Double Daddy

I looked at your other post/pics...very nice work! If you don't mind me asking...what type of machine do you use? I'm using a CB3200 presently but am looking at adding a lighter duty machine for smaller items (e.g. Consew P1026, etc). Just wondering since some the boot leather on your work seems delicate and a 441 style machine seems like it would "track" pretty heavy, despite all effort to reduce top tension.

Neat concept. I like how you worked the pattern layout to include the decorative piece from the top of the boot (??) into the lower muzzle area of the holster. Interesting prototype...will be following to see how this washing out.

Exquisite, heirloom work, Josh...in every aspect.

Good information, folks...thanks! I will give a look around locally for the Aussie or Sno Seal. I also have a few repeat customers that are adamant about not having any sort of acrylic coating on their field gear...just an oil finish. Got one old hillbilly, in particular...only wants pure neetsfoot on his field holsters...thus, they get a dose of that after going thru the molding, drying cabinet, etc. Normally, I use a saddle soap/NFO combo for a rub-down...it enriches the dried out leather, darkens and blends the color a bit while making it a little richer in depth. Afterward, I'll buff it slightly on a cotton wheel to take away any dullness or soap boogers I might have missed.

I'll second that motion...any time you're ready to share, feel free to teach us.

Very nice work, Dwight. I agree with chiefjason...that brass halter snap is a KISS method for on/off...looks good with the style of the rig, too! Angle/body adjustment I see there as well? Well thought out...looks comfortable too. The knife sheath and Cactus holster are equally well crafted...

That is some clean, quality craftsmanship!

I generally use the AutoCAD software that I have access to at my day job for my patterns...most folks, however, aren't fortunate enough to have access to the software or have an employer that flexible (my lunch hours are not spent relaxing...make hay while the sun's shining). I've also used DraftSight (will create .dwg, dxf, etc) on my home computers since Autodesk products are $$$$$ for the full versions...they're actually monthly/lease/subscription basis only now, as I understand it. I'm always open to trying other options, software-wise...I might give QCAD a try and see what comes of it.

Great job!...a real utilitarian, minimalist approach. I'm with Mutt about the Kimber revolver...I've been doing some serious lusticatin' ever'time I handle one or even see a picture. I'll have one eventually but my kids keep insisting that they have to eat, new shoes, etc...and the wife wants money for the power bill and other "necessities"...no money left for things I need.

Very clean craftsmanship, Forester. I'm with alpha2...the formed belt loop on the 1911 holster is really trick...

I agree with garypl and kiwican...nothing less than upper-3-figures for attracting the right clientele to appreciate the heirloom quality of your work and the time you put into it. Don't let the shallowness of some folks' pockets or the tension of their purse strings determine the value of your craft...for them, there's always Wal-mart.

Great looking holsters...done up on heavy duty equipment with quality materials. Top notch...I especially like the hook design on your pocket holsters...

Goody, goody...more pics! Man, that thing is cavernous!...deceptive, even, in how much space it seems to have. Great material choices and design!

That HAS TO BE one of the most singularly unique leather projects I've seen in a while on this forum. Absolutely stunning work...material selection, carving & stamping, dye work, etc...all of it is a pleasure to behold. Whoever ends up with that piece is getting heirloom quality work, for sure and for certain. Any attempt on my part to proffer technical advice in the leatherworking arts to you, ma'am, would be like the drunk, out-of-tune yodeler trying to lead the cathedral choir. I will agree with Mutt and the others about the pics...more the better!...especially when such work is as good as your'n! Thank you for sharing!

We are not worthy...we are not worthy! Seriously, though...heirloom work, Josh...as is your way.

Quality craftsmanship!...Love the arrowhead stamping pattern, too.

I posted a link to the website...not sure why it didn't take. Let's skin this cat from a different direction...I posted a review of these stamps back in August of last year when I first received them (I was doing some re-tooling in my shop and new brass maker's mark stamps were part of that effort). Here's the link to that LW.net thread that I started...the link to the supplier's website is in there along with my review of the product:

At some point, I will do what you did to my arbor press ram...drill a nice deep hole with set screws on the side...so that I can use my leather stamps in it...best of everything! The magnetic chuck doesn't leave any room for such work once its in place and I'm not about to start chopping off all of my stamps to fit! That was the beauty of the drill press (lots of vertical room/adjustment AND a chuck to hold everything)...but it ultimately put too much stress on the table mount...at least in my case.

It's been interesting to read all the responses thus far...I'll throw my two cents worth into the jar, I reckon. My little brand is EagleWoods Leather. The Eagle portion comes as inspiration from Isaiah 40:31..."But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." It was a favorite verse of my late father, who was a minister. Woods is simply my last name. I use two maker's marks (brass construction from ). Depending upon the size or style of the item that I'm working on, I'll use one or the other (wallet or small pocket holster would get the EWL...larger holster or belt get the USA stamp)

I used a bench top drill press for a long time for lots of pressing and setting functions...as well as spinning my sanding drums and my cocobolo burnisher. It worked well right up until all of the pressing/setting stress finally weakened the knuckle arm where the table connected to the vertical post and it cracked and failed...now I just use the press as a sander and burnisher (no sense in tossing it when the motor still works great). I have a 1-ton arbor press and a keyless chuck adapter with powerful magnet built into it...it just grabs right onto the ram and I can use the short/cheap line20/24 snap setters or take it off and use the ram face to press my brass maker's mark. Here's the link to the keyless chuck that I have: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Arbor-Press-Magnetic-Pin-Press-1-2-Chuck-Tool-APMT0-5/252843022376?hash=item3ade9e5828:g:PJoAAOSwc-tY4oNz

While I personally have found the Ranch Hand to be one of the more awkward weapons for me to utilize (I have no need for one but TETO), I love seeing what different rigs craftsfolk come up with for them...your's here are no exception. Very fine work, sir. I like the color of that scabbard as well as the extra loops...nice package, overall. The Contender is a serious piece of no-nonsense piece of hunting gear...the ones I've used over the years have been well-balance and accurate. Your holster here is a fine piece of field kit for such a tool. Love those tan colors!

Mighty fine craftsmanship...love the contrasting colors (dye and thread choices)...really works well together.

Not sure what your access to building materials is like in Ireland...but...here in the States, a SOLID core door blank makes a fine table top for various grades of work duty...they are available in several different widths, are smooth & flat, and, thanks to their solid internal construction, can be cut down the required size. I've used them on several projects, including my current workbenches. The current trending price for one in my area (36"x80") is about $70. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Masonite-36-in-x-80-in-Smooth-Flush-Hardboard-Solid-Core-Birch-Veneer-Composite-Interior-Door-Slab-104280/100064572 Be sure that it's not a hollow core version, mind you...they look very similar...one of those will never last under the strain of the pounding, clamping, etc...even if you manage to cut it and it not fall apart.

Here lately, I've even been playing/sampling around with combining a light pre-treatment (of sorts) of paste saddle soap along with the N.O. before final finish...darkens things up a tad and adds a little depth. to the color. as well. Not sure if this idea is any more beneficial that N.O. alone as far as getting conditioners back into the leather after it comes out of the drying cabinet. However, this technique did wonders for the newer non-gunleather/accessory dye colors I've been experimenting with (red, royal blue, green)...they're too "light/bright" for my taste, otherwise.

As always from your bench, Josh...fine lookin' leather for a fine weapon. That oil coat (prior to finish) sure looks rich, don't it?