garypl

I notice in the winter when my basement is colder, my bottle of NFO develops whitish particles that settle to the bottom. I put the bottle in my double boiler and heat it up until it turns clear again and it’s good to use again. Doesn’t take long and you don’t need high heat.

Good points made and I have since started writing clearly on my patterns what they are and which side of the leather they need to be transferred to!

Just beautiful!

I like the way you made this sheath! I would have tested some good edge paint on some scrap and worked it a bit to see how well it stood up to repeated bending. I think edge paint should work on this type leather as I have used it on a few soft leather projects like wallets and eyeglass cases and it has not cracked or rubbed off yet. Gary

Fiskars from Hobby Lobby https://www.hobbylobby.com/Fabric-Sewing/Sewing-Quilting-Notions/Cutting-Tools-Mats/Fiskars-Precision-Point-Scissors/p/44793

Chris, the floor finish is a glossy finish. Looks like Resolene - they are acrylic finishes. Gary

I use Pledge or Mop N Glo floor finish - both cut 50/50 with distilled water. I either spray on using a cheap airbrush from Harbor Freight or I wipe it on with a foam makeup sponge. The airbrush is a great way to apply dye or finishes as long as you thin them properly. I like using the airbrush to apply finish after painting or antiquing leather so I don't pull the colors from the leather. You can use an airbrush to easily create a sunburst effect on leather and it puts dye on nice and evenly.

Nice job! Basket weave looks good!

Nice belt - looks like the loops are too tightly spaced - this causes the belt to curl up like yours. Space the loops slightly farther apart and next one should be fine!

I think you did a nice job on it! Two comments: 1. Nose looks kind of big and seems to be straight on versus head that is angled 2. Beveling is noticeably choppy - I would have gone over it a few more times to try to eliminate the ridges from each stamp. That being said I think it really looks like an elk!

Maybe it’s just crappy leather? Have you tried other leathers with similar results?

I just take a small sponge, dip it in water and make a few passes on the grain side of the leather until it looks damp. Then let it sit for maybe 15-20 minutes and start. Normally this works well for me. As I work and leather seems to be getting too dry, I lightly make a pas with a damp sponge (not soaking wet) and wait a minute or two and then resume. Sounds to me like you are just getting the leather too saturated. Try this on a test piece and see how it works for you.

I bought the Tandy Deluxe skiver a couple of years ago when it went on sale for $199.95. It does a decent job and I keep the blade honed. I just split piece about 4" wide and it did fine. Had to keep pulling side to side to get it through, but does work for these wider pieces of leather. Good luck with new boarder - I had my son, Daughter-in-law and two large dogs with me for 3 months (was supposed to be 2 weeks) and it didn't end well!

I like how you think! I already have several N frames in my safe to choose from but I'm afraid the weight would pull my trousers down!

Thanks for comments everyone! Already working on a replacement to this one...

So I decided to make a holster for an N frame S&W revolver. Made a pattern and traced it onto my leather, cut it out, and finally noticed my RH holster was now a LH holster! I put the pattern on the flesh side of the leather so it came out backwards. Decided to finish it just to keep it as a reminder to double check pattern before laying knife to leather!

Thanks Wiz - those look to do a great job! I was thinking about getting a set but they are a bit more expensive than I thought. I will wait until I have a definite requirement for this type of set and then order them!

Looks very nice!

Beautiful work Josh and nice rifle as well! My hands feel tired just looking at all the stamping that went into that border! Gary

I think you will like it. Best to pull leather at a diagonal rather than pulling it straight back - cuts easier. For longer pieces pull back and forth from side to side.

It’s the deluxe splitter with retail of $399.99. On sale starting Nov 20, for $199.99

I have a Tandy splitter and it works well for leather up to @3” wide. You have to keep the blade honed. If you are doing a lot of belt length straps you would be better off with a motorized splitter, but for short runs I am very happy with mine. Bought it at half price around Black Friday sale a couple of years ago. I just received a Tandy flyer and it goes on sale again Nov 20 for half price.

Welcome and nice work! I'm on the east side of Atlanta - halfway between Atlanta and Athens. Gary

Bob, do you sell inline feet for the 4500?

I agree - really nice job you did with this!