garypl

I use the red Weldwood and find it to be very strong. Always sand or scuff the surfaces, especially on the grain side. You must let it dry to the point you can touch it and it does not feel tacky. Use a smooth hammer or roller to go over the glued areas to really set the two pieces together. I always sew the pieces after gluing - I would not trust just glue to hold things together over a long period of time. Not good to breath fumes for a long time, but most of my projects are smaller, so I am not breathing fumes for more than a couple of minutes - place a box fan nearby if the fumes bother you. Stuff is flammable in high concentrations, so I’m told. It is nasty to get off if it gets on your fingers. But some 5mm gloves at Harbor Freight - they cost @$6-7 for 100 gloves and they will keep your fingers clean. Gary

Looks good! Gary

Hello Wayne - welcome to the forum. You are very talented as seen by your project photos - very nice detail work! Look forward to seeing more of your projects. Gary

I love sewing on my 4500 - I switch from 138 through 277 threads and rarely have to play with tensions - it just chugs along with thin and thick leather! Like Wiz says, hold the threads when you start - it really tries to pull the top thread back. Keep it well oiled and you will have many years of good service. I always sew a test piece prior to starting my project to adjust stitch length for the thickness of the project. Gary

You can buy bag stiffener from Tandy. I bought a piece several years ago to use with a portfolio and it worked well. I think it was about $20 for a 48 x 36” piece. There are other products you can use and if you search for bag stiffener in this forum I am sure you will find many ideas. Gary

Those are nice looking Dopp kits! Did you use a template/plan or design yourself? Gary

I agree with Mike - get a cylinder arm machine like the Cowboy 3200 with an optional table and it will cover all of the items you described. I have the table for my CB4500 and rarely use it. Call Bob Kovar at Toledo Sewing and he will fix you up with the right machine. Gary

Thanks for the details Colt. Where do you get your kipskin? Gary

Nice job Colt! Will you provide details on materials used, finish, etc? Gary

Thanks! I used Saddle tan pro oil dye and then applied antique without sealing the leather - made a nice dark finish. Knife fits snuggly because I made a welt that is almost exactly the thickness of the blade. Not worried too much as it will be in a kitchen drawer! Thanks Noob!

Good to know! I have powder horns made from cow horns that I have used for 50 years and they look as strong as ever, but they really don’t have any stress points on them. I’m sure your friend will enjoy this bag for many years! Gary

Really nice looking bag. Have you used D rings made of horn before or have you tested their strength? Just wondering if they will hold up in the long term. Gary

Made a protective sheath for my son’s kitchen knife. Tandy 8-10 oz veg tan with 207 thread. Finished with Fiebings Saddle Tan Pro dye, Dark Brown Antique, acrylic finish and Giardini Black Dense edge paint. Gary

Hi Mutt - do the snaps from Buckle Guy work ok with the Goldstar press? I am using Goldstar snaps and they seem to work ok, but if there are better snaps out there I would like to use them. Gary

Stetson - I like it! I have a question and a comment: Does it fit in a shirt pocket? Seems that 3 layers of 4-5 oz plus the pocket notebook makes for a pretty thick package to put in your shirt pocket! I think a lighter (thinner) thread would be more visually appealing - just my opinion. Anyway, nice job and gives me some motivation to try freehanding some designs. Gary

Mike - the top of that skull looks amazing (whole project looks great, but that particular detail really pops!) Gary

Nice looking family Ryan! I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters and there is nothing like growing up in a large family, especially during the holidays, birthdays, etc. Now that we are all grown with our own children and grandchildren it is difficult to get everyone into one picture! We need more family values in this world of ours. Gary

I use a small dead blow hammer with a disk of 10-12 oz veg tan glued to the face.

You can buy sides from Wickett & Craig in PA - they will normally split it to whatever thickness you want at no extra charge. I get their monthly email specials and you can usually get nice sides for $150-160 plus shipping. That should last you a fairly long time if you are doing small projects. Springfield leather also has nice leather at reasonable prices and they will cut smaller pieces so you don’t have to buy a whole side. I have heard good things about most of the advertisers listed in this forum, but I have only dealt with W&C and Springfield. Gary

I ordered a template on Sunday, Feb 24, and received it in the mail on Thursday, Feb 28. Nothing to complain about that! Gary

Great looking holsters and really nice photography! Gary

Welcome Bruce! I have. Techsew 2700 - these are nice machines for lighter leathers. Gary

Cowboy Bob sells them at Toledo Sewing - see banner ad at top of this forum. Gary

I’ve never noticed this type odor in any leather I have purchased. Suggest you unroll the hide and leave it in a well ventilated room out of the sunlight and see if it dissipates in a few days. Gary

I apply Tan Kote with a damp sponge. It dries quickly so you have to work fast - kind of like brushing lacquer on wood. If you go over the same spot too many times you get streaks. Gary