rawhide1

Very nice work I really like the color contrast in the bosalita. Mike

Hey Thanks fellas for taking the time to help me out. It's much appreciated. Hopefully I can start cutting strings in a few days and get to braiding. These reins wont be anything fancy but at least it some braiding to do. Thanks again, Mike

Howdy all It seems like a awful long time since I've braided anything or posted. It seems all I've been making is strap goods for firefighters such as radio holders, glove holders and truck belts. Although I like to make such gear and it pays pretty good I do miss braiding. So here's the problem I got a order for some 8 strand rawhide roping reins which is great. But I can't seem to find my notebook with all my measurements for string width for different size cores. And I can't seem to remember the numbers to figure the width out. I'm using a 3/16 leather core. So if someone could throw the formula out for me I would be greatly indebted. Thanks in advance Mike

I like it!! So much for the fella that was going to solve all or problems. And to think he won the Nobel Peace Prize!! Go figure. Mike

Congrats JW Best of wishes to the newly weds!!! I'm not gonna lie my girls are 11 and 6 and I'm already dreading that day! It seems they grow up to darn fast most days with a few days of not growing up fast enough. I don't know why the thought of my boys getting hitched doesn't bother me. Go figure! Mike

Aggie Nice looking work! I like the color combo. Mike

Jon I agree with Bruce. I have a old Osborne #84 and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's nice to split a piece and then be able to skive it on the same machine. I don't have a lot of room so the least amount of stuff I have to have around the better. Mike

pete I'm always interested in a good edger. Let me know if ya proceed with it. Mike

Mr. Saddler That would be great to see some you've done. I do appreciate all your valuable input. I'm just hoping I can devote the time needed to correctly do the next one. Thanks again, Mike

John I didn't wash it in anything or use alum at any point. I do believe this would be somewhat flexible if I hadn't inserted the rod. I would like to learn more on this so this is a welcome discussion. I would be very interested in knowing your results when you get one done. Thanks, MIke

John Here's a couple of pictures. Like I said I haven't sanded it or anything else yet. You can see where it shrunk from the wire. I'm not real happy with how it turned out but it's my own fault for not staying after it. I think the next one I try will be from a young bull this one was from a big old bull. I plan on sanding it down and using it for a putter handle or possibly a couple of quirt handles. Mike

John I didn't use alum I just hung it from the shed rafters with a concrete block on the end for weight. I'll try and get a picture up. Mike

John I did get one dried. It turned out alright I didn't stay after it like I should have so it shrank away from the copper wire. I haven't sanded it or sealed it yet. It's still hanging in the shed as I haven't had time to mess with it. If I get time I'll post a picture in the day or two. Mike

Mike Very nice work!! You've come along way baby! I'm pretty envious of ya. All I've been doing is strap work and starting to do a little bit of bike stuff. I'm not bitching as it pays good I just miss braiding I'll stop whining now. Once again very nice work. Mike

Charlie Thanks that's what I'm hunting!! I need to learn how to search better on ebay. I looked under 3d fire dept. leather stamps and nothing showed up. So thanks a bunch. Mike

Howdy I was wondering if anyone had a fire dept. 3D Maltese cross and/or a star of life they would be willing to sell. Thanks, Mike

I was wondering if acrylic paint would bond to clear-lac. The reason I ask is it seems no matter how much I buff a piece I've dyed black the clear-lac will pull some of the black dye onto my paint. Which aint good. So if I clear-lac the piece first and then paint and then clear-lac the whole piece will the paint bond to the clear-lac. Thanks, Mike

very nice work!!! It's on my list of stuff to learn someday. Thanks for sharing. Mike

Brian Those look good when I get some time I'd like to give that fid work a go!! Thanks for taking the time to put that together. Mike

Jerry That sounds good to me. Thanks for answering my question see I learn something every day! Mike

Jerry Very nice work. I've been wondering what makes a project be called fid work opposed to just regular braiding or knot building. I see the different patterns is that what makes it fid work. I was just wondering as there's been a few projects posted lately with fid work. Anyway very nice work. Mike

I like the straight edgers. I like a #2 or three edger. It will just take some time to figure out how much ya like to take off the edges. If ya get a #2 and ya dont like it you can make it bigger by running it up and down a awl shaft with emery paper wrapped around the awl. I reckon ya could get a 1,3,5 if ya have the money. Best of luck, Mike

Savage Thanks I'm restraining it now. We'll see what happens. Thanks, Mike

Howdy all I mixed a batch of vinegroon a couple months back. I used steel wool and a couple of nails. I keep it in a plastic bottle. My problem is I went to dye some skirting tonight and it turned the top and bottom of the leather rust colored. When I neutralized it some went away I then rinsed it with clear water and wiped it down. That got rid of most of it. Why is it doing that does the stuff get old I'm not sure what to think. I did shake the bottle before using. Any help to this problem is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike