indypbear

Scouter, Got to live chat if you are in the viw mode. Indy

Brent, I get a really good edgewith these steps: 1) edge bevel with correct size for thickness of leather or sand edge if approximating two or more layers to make them even 2) apply gum tragacnth liberally and let sit for apporx. 10 minutes 3) slick with cocco bolo(hardwood) or antler slicker 4) rub with denim or canvas to smooth out (it needs to get warm to bond fibers) 5) apply edge color or leave natural and "let it dry well" 6) either spray or daub on finish of choice. For items that flex a lot I use a wax based fiiish that can be buffed. My $0.02 worth. It works for me. Hope this helps. Indy

Maeshin, Try a good black oil dye in a place that can't be seen rubbing it in well. I personally like Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax for a softer finish because it buffs well with the wax in it. More coats won't hurt for the rest of the jacket also. It goes on cloudy until you buff it then you'll like the finish. I had a prize black leather coat that a drug head bit my arm when he was being arrested leaving teeth marks and scuff. That's what I used on my coat in 1976 and I still have the coat. My $0.02 worth. Hope that helps. Indy

Scouter, that's a nice looking sheath. Keep up the good work. Is that for a Scouting friend? When people see that sheath you'll be busy. Recently, I asked about a pattern for a can/bottle holster, got a couple of photos/patterns, modified it to fit both and am now making more of them than I bargained for by the power of one (one person tells one who tells two, etc.). Have you had WB yet? I made Poohbear slides for the patrol members and sucked up to the Coach Counselor & SM with personal ones. Pooh was colored with Cova Dye (arcylic) and turned out pretty good for 30 years ago. Those were populr too-for a while. Happy toolin'. YIS/V, Indy

RDB, you've got it nailed-you figger'd goooode. Don't undersell your talent 'cuz when your gone they'll want to come back for more and will pay higher prices and the supply won't meet the demand. Moral-get your price NOW!!! WOW-you're making $1 per hour! Indy

rdb, Belts look good. I like the finish you've used. Thst's not my favorite part of leather work. Wish you success at the fair. You mentioned that you were having to more makers stamps made. We make Delrin™ and mag. stamps. Who re you having make yours and what material? Glad you're back in the madness of leathercraft! Indy

Hey Bro., I see six snaps on the cover but only one centered on the block per side. Is the one strong and stable enough to hold carrying it loaded with tools by the handle? Indy

Harvey, Call David Reis at the Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal 888-289-6409 or 715-362-5393 <journal@newnorth.net>. Indy

Hey Timbo, That's what those neat little anvils are for-setting rivets:)! It saves wear and tear on marbles or granites and keeps me from#$%^&@#$@ing!!! What is a Grizzly store? Indy

Marlon, I have a raw concrete floor which is dusty. I'd love to uncover it the stuff stacked and packed and seal it with an epoxy or other sealer then re-apply my snap together cushion pads for my traffic area. That makes it easier for cleaning and standing. Indy

Scouter, Chaylor-Fenneli from Australia are probably the best insides out there. Hide Crafter does not sell them but you can check with the lead Mike posted for Chaylor-Fenneli and they can tell you who's is handling their insides. I just checked with Ron @ Hide Crafter and he said they are discontinuing several of the good ones they handled from another supplier also. I'm not sure what they will behandling in the future. Indy

Marlon, Why does it need to be polished if the surface is flat? A guy in Hudson Oaks wanted me to buy his polished screw up for $150 dollars and I don't see the need for polished surface. What are the dimensions of your pieces? Just my $0.02. Indy

Hey Troy, Where and how you been boy? I haven't heard from you in a long time. We've talked at Hide Crafter. Teresa and I didn't survive the business sale, but that's a good thing at least for me. That is a boootifull saddle and we're glad to have you on board (with your daughter's help). Give her a big hug for us. Where would we be in this world of the "technically declined" older guys like you, me and some other in here? Indy aka John

Bryn, Send me some specifictions for your plate and I'll work on the price and imprint method for you. We do some imprints using my Tippmann 15 ton clicker press and our dies. Indypbear aka John @ Front-Line Products, LLC <front_line42@yahoo.com>

Hey Bro., Nice detail, where's the mint mark:) Indy

Hey Brother, That's a nice job. I need to create something loke that to keep me organized with my classes. Good job on the Sq. & Comp. also.. I'm with Bro. Randy, lets see the inside. Got your own gavel rack on the side also:). Indy, PM

Sorry about coming in late on this but here is my .02. Get a feel for your market and don't under sell your product. Chan Geer, Jim Linnell etc. can get top $$$ (10x) for their product 'cause they have name/product recognition in their market arena. You'll get there but starting with keystone (2x) your material costs is a bare minimum. I personally started with 3x material costs. I agree with the demonstration of "crank" vs. quality touchy-feely sells the product. If they don't like the price they can have WalMart or Dollar General make them. "Oh Well-tough s--t, next case"!!!! Sorry, but I don't tolerate retail and price whiners well. They waste our valuble time and some of us have darn little left!!!!! soap box over. Happy toolin', Indy

Kevin, Don't mind Marlon, he just finished a class with Peter in Fort Worth and hasn't gotten over it yet. He'll settle down soon. That's a good first piece. You've got the idea about subtle techniques now just perfect them and the beveling with practice. Practice with the decorative cuts every chance you get on a piece of cased scrap and strop that swivel knife every time you pick it up. It'll come with time. Happy toolin' & keep up the good work. Indy

Hey Deputty Dawg, Nice lookin' handthang. She must be some one you know and trust to make somethin' to hide a weapon! that well made. Just kidding!!!! Indy

Send your email address to <front_line42@yahoo.com> along with other contct information and i'll do my best to help you with information regarding some of our stock and specialty items. We don't have a .pdf catalog but i can send pictures of or create a custom one for you. Our customer base is mostly in the custom market. I worked for Hide Crafter for about two years and am dedicated to providing the best product for the price for my customers. We look forward to hearing from you. John

Hoyden, I have attached a USMC and a Masonic if your interested. Both are 1 1/4" dia. Sorry, we don't have dog bones or paw prints. If you are interested in any others we will send pictures. Most of our customers either have a retail shop or do volume concho purchases for their manufactured items. Let me know how we can help you. Indy aka John Front-Line Products, LLC

Thanks Duke, We just started production on the Floral Rope with Fleur de Leis nd it will take about 6-8 weeks at least. Are you looking for anything specific? We have the USMC, Horned Frogs and several others including assorted western, Christian cross and bikers. We don't have out website up and running but I can send you pictures of several on a composite sheet. indy aka john

Scouter, It's relative to a couple of things IMO. The radius you want the edge to have and the weight of the leather or project you're edging. I use all 4 sizes in various situations. You'll get many different opinions but try them out and see which one gives you the best edge for the majority your projects. Indy

FYI- If anyone is in the market for conchos check out our listing in the Marketplace under Items for sale-Assorted conchos. Our newest concho (Fleur de Leis w-rope border) looks better in person and is going to come all Rubbed silver, silver w/ gold Fleur de Leis and gold Fleur de Leis w- gold rope border. Indy

To anyone interested: We are creating a new Floral Rope border with a Fleur de Leis in the center in three styles and one size to start (1 1/4"). Price will be relative to volume purchased and will range from $1.75 to $3.00 ea. We also have the USMC and are working on market interest for the USN, USA and USAF in an 1 1/4". I can be contacted at <front_line42@yahoo.com>. Indy Front-Line Products, L.L.C. "If You Don't See it-ask anyway, We'll Help You Find The Answer" Fleur_de_Leis_w_rope_border.pdf Fleur_de_Leis_w_rope_border.pdf