Double Daddy

Excellent work, Sir...actually looks fairly comfortable, unlike some shoulder rigs...that serpentine stamped belt added just a touch of p'zazz to the rig, too.

I use a construction/wet forming process very similar to Lobo's. After spending much time looking on here and elsewhere at different folks' idea's for drying cabinets, I built my own, using a fellow leatherworker's wiring diagram and parts list...my cabinet maker-uncle built the box and I wired & outfitted the rest. Porcelain heater elements (commonly used for brooder boxes), computer cooling fans, electronic temp/fan controls, a timer and thermostat...it holds temp nicely and has helped me fashion many a holster over the last three years that it's been in use...here's the link...go back a page for the original builder's blog link for his build details.

That's good to know...that this mix can store well enough in large quantities for dipping. Do you have problems with "skimming"...developing a film over the top in that container? I have a old glass spaghetti sauce jar that I keep leftover 50/50 resolene mix in (where I've mixed up a small amount for natural saddle tan or dark brown, etc)...this combined mix only gets used on darker projects like deep browns or black (I don't want to risk contaminating a lighter colored item that I've worked on). I'll pour a little bit out and use it, either with shearing or brush. Still working thru my current stock of resolene...then I'll "graduate" on to M&G. Thanks for the tips!

@Constabulary, @Hildebrand....I keep hearing/reading about the 315...I've seen this video before as well. M'ladies have run me out of the house and into the shop out back...ventilation in there is pretty good so Weldwood has continued to work as great as it always did...but...I can still learn new tricks. I might order a small bit to try soon for myself. Appreciate the recommendation!

Beautifully executed! Fine craftsmanship!

You are in the right place for constructive critique here at LW.net...you should receive good direction and encouragement for your efforts herein (at least I've seen that to be the case nearly all the time). There are a few that believe most teaching videos on the leather-working craft are nothing more that bits of self-promotion released as a means of validation for the creator...and no real good can come from watching any of them. I'm not one of those people. I learn as much by watching (taking mental and written notes for later use at the bench) as I do by actually doing...I can completely "scrub out" the unnecessary garble of a video and focus in on what's being done. Other folks' have a different "take away" to this medium...fine and dandy. As to your video...nice bell skiver!...and I appreciate that you've shown your edge treatment of that chrome tanned step-by-step, including the equipment and all materials used. I know its likely been covered on this forum ad nauseam...but having a video showing the process is not a bad thing either.

What Tug said...Red Can Weldwood is a trusted material (for me), going back to my woodworking/cabinet & countertop building days...I don't fix things that ain't broke. Put it on both surfaces, let 'er dry really good to "just tacky" and get it where you want it THE FIRST TIME...I follow up with a roller, etc. Just be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area so's to keep all yer synapses firing in proper order...thus the appeal (to some) for the non-stink-um options.

My workbenches and equipment are placed in my shop on my home property...no sign, etc to give the indication of a business. I pay the necessary fees as required to be at peace with "the man"...but...no unauthorized company allowed. I have learned that lesson from observing my father-in-law trying to put out work in his taxidermy studio/store front over the years...folks are BAD to want to drop by and watch him work, talk about the local GA deer hunting scene or just hang out...it's a MAJOR productivity killer. A story I heard once about ol’ Ben: “What price the price of that book?” at length asked a man who had been dawdling for an hour in the front store of Benjamin Franklin’s newspaper establishment. “One dollar,” replied the clerk. “One dollar,” echoed the lounger; “can’t you take less than that?” “One dollar is the price,” was the answer. The would-be purchaser looked over the books on sale a while longer, and then inquired: “Is Mr. Franklin in?” “Yes,” said the clerk, “he is very busy in the press-room.” “Well, I want to see him,” persisted the man. The proprietor was called, and the stranger asked: “What is the lowest, Mr. Franklin, that you can take for that book?” “One dollar and a quarter,” was the prompt rejoinder. “One dollar and a quarter! Why, your clerk asked me only a dollar just now.” “True,” said Franklin,” and I could have better afforded to take a dollar than to leave my work.” The man seemed surprised; but, wishing to end a parley of his own seeking, he demanded: “Well, come now, tell me your lowest price for this book.” “One dollar and a half,” replied Franklin. “A dollar and a half! Why, you offered it yourself for a dollar and a quarter.” “Yes,” said Franklin coolly, “and I could better have taken that price then than a dollar and a half now.” The man silently laid the money on the counter, took his book, and left the store, having received a salutary lesson from a master in the art of transmuting time, at will, into either wealth or wisdom. -From Pushing to the Front, 1911

Kinda in the same boat as JLS. Got a repeat customer that insists that I put my mark on ever'thang...real prominent like so that it can be seen (I usually place it inconspicuously on the back side of holsters or inside of portfolios and wallets, etc). One holster I made for him irritated him somehow and rather than consult with me so we could remedy the issue (which might have included me replacing it altogether), he "fixed" it himself (i.e. he butchered it by cutting off the sweat shield where I normally put my MM and removed said extra layer of leather, and "smoothed the edges himself with dish soap ). He was very proud of his "handiwork" and sent me a picture. My response was as expected: any warranty related to that item was subsequently voided and I fully expected him to NEVER tell a LIVING SOUL where he had that item crafted. He seemed immune to the insult...he has since purchased several other items from me (holsters, belts, etc). John Q Public is a fickle beast, indeed...

Outstanding! The Chief sure will stand out from the rest of his department with that being his daily rig.

Yes, they are also known as https://www.leatherstampmaker.com/ ...they made my maker's marks a few years ago...very fine work, indeed!

Please see this link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20110139837 It appears that the "Patent Pending" stamp on the Pocket Hitch is for the overall design itself (i.e. wrapped internal spring similar to a holster clip), not the metal clip holder hardware itself that resides on the front above the lettering. I'm with Josh on this one...such hardware, whether identical or of similar use or construction (see my previous link above), has been in the marketplace for decades. Shall all other makers go full-stop in the production of their goods because Pocket-Hitch stamped "Patent Pending on their product? Last I checked, none of the other manufacturers/brands on the shelves in the tool stores I visit have received the message. As for me, I now have several sources for such hardware in the future should I need/want to make such a product.

No concern at all, Josh...sometimes in this craft, chaos and a little "this 'n that" works to our benefit...as in the case of your dyeing method here. Superb work as always, sir! Thanks for the 'behind the scenes" pics, as well...I saw this sharp lookin' simple rig when you posted it on FB earlier and was wondering if there might be a little more shown to us over here...most appreciated!

As is usual for your work, Josh...exceptional heirloom quality, sir! I'm with dikman...that's about too purdy to do anything with, work or sport-wise!

That is probably the most exquisite and interesting (not to mention unique) piece that I've seen on LW.net in a while. Most excellent!

A+ Products lists them in their online pdf catalog (product #4082 on page 30, top left, about 3/4 of the way down): http://www.aplusproducts.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/APlusCatalog.pdf Elsewhere it says that other products can be ordered in various finishes...not sure if that applies to this item...but maybe??? I have never ordered from this company so I don't know the "particulars"...simply took the time to do a quick search & post here as courtesy...the rest is up to you if you decide to pursue it.

Get more than you think you will need (if you can at all swing it). I've had the 3200 for 6+ years (purchased from Bob with the intent of only doing holsters and other gunleather)...now I do portfolios and other larger projects that machine's limited throat and stitch depth can handle but are sometimes a "challenge". If I had it to do over again, I would have went ahead and got the 4500 (same feet, etc but longer reach and thickness capacity). Don't know who said it...but..."buy once, cry once."

Been using AutoCAD for years so it's just easier for me to work with...draw what I want, line-wise (solid, dashed, phantom, etc), then print/plot it out to full-scale on paper or pdf. Too bad the software is so expensive (at least from AutoDesk)...it seems the tech marketing game is to sell you something "broke" now so's they can sell you the "fix" in six months

Thanks, Jeff (once again!), for your time in putting together this document for the community...most appreciated!

Ditto what Dwight said...except for the white Elmer's glue part...and that's only 'cause I've never tried it. Been using the good 'ol Dap Weldwood Original Contact Cement (in the red can...the strong smellin' stuff!)...it's worked extremely well for me since way back in my cabinet/woodworking/laminatin' days and is available locally...see no reason to try anything else.

I've never understood or appreciated this statement either...if you're not willing to follow the tannery's grading system with THEIR product that you are re-selling, why offer it? Kinda like having a classroom full of kids that can't get anything above a B-, with most averaging a solid C. Then, here comes the teacher declarin' that the B- is now an A, C's are the new B, so on & so forth. Depreciated expectations: not exactly the cornerstone of ANYTHING of quality.

Built a RO pocket holster for a 9mm Shield once...the customer's daily wardrobe consisted of those Duluth Trading "cargo/tactical" pants with the DEEP pockets...I was worried at first that the entire thing would print but NOPE, they swallowed it whole and he was satisfied, which is what it's all about, I reckon.

Great work, Josh...as always. Saw this rig when it landed on FB...wasn't expecting the pictorial on this side of things...appreciate the extra insight into your process!

Thanks for the review, YinTx...very detailed. Nice items, as well! What does the flesh side look like on these sides? I'm not expected Smooth & Clean overall at this price point but was wondering if it needed a set of sheep shearing clippers taken to it followed by sandpaper (you get the idea)...I asked on their YouTube video feed a few weeks back and didn't get an answer

Well...don't that purdy!?! Love that braided look!