Regis

Ed, Doesn't look like you can get any more height without taking some parts to a machine shop. I have the 3000 for larger and would want to use much heavier thread if I was going thicker than what would easily fit my portable. I got it for the lighter weight work and so I could take to my daughter's occasionally. Does that just great (with Monster wheel) and I'm happy. Biggest problem I have is seeing exactly where the needle goes into the leather because of the inner foot. Regis

Thanks WaG35 and Randy. What weight leather are you using? I'm using 7/8 for OWB and don't use any reinforcing peice. Are you using reinforcing because of more crush pressure IWB or because you are using lighter leather? Billsotx, that is a great idea. I'll have to try to round up the hardware to try it. Regis

Randy, Did you line the holster? Or is the back of the snap exposed on the inside?

Well, it got really cold here in Florida last night and them gators move p r e t t y slow. Luke has tried to get me doing some inlays so I put 2 & 2 togather and came up with this today for my 30 year old Old Timer. Front Back

Without the Monster wheel, my Consew was very weak. Now does just fine. Just today sewed 2 X 5/6 with 1 X 3/4 oz in middle and it walked right through with 138 & 20 DIA needle. That is about the max I use it for.....then up to the 3000.

Friend sent me pictures from an art contest. Some of them will work in leather. I wanted to post them all but, didn't know how to get them all out there. With Johanna's help finding a link, here they are. If someone needs a larger pic of one of them, let me know and I'll try to send you one from the email I got. One-Page-art Regis

If you mostly do the same size you can get a fixed (not rotary) hand punch. My rotary crushed and I went to standard punch set and the fixed one (for the times I need it). TLF 3236 is like the one I have but 3229 looks stouter and is for sewing.

Gremlin, what do you put under your's when you are engraving? I've tried rubber pad, leather, & wood and haven't found anything that comes out just like a craftaide. My engraver has "strength" adjustment (soft to hard 1-5). Is your's pounding hard or light? I don't understand the "mirrored" because oscellating engraver is hammering the lines down just as they appear. Thanks for reviving this.

Difficult question because you are asking the price of artwork because you are not making the final item. Plus we haven't seen/felt it. Your horse looks very good but, will these each be custom designs or same images over and over with little change. I've shown in some galleries (jewelry) and artwork pricing depends on quality AND reputation of maker. Artwork simply brings what someone is willing to pay. A lot will depend on complexity and how much you need to make per hour. At minimum, decide and hourly cost plus leather and be sure to allow for loss. Then see if they are willing to pay. One caution though, don't use their leather, use your own. Reason is "when" (not if) you mess one up, you can replace it at your leather cost and not their's(which may include other costs like cutting). And, you need paid when you deliver not when they sell the finished item. my 2c

WOW! Kevin, those are just amazing!

So what are some of the things that you carve on non-western holsters like molded/formed holsters for automatics. Traditional floral designs seem more suited to revolvers. Geometrics, figures, etc??? What are you carving/tooling on custom holsters? Ideas?

Sailrite has a variety of colors for the cap Sailrite-snaps

Welcome Buff. this is a good place to hang out. Looking forward to seeing some of your work.

I wonder how that would look with alligator embossed cowhide? Maybe there's a better way hmmm........ Couple years ago, a 500 pound alligator blocked a busy intersection a mile or so from my house. Came out of the swamp beside a McDonalds (that was being built) and onto the road. Took hours to get someone there capable of handling one that big. Soooo, maybe I should put my hands on the real thing and not the embossed.

Great lookin' sheaths Luke. I have some gator that I think I'll try that with.

Those oak leaves are awesome. I really like the way he used both raised and cut veins. That would be a proud addition to a master collection. Congrads Clay

Without seeing for yourself, you just would not believe what all Luke has in that shop!!! AND, it's pretty neat. I'm 7 1/2 hours southeast of him down in the Florida panhandle. Regis

I think Kate posted it originally. I bought mine at Hobby Lobby. It is Woodland Scenics Latex Rubber. And, it really work great (after I followed her instructions to put on more than one coat). Regis

Denise, Beautiful pictures from a northerner at heart (Pittsburgh) living in Florida. Are you in US or Canada or (?)? Snow is so beautiful (unless you must drive in it,,,,,,in a city). Brings back fond memories.

I had same bad experience when I got about a 1/4th of oder I called in from their year end special. That was my very last order from them. I really liked the way Hidecrafters sent an e-mail confirming what was shipping but last couple times I called in order, they didn't have the items. I've had good service from Springfield and TLF. Those in areas where they can go pick up are fortunate. I think if I stepped up from hobby, I'd have to go with Ohiotravelbags, Weaver, and W&C.

Good picture Luke

Welcome back Nick. Just got package in from your old store

Melissa, 1st, welcome to leatherworker.net. Lots of very experienced and helpful folks here. I use satin and super sheen and they seem flexible enough...but, I have't made collars.

Randy, Glad to have you participating and would like to see some pictures.

Welcome Jammon. Glad you found us. There are lots of talanted and helpful folks here.