Regis

This is an interesting conversation that I would like to interject perhaps a scholarship concept. Where I live, there is little of no chance of encountering an upcoming leather-worker but, in about 10-15 years, my ever growing shop of tools will have little or no value to my wife or children (except for a few memento's). The resale value for unknowing people in a weak leather area is poor at best. I would relish the though that I could place all my tools/machines into a learning repository where they could never be sold but, could be given to qualifying young folk. Who could oversee and manage such an inventory? Someone would have to catalog, store, decide what is good (vs someone's discards/trash), and of course measure applicants against scholarship guidelines. Some thoughts, Regis

Medic, Glad to have you join us. I'd like to see one of those suspenders. Welcome

Only way I know (and do) is to cut the post shorter. I've used side cutter but, then you have to open the hole. Someone here suggested a cutoff wheel on a dremel and that's what I do next time.

Luke, [lol] Yep that gusset isn't so good.....and I even had peice laying nearby that would have fit. I'll have to stop taking those close-up shots cuz I see more (much too much) with these LARGE picture. It really looks good from 10 feet.

Friends of ours asked me to make her husband a belt pouch mostly for medications he must carry. Here is what I cam up with. Just sewed on 2 belt lools on back. I may make a 2nd one and line it. Tooled Dyed & Antiqued Front Open

Mike, Glad you are joining. Do you have a particular interest?

Nick, Welcome to the forum and this is a great place to hang out and learn. Looks like you've got a good start.

Here is old contact info I have. I got knife and 1/4" angle blade and am very happy with it. Henley Manufacturing Co. Inc. 4229 Pro Street Shreveport, La. 71109 (318)631-3545

chinkmaker, Glad you found us and hope to see some of your work. Enjoy

There is a small Silentaire Scorpion compressor on ebay with # 330177547345. Hundred bucks buy-it-now price

Pete, He does get a nice effect and they are beautiful. The ones I looked at on his site almost look hand painted because the lines are wider than I was thinking. I'm looking to fill the narrow cuts and just the edges of deeper depressions. It would appear as fine highlighting lines.

I've been using antique more for darkening cuts & an depression details than for the soft somewhat overcast color it produces on natural leather color. Now, I would like to do the opposite. I would like to dye black or dark brown and then use a white or other "light" color to get into those cuts and depression details. Anyone have a product or technique I could use? Thanks, Regis

That's cool. I like it!

I picked up this 1907 leather post card and a local auction. 1st I'd ever seen. Seems to have help up pretty well. Johanna knows where East Pittsburg is.

Welcome Nixon66. This is a great place to get help starting and growing your skills. And, best of luck with "need to get good relatively quickly ". A lot of that will depend what you already can do and on the level of detail you want in the sheaths. Plenty of bonified experts here that are willing to help.

Tom, Great to have you here as you will get lots of help as you grow in leather. The items you describe could be done more than one way and it would be good to narrow your interest or try a little of each. - you could design, carve, tool, dye, and assemble - or buy leather in the color you want and just cut out and assemble the peices - To assemble, you could glue, lace, or hand/machine sew A lot depends on the types of experience you are bringing with you. I would not spend a lot on tools to begin with until you understand the tools you need for what YOU want to do. There are a lot of good books and video/cd's at Hidecrafters, TLF and others. Are you near a store that sells tools & supplies like TLF (tandy)? If you would like to carve and tool, there are some very online tutorials Like Paul Burnett's Painting Cow News Letter. Look over this site at Show Off and the Gallery to get ideas Of what you would like to do. Well, I went on a bit but, most of all welcome and ask away as there are truely a lot of very helpful folks here.

Mike, Welcome to our great forum and that is really nice work. It may be pretty quiet here this weekend 'cuz many folks have gone to the IFoLG. What did you use for finish over those great brilliant colors?

Sure is a nice shop. You made everything real handy. How/where are you storing leather?

"or maybe get you a mule and a couple of monkeys to help you out." I'll take that up with homeowners association next week I think you got me on track of reality....thanks

I don't know much about splitters and I'm trying to determine the value of a splitter for small low production shop. My interests are wallets, folders, holsters, & brief cases. Are splitters (4, 6 or even 8 inch) mostly for belt/strap makers? I could see where 6 or 8 inch may be good for wallets . It would be great to buy side(s) (e.g. all8/9 oz) to make different items but it seems the practical width limits are 4, 6, or 8 inches (not enough for folders or cases). Would someone jump in and give me some practical examples of using these size splitters in a non belt/strap shop? Thanks, Regis

JPH, Welcome to the best place to get help....but, you'll probably have to get a little more specific (design, cutting, tooling, finishing, etc). Get one of your projects in front of you, a cup of coffee, and ask away. Pictures will help (and I assure you that your's can NOT be worse than my 1st ones). There are a number of absolute experts here in each of those areas and best of all, they are willing to help. Again, glad you found us.

Welcome Luke and Christine. That is very nice work that you posted. Looking forward to seeing more of your designs. Are your book covers lined or just flesh side in? Once again, glad to have you join us. Regis

Kevin, Just a great tutorial and finished product. Lots of great pic's. I never thought of using seam tape with the soft lamb. Thank you very much for taking time to produce this and sharing. I'll start one today for my daughter as I think I have everything here.

Kevin, How do you trim the (lamb?)border on the inside. Do you cut it with knife or sissor after you sew? Or do you trim to fit and glue down and then sew? Or???? Thanks Regis

I can only add my compliments about your fine work. Thanks for sharing.