garypl

Thanks for clarification Jeff - I have a S&W Bodyguard that would probably be a good fit for this type holster. I will make one when I complete a few ongoing projects and let you know how it turns out. Gary

Looks like this table will be too long to properly fit the CB 3200 - the CB4500 cylinder arm is 6” longer than 3200. Maybe you can cut a few inches off the end and redrill new mounting hole? Better talk to Uwe first!

I only use pigskin for lining, I wonder if it would be too flimsy to use as cartridge loops. I guess I would take some scrap first and make a sample 1 or 2 cartridge holder and see how it turns out before proceeding with your project. Let us know what you end up using. Gary

I have a 4 x 8 foot work table. One corner covered with cutting mats with a 4 ft straightedge attached to the edge to cut long straight pieces of leather. (Leather slips under the straightedge and is clamped to hold it securely while cutting.) Another corner setup with airbrush and fan/filter for spraying dye and finishes. Third corner has granite block covered with brown paper - stamping and tooling is done here along with gluing, edge painting, dyeing small pieces and coloring leather. Brown paper makes drips easy to clean up, I just replace the paper when it gets nasty. 4th corner has bench vise and arbor press for stamping and setting rivets, grommets etc. (vise is not normally used for leather, I used to do a lot of woodworking and a vise always comes in handy for holding things.) 4 x 8 ft shelf under the workbench holds plastic storage bins with hardware, threads, tools, dyes, and any other stuff that I don’t use every day. Sewing machine in another room - keeps it away from dust and dirt. Also have a large table to layout leather to mark for cutting. More often than not, I layout large hides on my pool table - it’s the largest flat area available to work on other than the floor, and my back and knees don’t like working on the floor anymore! Gary

Looking good! You did a great job on the toe plugs. Is the entire rig handstitched? Gary

Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to learn and share ideas, tips, and projects. Look forward to seeing your leather projects. Gary

I like the concept Jeff - very clean and simple! To draw, do you pull the entire holster out of your pocket? Seems like it will be difficult to get a good grip on the handle to pull it out of your pocket. Gary

I can’t think of any reason other than what you stated - use of leather and design element. Possibly use thinner leather to make the cover flap more flexible. Gary

That’s a fine looking sling! Nice job. Did you paint the carvings and letters or is that the natural color?

Great job! I have never tried tooling milled leather, but yours turned out nice. Any tricks versus tooling plain veg tan? Gary

You are spot on! I find the layout and order of assembly to be the most difficult part of the process. Once I have this figured out, sewing on the machine usually takes just a few minutes. Every day and project is a learning process for me. Gary

Very nice looking belt and you did a good job on the background. What kind of leather, dye, finish did you use? Gary

That’s a nice looking holster Alpha - clean design and no frills! Looks like it is not lined? Gary

Greg - I think the bottom end looks great! If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Gary

When you sharpen a V gouge, you must remove the small burr that forms on the inside of the V. If you are only sharpening the outside, the small burr that forms on the inside will prevent a clean cut. You can use an appropriately sized whetstone, very fine sandpaper, shaped leather strop, and probably other ways to remove the burr. I have ruined V gouges trying to sharpen them - it takes some practice! Gary

That looks even easier to attach than a D ring!

Kind of looks like my shop - organized chaos!

I really like these! Did you wet form using a piece of dowel rod? Gary

I agree - you do nice paint work!

I think the paint job is beautiful - you have a steady hand! What’s the inside look like? Gary

Looks like a simple D ring to me. Check out Tandy, Ohio Travel Bag, or the Buckle Guy - they all carry D rings. Gary

That’s good to hear! I use a Tandy creaser and had to polish the ends to get them nice and smooth so they didn’t scratch the leather. Heating the tip with either an alcohol burner or my heat gun also produces a nice burnishing effect in the crease.

That's a nice looking table - how does it attach to the machine? Do yu remove the standard plate from the cylinder and use what looks to be a built-in plate in the new table? Gary

Beautiful work! I like the rifles as well - LH flintlock and mule hammer sidelock - don't see that many of either styles around much! Gary

If you haven’t already tried it, wetting the leather will help.