Double Daddy

Thanks! That makes sense and are pretty simple reasons. I was expecting there to be a more technical motivation (flows better thru an airbrush, easier clean-up, better long term storage properties, etc)...me over-thinkin' things, I guess. Just checked the local Lowes website...$10 for a half-gallon...I'm sure a dollar store or Wally World would be similar or cheaper.

Great looking work, Josh...as always. I agree with you...hammer thongs would have looked more appropriate...but to each their own. An inquiry about the M&G...any advantages over Resolene or just a personal preference?

I know exactly what you mean. I already handled that particular weapon, in fact...afraid if I get around one again, I'll spend money...and, according to the wife, my kids are scheduled to eat next month. She's a real buzz-kill, that woman. So the list grows...and grows. Anyway...very inspiring work for us amateurs, Ingle!

Mmm, mmm...on a roll, you are. Very clean lines...nice rig for a fine revolver.

I agree about the should pads...and don't go swimmin' with all that iron strapped on...but, boy oh boy, what a rig! Doesn't even stand out under the cover garment either. Great craftsmanship, Chief! Design, color...all of it...well done! As you said...a serious New Your reload!

I, myself, went with a vacuum setup, in the same fashion as the one by Particle and a few others...veneering bag and Harbor Freight pump along with misc. hosing and pieces...super-easy to use (can mold multiple items at once) with good results. Additionally, I've seen some fine work many of the craftsmen on here have delivered using vertical presses like Plinker and Dwight have shown above. Brian, I look forward to seeing how your build goes...

Quality craftsmanship, Josh.

Great information, Dwight...as always! Thanks!

Very nice belt, Dwight. Fine work (as usual). I like the tan color as well...even though it can be a booger for me (at times) to get right...sure is worth the effort, especially with that contrasting stitching.

Positives: I'm diggin' the leather color and stamping...even the cordage doesn't look all that out of place to me, especially considering your personal style (post-apocalyptic/outlander). The accessory pouch is a nice touch, as well. Negatives (not very many): I agree with CaptQuirk about the upper attachment point around the grip of the mare's leg holster...and completely concur with Kiwican about the snap location for quick draw purposes. A holster for the mare's leg (one of the most awkward weapons I personally have ever fired) should concentrate on mobility and quick access. If the rig(s) were mine to build, I would have been inclined to combine them, utilizing a single belt to carry the mare's leg holster on the right side and the revolver holster in a cross-draw loop style holster on the left...that way, you have options to use the belt by itself or with the holsters...but that's a personal preference, like I said. Good looking work!

I recently ordered from them. I placed my order via email, supplemented with phone calls with Wendy. Prices were VERY competitive on many items (dye, hardware, etc)...and the leather pieces that I tried were of decent enough quality for the intended use that I wouldn't hesitate to order again for that either. They shipped my order very quickly and that was also very reasonable cost-wise. Only had one little hiccup...an item was back-ordered but not listed (that I could tell) on the packing slip. I contacted them and she was already working on getting the issue taken care of...it was resolved within a couple business days. No biggie as far as I'm concerned...especially given the savings As TrentonP said, their website is a bit antequated but the prices are up to date, believe it or not. Check 'em out!

Lobo lives! Glad to see you are enjoying retirement, Ray! Well earned, indeed. I encourage anyone to take the time to scour the pages of this forum for Lobo's other very informative posts, particularly the ones related to workflow and shop organization (I have personally found those to be particularly handy).

I'm with you on the tan dye, Josh...it's a real booger to get right but looks good when it does turn out. Love the flat back design design on that wheel gun rig...looks like it would ride really comfortable! Nice!

While most of my pancake holsters have been 50/50's...easier to pattern and build...I have built a few flat backs. I could see BHP's point about them not pulling the weapon into your side the same as a 50/50. On the last one I built, I split the difference...I made it about 90/10 on the front and kept it 50/50 on the rear...that way when the customer (6'-4 and skinny as a fence post rail) tightens their gun belt (a MUST!), the slide didn't dig into their waist yet still tucks up tight in the trigger guard/grip area. I wore it around the shop/house for a few days prior to delivery...I'm 6'-1" and slightly bigger than said post rail but it was still very comfortable and easy to present with good retention. In my case, I expanded the front pattern about 7/8" or so in the slide area along that stitch line...I'm not at my workbench right now to look at the actual pattern to confirm. That about sums up my knowledge on the subject...I defer to ChiefJason from this point on.

I'm on the same bandwagon as Dwight...good ol' Weldwood Original in the red can...the potent stuff. I come from a construction background (kitchen cabinets, countertops, etc.)...I've used a bunch of the stuff over the years...I'm very comfortable with it so I've never tried anything else, even when it comes to leatherworking. It can be unforgiving if you don't get the pieces where you want them the FIRST TIME after the adhesive sets up. Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, as Dwight pointed out...unless you're one of those individuals who thinks they have brain cells to spare (I'm not so I don't). Good luck!

Gary, thanks for taking the time to, not only explain, but also take another great photo. Once again...excellent workmanship!

Nice work (and great photos), Gary. Stitch lines follow the contour of the weapon really well. It appears, from the slide side, that these are molded to the front, making for a flatter backside...is that correct? I, too, share Malabar's curiosity regarding the angle of the last holster's LH belt slot.

Fine craftsmanship, Stetson! I agree with LederRudi about the basket weave...beautifully executed!

Nope...I'm still here. I believe Jeff (JLS) has skeedaddle'd...for the time being at least. There were some over on the Off Topic sub forum that got offended at some content that he and a few others had posted...then a mod shut down the offending thread. He's been concentrating on his own website/blog/FB page as of late.

Okay...since I apparently have you close by. My customer base varies slightly from your'n a bit in that they like the contrasting thread...about 60/40, contrasting/matching. My question to you: do you use only white thread in your sewing machine and just baptize the entire thing in dye in the course of construction, per order...or do you go thru the process of changing out the thread to true brown/black/etc, per order? I know that, in the past, when I have dyed white thread to match the surrounding leather, it has dried a slightly lighter color than its "true thread' counterpart (factory black, brown, etc)...but not enough so to be visually off-putting. Swapping out thread in my machine isn't a big deal...bobbins stay pre-wound in my work room and I can do it in a quick-minute...just wondering how others handle workflow.

Real craftsmanship, Dwight...and I'll echo the sentiments of a few others...that saddle tan looks great! Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge & methods on the dip dyeing technique. I've been re-vamping my own methods as of late and have considered utilizing dip dyeing, especially for some of my products where contrasting thread isn't requested by the customer...you've been a big help. Thanks!

Very nice work, Chief...as always...beautiful carving and stamping. I really like how your dyeing turned out, especially the tan pieces...that's sometimes a troublesome color for me, depending on the hide, etc. I bet whoever ended up with that harmonica bandolier is a sure enough beast on stage! And those Bible covers...Wow! I know a church lady or three that have been after me for a few. When measured against my past meager efforts, I can't decide whether I find your'n to be inspirational or discouraging To borrow from your slogan: may your customers live a long time to carry such beautiful and functional leatherwork, sir.

I've been doing some re-tooling in my workshop and wanted to upgrade my makers mark to a machined brass piece. Did a little Googlin' and comparin' (a number of great options out there, btw, both metal and Delrin) and decided to give the folks at High Desert CNC Design/LeatherstampMaker.com a try. Wise choice!...I was very pleased with the results as well as the service & correspondence throughout the transaction. If you're in the market for a makers mark, check out their site...I believe you will find the quality most acceptable and the price equally agreeable. https://www.leatherstampmaker.com

Ditto what Matt and Baja said...oil it and use it...wrap it if you wish...I wrap the real ones, for all the reasons listed by Baja. Lots of resources online (YouTube and Google) as well as here on this forum for holster making...JLS is a great place to start...already has the J-frame stitch line laid out for you...check his link out here and see all the options, read the tutorials and then download the pattern you need. LOTS of helpful info! http://www.jlsleather.com/diy/holster-patterns-diy/ Good luck! Post pics...

I believe Bob at Toledo Sewing had some used CB4500's in stock at a STEAL (saw it on his FB feed the other day)...as in a similar price to a new CB3200...plus, he and his staff goes over them to make sure they run right (like they do all their machines) before they go out the door...worth a look to see if one's still available...may have all been snatched up already.