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garypl

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Everything posted by garypl

  1. I don't have that many patterns to worry about, but you should be able to scan the patterns at 100% to get them in digital format - put some index marks on them to check the scale (If you make two marks a couple of inches apart and mark the distance between them, when you print them back out you can measure the printout to ensure the scale has not changed. If they are too large for your scanner, take them to a print shop - they should have a large scanner that will work. Then you can store the digital files online and on your computer. Gary
  2. I have only bought bonded nylon thread from Toledo Sewing (see banner ads) and I have had no problem and have not tried to buy elsewhere. If it's not broke I don't try to fix it! Gary
  3. That is a very cool bag front! Can't wait to see it finished and painted! Concerning the finish, I recommend you take some scraps of this leather and experiment with different waxes/finishes to see how they wlil affect the color. Then you can apply to your project. Gary
  4. Ross - that makes sense now - what confused me was the holes cut into the wood boards - I guess they are just to make it easier to grab the dies. Thanks for the explanation! Gary
  5. Don't feel lonesome! Edge finishing is often a frustrating effort for me too!
  6. I guess I'm not certain what the wood is used for - I always thought clicker dies were just metal that you put on top of the leather. Does the wood allow for more even pressure underneath the press? Gary
  7. So you unlock the knife, carefully insert the tip and it automatically contacts the two rivets which guide the blade back up. Seems like it would require more space inside the sheath to do this, but it works, so must be something you need to try to really see how it works!
  8. Hey Ross - how are all the wooden forms used? Gary
  9. Hi Chris - I saw this when you originally posted it in 2016, but I still cannot figure out how you reinsert the knife into the sheath so the tip if the blade catches the upper rivet! What is the sequence to properly resheath the knife? Nice design! Gary
  10. That's a great looking wallet! Stamping looks very good. The only comment I have is that the edges look like they could have been sanded/finished a bit more. Nice work! Gary
  11. When you buy leather you normally select the thickness you want. If you request a thinner piece, let's say from Wickett & Craig, and you have to have it split down from a thicker piece - you pay the same price as you would buying the hide unsplit. At least that's been my experience. Gary
  12. My workbench / shop has never ever looked so neat!
  13. I sometimes use a vacuum press for small items - I use my seal a meal vacuum and as long as the item fits in the small bags it does a good job! I put a smooth piece of thin wood under the leather to prevent the diamond pattern from the back side of the bag from imprinting on the leather. Those shop presses I think are only recommended when you are using blue guns - am I correct? I don't think I would be comfortable putting a real gun under that much pressure. Gary
  14. Now that I took a closer look I do see that the stitching doesn't go all the way around the toe! Good point about the rear sight - you could also mold the leather a bit around the cylinder to keep the revolver from going too deep in the holster. That's what I like about leather working - so many different ways to do things and I am always learning! Gary
  15. Beautiful holster! I really like the contrasting colors. Gary
  16. Brooks, that is some very tight molding! Did you vacuum form it or do it by hand? I am always curious to learn what type leather, finish, thread is used to give me a better idea what works best. Nice job! Gary
  17. Scott, that’s a cool looking holster! Do you always use a closed toe design or do you switch between open and closed? I prefer the open design, but I have made them both ways. Gary
  18. Ross, my brain can’t process that stamp design! I kind of see what you are referring to, but I don’t think I could do it! That deerskins lining must make for a nice snug fit. Is it glued to the back side of the front panel? Again, nice job! Gary
  19. Thanks Ross - wish the carving was a little more visible on the darker case - light has to be shining right on it to see it well.
  20. Thanks Kiwi - My wife just wrapped them up - we are exchanging Christmas gifts late this year due to a death in the family. I will take a picture on Saturday when they are opened!
  21. Hey Ross - nice job on the sheath. What weight leather did you use? Also curious about the step between the hilt and the carved front of the sheath - what is the purpose of this? That’s a nice looking stamp design, how did you stamp it? First column up the middle and stamp to the right and left or did you start on one side and make your way over to the opposite side? Only critique is that the center arrowhead stamps are cut off a bit just before they reach the retaining strap. Gary
  22. Thanks Mutt! I am sure there are folks who prefer your design over mine. I appreciate your comment but I think you would be able to sell a lot more using your design because it is more suitable for production! Gary
  23. Finally finished a set of beer growlers for my sons. Made of 4-5 oz veg tan and trim is upholster leather. One handle is made from a crocodile belt I bought 30 years ago - it must have shrunk because it is too small for me now! Bottle is supported by two straps that criss cross and go up the sides of the main body. Finished inside and out with my homemade leather balm made of beeswax, carnuba wax, NFO and lanolin. Outside was also given a coat of Atom Wax. Gary
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