Rayban

Gotta get as much of the finish off as you can.....I suggest trying denatured alcohol. When it dries and looks flat instead for glossy, you know it's working. I've done this and have had pretty good results.

I can help you with that Scott. Rg

Here's my dry helper....small space heater, only $8 at Lowe's going on 3 years now.....other stuff I found laying around the house, the wife didn't even miss it.

I can start on a pancake in the morning...have it in the mail the next day.

Does this look like an adequate set-up to get started with? Don't know how "into it" I will get but I would like to explore airbrushing leather. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-5-hp-58-psi-compressor-and-airbrush-kit-95630.html

Ditto....I agree word for word.

I own a 9" (Cowboy 3500) I do mostly belts, holsters and knife sheaths and have never encountered a situation yet (in two years) that's made me wish I had a longer arm. I realized right away that I couldn't do bullet loops directly to the main belt strap, so I worked around that by sewing the loops to a separate leather strap ( easily maneuverable on a 9") then sew that strap to the belt. For larger pieces, of course a longer arm makes sense.

Bruce, are the punches for sale on a ongoing basis, or is it a one-time deal?

That was my problem, I never counted

As you must know, there's a community of collectors of saps, jacks, etc out there.....they were keeping me pretty busy for a while til I decided to concentrate in other areas.

I was getting those when I forgot to give the thread one full wrap around the second (btm) tension wheel. ( I have the 3500) I thought I could thread the machine in my sleep, guess I can't yet.

I agree with Aaron re Paypal. I've used it almost daily for the last 3 years with no problems.

I tried to reply to your email but it came back as undeliverable, so I have PMd you.

I like, but can they be bought without the holes in them? ( I would machine stitch) Thanks, RG

"Why Don't I See Holsters At This Angle?" I'll bet this dude could have answered your question....

I use this often but it's so true in any trade....you're only as good as how well you fix your screw-ups.

So do you tear the house down and start over or do you fix the screw ups?

Just to follow up...I decided to go with red Kids Skin.....Springfield Leather was kind enough to send me samples of red leather they carry....Kid is the guy in the middle. Thanks again ya'll.!

I've had great service and products from Rob at the Blue Guns Store...best prices and fast shipping.

Nice going, I see you're getting along very well with your new machine. 5 holes at 1" apart, or 7 at 3/4" apart is an option I make available to all....I would say their preference is split right down the middle, and it usually depends on how they carry.

You need to check out Al Stohlman's The Art of Making Leather Cases, vol.1 (Tandy, ebay, Amazon).....I believe it's a "must have" for everyone of us on this forum. He even shows you how to make a camera case very similar to the one you are making.

I've seen enough of others' work, so I rate my work where I think I fall with the competition....and price it accordingly, Word of mouth, website, posting on other special interests forums...all add up. And remember, you're just not getting paid for your time, but your talent too.

I'm doing it full-time to supplement my retirement......I only charge $45-$60 for a holster depending on style, enhancements, etc. I consider it all custom because it's all made to order.....I don't have anything on the racks awaiting buyers. I figure only the materials used are my "costs"...my time I consider profit. I'm making money doing it. I don't worry about lights, heat, shop space, machinery amortization, etc...I let my tax guy take care of that at the end of the year. I try to keep is as simple as possible.

You do very nice work, I'm very impressed with those fine looking guitar straps.....I don't agree with your opinion that something can't be handmade if it's stitched on a machine, but that's another discussion. Nice straps.

It was a hobby til I was kinda forced to retire a couple years ago, so I decided to try it as a full time gig...it's been a great supplement and I needed to keep busy, my golf game sucks so much I can only stand to play once a week, and fishing is pretty pricey anymore.....I agree with the above who say anything gun related is a booming biz right now. A lot of customers tell me they would rather work with the "little guy" and of course dig the custom/handmade thing too....and they couldn't care less that I use a stitching machine.