eglideride

Don had a "chicken head" belt buckle that he purchased in Mexico. Yes, a real, live, "stuffed", chicken head. Simple unlined strap. Mounted the belt/buckle portion with chicago screws. Provided him with an "insert" that he can put in place of the chicken head if he tires of it sitting on his shoulder. My wife came up the idea of using a font that the music note style to them. Fun project! He loves it, creeps other folks out

I asked Nick at "Studio N" if he could make an arbor stamp for a charity that I have been involved with. The Aiming for a Cure Foundation raises money to help families with kids that have cancer. (www.aimingforacure.com) - My first run of some simple key fobs- 1) hopefully the key FOBS will start conversations about this disease 2) hope to raise a little money locally ( this is not a solicitation on this site at all- just sharing the idea) Thanks to Nick- turned the stamp around quickly- looks great!

Ahhh! > Not Hermann Oak- I will have to check into that as time and experience allow. > Common sense- pulling with the grain- Duh! Thanks!

Hi Chief- I just did a guitar strap. Used several of your finishing tips, including the painters tape on the back. I did leave the tape overnight, pulled it off after work, Problem: the tape stuck pretty well and "fuzzed" the flesh side. Any tips for making the fuzz lay down and stay down tight again? Really appreciate the tips. I looked you up on you tube- would like to see you do a finishing tutorial too. Or anything else that you would like to share, Enjoyed your instructions... Thanks again!

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I believe that half of the fun is collecting/ accumulating tools, Ebay, Craigs list, Fellow board members:( http://stores.ebay.com/Used-and-Vintage-LeatherTools) have to be quick sometimes! If you buy a starter kit- keep what you want, give as gifts, trade or sell the tools you don't want or care for. Upgrade over time. Get creative- free granite slabs from countertop companies, dead blow hammers on sale at the farm store. I found a head knife for $20.00 at an antique store and another at a county fair by a tool vendor for $40,00. Both prized possessions! Talk to friends, neighbors and strangers about your hobby. A guy, who knows a guy, that has a friend is selling/giving some tools away. Or knows somebody that does... Awesome adventure! Have fun!

These ARE very cool. I would like to see the backs. I don't understand how these attach to a belt. (Not being the sharpest tool in the shed has disadvantages)

I stopped by a counter top place the other day- they gave me a "sink" cut out for free...they were busting them up with hammers to throw in a dumpster! 27 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 1 1/2" thick...yours is quite a bit bigger Mud- really good deal!

Cool- thanks!

I just added a cutting table. 2X6 and 2x4 construction with 1/2" x 3" long oak dowels pinning the joints. 3/4" plywood top with hardboard top. I added heavy duty locking wheels on each corner so can I move the table out of the way. time to work some leather!

I wanted a makers mark. I asked an artist at work to design me something "with flames and skulls". Steve came up with this. Nick at Studio-N was quick and very reasonably priced. Awesome! (curious about how the picture will look attached here?)

I like the idea. I'm in..will send you one soon Ray. Thanks! David James 2971 Falcon Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

Oh Man! Too late to dumpster dive I suppose...

Happy Monday! A friend of mine at work stopped by my cube- handed me a sack. " My wife has had these for years- she thought you could use them." Awesome! most of these are pre- prefix. a couple have been abused....told him " these do have value, I could pay for them...he says "nah, make her something" . Cool! I have tools I started buying in the 80's. I also purchased some from Tandy recently (during the sale- very poor, made in Taiwan )...I cant believe how well made these, new to me, old tools are. Good finish- sharper. I see what you have been talking about. Unfortunate. Ignorance "was" bliss.

I would like to "audit the class" if possible?? Another great learning opportunity!

I like cross draws, my favorite for range use! very cool.

Beautiful!

This is my workshop. The steel drawer units are out of a lab at the university of Iowa 20 years ago, along with the 10' long by 1 1/2" thick laminated top. I have an unfinished basement. This is one area/corner (if it were finished it would be a great bedroom). I use my shop for leather work, woodcarving, and cleaning /building guns. No excuses, i am a slob. stuff everywhere. My hot wife doesn't like my clutter....but its mine! I am blessed!

A few years ago I was in a factory that "tanned" leather for automotive upholstery. Mostly automated plant with large oak barrels that were spun on rollers...On of the tech's there told me that each car mfg. required a different "smell", For instance- they had some grey leather for Cadillac they had just finished. He then showed me 50 gallon steel drums of "fragrance". Pretty interesting- I wish I had more time to ask questions and learn- but I was there on another matter...

very cool- looking forward to seeing the finished product!

love your work and your style- very cool

Cool!

Great art/concept....i like how your finish turns out- cool!

sweet! Do you use the sewing machine seen in the picture for sewing the patches??

Great pictures to go with a great idea! I will have mine made by the end of the weekend. Thanks for sharing!