DLC

I'm trying to find a good deal on Chicago screws, specifically brass and nickel 1/4" (solid or plated, doesn't matter). The best I've come across is $155/1000 from Zack White, but they don't seem to be able to supply the quantites that I need. Any recommendations for another supplier?

What do you store your hardware in? I'm looking for a tool box or something portable that I can keep my rivets and dees and whatnot in, not necessarily tools. Any suggestions?

Ok, here are my roon questions since this seems to be the place for them. I'm on my second batch. I dumped out my first--it worked great, but even after a couple months it would build up a hard oxidized layer on the top. Whenever I used it I would just scrape it off, but it became a pain. Made it with rusty nails and strained the remants out after a couple weeks. I assume I had an improper ratio of vinegar/metal, but I'm sure someone with more experience can give me an answer.

I'm using an aerosol spray, it sounds like you're using a liquid. But yeah, I've just redone this project from the ground up. I'm only going to use this finish on pieces that won't be subject to high stress.

I'm assuming that I went to heavy with the spray. Is there way to salvage my piece now? What is the consensus on this product, is it viable if I just use a light coat from now on or is there a better product to get a nice glossy sheen on my work?

Do you mind giving us a rundown of what kind of dye and finish you use? I'm itching to start making bike seats but have never made anything that needs to withstand that kind of abuse. This is totally awesome, by the way.

Thanks a bunch, this looks awesome!

I finally scanned my pattern, sorry that it took so long. If you use these, download them and print them out full-size. If your printer tells you that the image will exceed the paper size just ignore it and continue rather than resizing to fit the paper. I could only fit half of the largest piece on the scanner, but it is symmetric so just print another, flip it, and tape them together. Rivet holes are also marked on the pattern. I made this to attach to a breast plate so there is no shoulder strap, but I'd imagine it would be easy enough to alter it a bit for your needs. Also attaching finished pics for reference. Cheers. http://i1068.photobu...ldron/00011.jpg http://i1068.photobu...ldron/00012.jpg http://i1068.photobu...ldron/00013.jpg http://i1068.photobu...ldron/00014.jpg

If you are still looking I have a pattern for a very similar pauldron.

Hi Dwight, I have a couple of questions about this process after reading your quotes. What do you cut your dye with? and When I rub the excess dye off after letting it sit overnight I am always rubbing through areas and exposing the leather. Is it common to have to dye more than once or am I doing something wrong? Thanks

I've been working with leather for about a year now, mostly making cuffs. I'm at a point where I'd like to start refining my craft so that I can market my work. This is my first sheath, finished about a week ago. A buddy of mine started blacksmithing recently and made the knife. Since then I've done a lot of reading on here and have began to see my flaws in this project (edge finishing, dye consistency) but I would still appreciate critiques on it.

I'd like to get in on this, please.

Thanks, I'll give that a go tomorrow. Right now my method is wet the leather with a sponge then apply the dye with a dauber. Are there any other steps I should take to get a nice consistent color?

Hi guys. Great resources here, wish I'd stumbled on this site years ago. So I'm making cuffs and collars, most of which I dye with Fiebing's dye or Eco-Flo dye but some use Eco-Flo paint. I've spent hours researching and reading but am still confused about how to finish them. I need a waterproof, flexible, and highly durable finish, preferably something that will give it a nice glossy sheen. I've been using Tan Kote, but have had issues with the dye starting to rub off as I apply it, even after letting the dye dry overnight. Yesterday I picked up some Fiebing's aerosol Leather Sheen but haven't experimented much with it, though it doesn't seem to give the glossy coat I'm looking for. Also considering trying their Saddle Lac, but the product descriptions aren't giving me a very clear idea of when to use one finish over another... Could someone give me a rundown of the pros/cons of different finishes? (Or point me in the direction of such information) Sorry if I'm missing a pinned thread somewhere but I've done quite a bit of reading on here without turning anything up.