garypl

When I apply Tan Kote I dilute it 50/50 with distilled water and apply with sheepskin scrap. Sheepskin allows you to quickly cover a large area and smooth it out before it dries. When I apply Resolene I always spray with an airbrush and dilute it 50/50 with distilled water. Several light coats better than a thick coat. Gary

We watched my nephew’s two children over the weekend and the 10 year old wanted to make something out of leather. So we made a belt out of two layers of 5 oz Russet W&C, with some black pebble grain upholstery leather for accents. I cut the strips and let him do most of the other work under my supervision (I also sewed it since we had limited time). I think it turned out pretty well and he was so proud of it! Gary

I normally mix pro dye 50/50 with denatured alcohol and it works well and dries fairly quickly. I think isopropyl alcohol will dry much more slowly, but I have never used it, so maybe I will be pleasantly surprised by your results! Gary

Beautiful job on the case! Gary

That design does make sense - thanks!

Looks good! But why did you make the strap from two pieces instead of one? Gary

Wayne - that’s a nice looking first project! Not sure what it is though - any more details? Only criticism I can offer is to finish backgrounding close to the edges - there are some blank areas next to the stitching holes. Look forward to seeing more of your projects! Gary

You can sign up for their monthly email flyer and they always have a good selection of sides and bellies at what I think are fair prices - usually between $145-$160 per side and they will split skirting and carving leather for free. Go to their website and register to receive the flyer. I normally receive my orders with 1-2 weeks except for Summer shutdown that starts later in June or into early July. I have been very pleased with the utility hides I have ordered from the flyer. There are more defects, but I work around them. Gary

Welcome to the forum - look forward to seeing your finished holster! Gary

Another great how-to article Brian - thanks for taking the time to document the steps and sharing with us! Gary

If you can buy the servo and speed reducer locally, I would try just the servo first - you may be perfectly satisfied with it. If you find it still sews faster than you like, then buy a smaller pulley for the motor and/or a speed reducer. However, if you have to pay shipping it might be less expensive to order both together. Personally, I have speed reducers on all three of my machines because I like to go really slow! Gary

Nice looking wallets Kenneth! Gary

How about a strip of Kydex? Seems to hold its shape when used in holster construction. Gary

Artisan machine has sold. Other tools and supplies still available. PM me and I will put you in touch with my friend. Gary

I use Giardini edge paints and they are the most durable I have found. I sand edges smooth, apply a base coat of Giardini Base Coat, then start painting with the edge paint, sanding between coats to remove any wrinkles. Once it is finished, I sometimes put a coat of wax on it, but really doesn’t require any additional burnishing or finishing once you are happy with the finish. Gary

There is also the fun factor! Something about watching that needle and thread going through the leather - I find it very satisfying!

I have used gum trag to smooth out a rough flesh side on small projects, but on larger projects (e.g., bigger than a wallet) I prefer to line the project - just looks much nicer. I have never noticed gum trag rubbing off or staining anything, but if you dye the flesh side first, i would check on a scrap piece to see how much dye rubs off. Personally, I like to always seal leather when it is dyed. Have fun! Gary

Nice job! Only criticism is that it will be hard on your shoulder or hand when carrying with the single strap as shown in your last photo. The two clips are clipped together in the center. Maybe make an extra strap to use when carrying like this. I agree that playing with leather is like yoga - relieves my stress! Gary

Brian - I guarantee you will never go back to using an electric stapler once you use a pneumatic stapler. The pneumatic guns drive staples in just like a nail gun drives in nails - effortlessly! Gary

I have only been able to get forward and reverse lengths about equal if the stitches are set to @2-3 per inch, which is much longer than I ever use. Gary

HS - I use a pneumatic staple gun for upholstery work and it is far better than any electric gun I have used in the past. Not familiar with your local brand regarding reliability, but you should find your pneumatic gun will far exceed performance of electric. Gary

Ohio Travel Bag

My guess is your cuts are too deep. Have you tried practicing with the same leather and bevel shallower cuts? I see lighter leather at the bottom of cuts when they are too deep. Gary

A good friend of mine is getting out of the leather business and wants to sell off his equipment and supplies. He is not good at computers so I offered to help him list items. He has an Artisan 3000 with servo motor and speed reducer - asking $2500. Local pickup in Gainesville, GA. He also has many stamps, presses for snaps, hand tools, dyes, knives and other leather working tools. Please PM me for more information and I will get you in touch with the seller. Gary

That looks great! Gary