Troy I

The lean out is most likely caused because the belt loops are too low on the holster. The first holster I made of this design had the same issues...make sure that the holster loops are at the mid to upper trigger area of the gun...especially on the 1911 45's, which are a little top heavy to start with.

I second dip dying...very easy and quick...saddle tan comes out very good each time. The dye also goes deeper into the leather. Just my 2 cents.

Good advice jfdavis...I was not selling at low prices...up my price by 50%...now I can't keep up with the orders. Guess people think their not getting good quality unless they have to pay more. GO FIGURE...

That is really nice.

Samples would be nice...the only thread I have used for hand sewing is a heavy nylon waxed thread I got from Springfield. Would love to try something else. I can PM you my address if that is ok. Troy

Joe, Their's one born every minute. ..LMAO

I do the same as chief. ..dye...let dry...buff...oil...let dry...top coat...let dry...buff....Montana Pitch Blend. ..let dry...buff...

The timing my be off a little...my 4500 was doing the same thing, until I reset the timing. Also, if you are using a leather needle. ..they are a little blunt...they are not as sharp as a fabric needle. Please call a dealer before making any adjustments. ..Cowboy Bob is a good resource. ..you can get the number from the ads at the top of the page...He is one of the sponsors of this site. Also make sure you have it threaded correctly. This may cause skipped stitches as well.

That is really nice...GOOD JOB...He'll like and if he doesn't, I'll buy it...:-)

I also have a 4500...good machine...as Tree Reaper said you will have to make some adjustments, as with all machines...One small bit of advice--when you get a thread jam or birds nest under your leather--DON'T just rip and pull the thread lose...take your time and free it without excessive force. I learned the hard way...you will knock the machine out of timing...then you will get to learn a lot more about the machine then you may want, this goes for all sewing machines...they are built like tanks, but treat them with respect and you will be happy for years to come...One other thing, keep them oiled...Oil is your friend. Just my 2 cents worth. Troy

USA

Yeah. ..but lost some hair off my arms. LMAO...and had to get some clean pants.

Been there done that sort of...cleaned a stitched holster with alcohol, then noticed some thread that needed melted down...puff...fire ball....LOL. WAIT FOR ALL ALCOHOL TO EVAPORATE BEFORE PLAYING WITH FIRE! !!!

Wet the leather---then let it dry till it starts to return to its original color, then punch your holes. Make sure you are doing this on a solid surface with no give to it. This is what I do and it makes cutting with a punch much easier.

What about cork or those anti-skid strips that you put on stairs?

Before you trim the thread. ..pull it tight and make sure that the knot is buried in the leather, then trim the thread as close as you can---but be careful you don't cut any other thread except the excess tails. Hope this helps

Wow Steve...Good luck and speedy recovery. Troy

Also wear gloves when cleaning your blue guns or you will have blue hands for quite a few days...

I know you said you cannot break up the lot...but if you change your mind...I would be interested in 4 or 5...email is imlers@embarqmail.com, just in case.

I think this looks really good...a lot better than I can do. GOOD JOB. Good leather does make a huge difference with everything you make...

If selling on ebay...I figure 13.5% in fees--for PayPal and ebay. ..I only ship within the U.S. Not sure what fees would be outside the US.

Try adamleatherworks.com they have some good patterns.

If you have a water softener it might be salt residue if it back washed close to the time you wet your leather or it just might be chemicals or minerals in the water. Just a guess. .

Wow. ..that is very nice...impressive and unique.

Also might want to look at the Cowboy brand of sewing machines. Cowboy 4500 is awesome