RoosterShooter

I'm looking for a pattern that will allow me to correctly and precisely punch the holes in small straps for snap fixtures. Does anyone have one? Thanks

I'm looking into getting a clicker / shop press so that I can cut out my most prominent holster models. I've figured it out, and I can get an extra holster made each day by simply using a clicker. I will be using the clicker to double as a shop press for press forming holsters, so I would like to have at least a 15 ton press. Where are a few places, pre- $500, where I can buy a clicker and custom dies? For the information .... With the dies I will be cutting 4 ounce leather to be doubled up, back to back, for one model holster I make, and all of the others will require enough pressure to cut at least 8 oz. leather. The area will need to be a maximum of 12 x 12 minimum 12 x 10.

The nearest Harbor Freight to me is 45 minutes away, in good traffic. Is there any way I can get the sales fliers in my email, or somewhere online? If I could see what's on sale ... it might be worth the $40 in gas to go over there.

Thanks for the replies. Can I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well? I have one bottle of Neatsfoot Oil, but I have to order it online because it isn't available locally. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available at any grocery store.

I've heard a few holster makers who use either Neatsfoot Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil when finishing their holsters. Then, they "Tan" the leather somehow so that it gets a darker hue to it ... similar to 'suntanning'. Is that exactly what it is? Can I apply Neatsfoot, and let it sit in the window sill for a couple of days to give it a 'sun tan'?

Neatsfoot seems too thick for an airbrush! I have been airbrushing epoxy and acrylic paints on firearms for several years. I couldn't imagine using an airbrush to spray something so thick!

I joined the Elite Club at Tandy when I placed my first order for leatherworking supplies. I did the math. Without the Elite Club status I would have paid $450+ dollars. With the Elite Club status ... I got everything I wanted PLUS the cost of the membership at $150 for around $380. For me it was self explanatory.

I'm thinking of doing a few holsters in a simple neatsfoot finish. What's the best way to apply? I've read where some people brush it on and wait, then apply again, and then I've read where people rub it in by hand. Any comments are appreciated.

Couldn't get that link to work for some reason. I tried both http:// and www. in front. Thanks for the help Katsass ... I'll run these pics by my Dad, and see if he remembers seeing this style holster growing up. Thanks again.

Thanks for the help guys. Yes, I did see several pictures in there of him. However, I couldn't get a good look at any of the equipment they carried. Can someone point me in the right direction for a border patrol style holster?

My father has commissioned me to make my grandfather his Christmas Present, and I have no idea where to begin. My grandfather was a Trooper with the Kentucky State Police from the early 1950's to early 1960's and I am in need of a picture of a holster for that period. He carried a common S&W or Colt 38 Special Revolver, don't know exactly which, but he does still have the pistol. However, if I go over there and ask to see it ... he will know what it's for! So, asking him to see his pistol is out of the question at this point. Where would I look to find a period authentic picture of the holsters used by the Kentucky State Police during that time?

Thanks for all of the input. I think I'm going to practice some more.

Here is a link to a lot of movie prop pictures. http://www.proparchi...ovovich-holster It doesn't look that challenging other than using a lot of turns and a whole lot of strap cutting and leather.

They smell like denatured alcohol. I guess some people are sensitive to it, but I work in a well ventilated area so it doesn't bother me. Plus, denatured alcohol, in itself, isn't harmful when inhaled in small quantities unlike lacquer thinner, acetone, or other high volatile organic compounds. Denatured alcohol is essentially 'pure grain alcohol' or ethanol with something added in a small quantity to make it undrinkable. I legally, with a federal license, make my own ethanol and denatured alcohol. I generally leave the collecting jar on the still during the entire spirit run, and collect the dangerous 'fronts' with the rest. This makes it undrinkable as the fronts have a lot of methanol in it.

I've got a strap cutter and small, 1" round end belt punch, but it takes me entirely too long to make 20+ small straps. So, where can I buy them already punched out? I'm looking for 1" x 4 1/2" and 1" x 5 1/2" bands in bulk. Any idea where I might find these?

I already found everything I needed at Mcmaster Carr. Thanks.

I've practiced and practiced, and still can't seem to get the tight corners on belt loop cuts beveled with 100% accuracy. Every so often I still get a piece that wants to bunch up when I turn the inside corner, and it ruins the look. Should I go with a bisonette or even a common edge beveler? Right now I'm using the Keen # 126 bevelers. Thanks.

Did you ever get this resolved? Interested in a resolution. Thanks

Pretty Sharp! The wife asked if you make them in Pink? She has a matched pair of Vaqueros, and is looking for a good rig!

Not seeing anything. Is there supposed to be a picture?

Thanks for the input. I'll do some mock-ups tomorrow to see how I like them.

Like the rig! For the holster did you use doubled 4 - 5 oz. leather, or did you just use 8 - 9 oz. and line? Thanks.

How wide and long do you all make your IWB Belt Loops? Also, do you buy them pre-made, or do you make your own? What is the average width and length for use on a 1 1/2" belt IWB holster? Thanks

By looking at Turtlefeather's website, I can't tell the difference between the colors for Bismark Brown, Brick, and Mahogany. I have the Bismark Brown, and put it on one of my new holsters. It is a deeper red color ... almost like raw liver ... than I like. Does anyone have any pieces I can reference using these colors? I'm looking for a medium brown with a hint of red. Thanks

On dark holsters I use Angelus Military Roll Call Edge Dressing. It leaves a really nice finish after I have prepared the edge properly. I have actually used this product for 14 or more years due to a previous occupation. I used it for my Blue Dress shoes for 'sole black'. It really leaves a neat and pure black look. So, I used Angelus Shoe Polishes and edge dressing before I ever got in to leatherwork.