortion. 3. I've heard you should use roughly four times the distance of what needs to be stitched, but someone else could probably answer better. I'm still trying to figure this out as well. 4. Yes, you can. You need to start about two stitches back from your last stitch where you ran out, then trim the original thread after you've sewn past it. Al Stohlman's book on stitching has a great explanation of this. 5. Go to the edge slicking tutorial by Bob Park on this forum for how to slick edges. Leather weight doesn't really matter much. Hope this helps, Mike

Thanks Phil, the skull is the symbol from the Punisher comic book.

So I decided I wanted something fun for Halloween this year and I have always been a fan of the Punisher, so I took the opportunity to play with the skull. Here are a few pics of my process. I really had fun with this one, and I'm pleased with how well the finished product came out considering how rough it looks in the pictures.

No problem. I didn't realize you made a pouch style since you mentioned a welt. Have you glued everything together before you try drilling or stitching? That may help. Thanks on the border. It took a bit of practice before I could hit my sheath with the stamp. Very scary!

Looks great! Thats a great pattern. Are there any modifications for 1911?

I am also new to leatherwork, and there is (So far) the inevitable screw up that happens. I have found that in most cases, leather is a very forgiving medium and I have not yet had to throw away anything, although my first guitar strap might get re-purposed as a wall hanging art piece :/ Anyway, I have recently made my first knife sheath as well. And, it fit your knife perfectly! My friends hunting knife is the same as yours and we were both shocked at how well it fit. It was a complete fluke, but if you want a pattern, I could draw one up for you. Here is a picture of the sheath to see if you like the design. If you truly can't make one to your satisfaction, mine is available if you want it! Mike PS, look at the stitching on the back. It's not pretty either!

What he said ^^^

There is a level of finish in your things I hope to accomplish one day. Smooth.

I clamped a few different things in mine last night, and I found that they were held well as long as I tightened the bolt enough. I havent tried stitching anything yet and I am not sure I will like it. I guess we'll see on my next holster.

That's not a bad idea Phil! I was considering just making a wood lever that would attach to the large nut. T-handle fashion. I'll have to give your idea some thought though.

That is a worthwhile project! It looks great. Where in Bavaria are you?

They would have, but I live close by so I went there myself. What a great place. Warehouse full of machining equipment. I was very good and didnt buy a bunch of other stuff

OK, here's mine. I am clearly NOT a woodworker, but I believe this will be serviceable. I need a better screw handle but this will do for now. Thanks Ryan for the inspiration!

It's really cool. How did you vacuum form it?

I have to agree with Curly on this one. The greater Chicago area is filled with people trying to make a buck. I found this place that had exactly what I wanted (Read 3 inch thickness) for a reasonable price. I tried a dozen different places, none of whom were willing to deal. See this thread for details http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=42838