Hilly

Hey Art, it would've been nice to post a warning about this one. To each his own, but I really prefer to NOT see animals being tortured. I don't have a problem with killing an animal quickly, and as humanely as possible for food, but I do have a problem with idiots who make a living out of torturing them.

My brother sent me this. Just thought I'd share. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nny412n0Z-U

Wow, Josh! You never cease to amaze me with your progress! I'm very impressed with your holster.

Very nice! Simple, clean, neat! Thanks for sharing.

You can skive with it. It does need to be wicked sharp, though. Just my .02.

I'm a big fan of using a spray bottle with plain water, and a drop or two of detergent. Just spray the area I want to work on till it looks good and wet, let it sit a couple minutes till the color starts to look dry again, and tool away. This way I can work on a small area at a time, and not worry about having a big piece of leather wet for days, and risk mold growth. I also don't need to find a spot in the fridge for it. Try experimenting on scrap, and find the method that works best for you. Most of all, enjoy learning!

Ray, how well does your healthcare system work over there? Is there a long wait for certain procedures, such as MRI's and other expensive diagnostic procedures? Are people there put on waiting lists to be given cancer treatments and such? I'm just really curious about how other countries work with socialized medicine. We are supposed to be getting socialized health care here in the U.S., once all the "wonderful, intelligent, caring, human" beings in Washington D.C. figure out how it's done. From what I hear though, it won't be health care at all, it will be health care rationing, like in other countries. And even if you can afford private health insurance here, the government will dictate the standard by which all privatized health care is to work. So, if I were you, I'd be afraid. I'd be very, very afraid.

Hi all you knowledgeable braiding folk! Well, I'm taking the plunge into your world after many months of admiring your work. I'm awaiting the delivery of a string cutter/beveler/splitter tool from Whitebuff (Clint Sims). I'd eventually like to learn to make my own strings out of rawhide or kangaroo, but for the time being, I'm going to use precut 'roo lace from Springfield Leather. I've got some books on braiding - the ones by Bruce Grant, David Morgan and one by Robert Woolery, and a superb video by Robert Black. I must say that the video was more helpful than anything else. It's always helpful to see it done before your eyes, than read about how to do it! After I become comfortable with the fundamentals, are there any videos or books you recommend for furthering my skills? Are there any websites or books you all go with for inspiration? At first I'd like to make some jewelry for myself, as I'm very allergic to most metals, and have very little jewelry (actually all I have is my wedding band). Later I'd like to take it up a notch, and try my hand at some horse related stuff. I'd like to know what types of rawhide best suit my needs for jewelry, and where is a good place to get it from? I figured I'd ask you guys and gals "in the know" so I don't waste my $$$ buying crappy rawhide. I have the same question regarding kangaroo hides. The price on these is outrageously high, and I'm not sure who to order from and not get totally screwed on price or quality. Thanks for all you help. Hilly

Oooooooh, OUCHY OUCHY OUCHY! Not to mention having a wire stuck through it and an anvil hanging off the other end! That's just wrong in so many ways!

Stupid question: Is a pizzle what I think it is?

Thanks, David. That was very informative! I learned a lot.

Some of you have heard me admit that I can barely tell the difference between the front and back of a horse. I'm wondering why there are so many styles of bits, and what's the difference between one style and the next? I mean some are huge hunks of metal laying across a horses tongue, some are slender, but hinged, some have a curve in them, some bridles (bosal) don't even have a bit etc. Does one type give more sensation to the horse than others? Are they used for different types of work? Someone please enlighten me! I'm just curious and a bit puzzled by it all. Guess I'd never make a good horse owner. I'd just put mine on a leash, and take it for a walk.

Hey, I'm lucky to be able to tell one end of a horse from the other. At the risk of sounding really ignorant, why would one weight reins?

Hi Dirty Ernie! Your answers can be found on page 95, in Al Stohman's book: "Leathercraft Tools" How to use them, how to sharpen them. This book is very informative on the use and care of all your leatherworking hand tools. I got my copy at Tandy. Of course, you could just buy a new one, but wouldn't you rather save that money towards the purchas of a new piece of leather?

That is a wonderful work of art! I love the mix of antique and color! I've been raising orchids in my home for years, so have a soft spot for them. Thank you for sharing!

That saddle is very beautiful. I want one, and I don't even own a horse!

Now Troy, you're being udderly rediculous!

I haven't even tried selling anything on eBay in ages. I'm curious as to what %the fees are up to these days? How much does PayPal take?

I don't think I'd want to subject my expensive hides to moisture and damp basement smells! Maybe all you need is a GOOD dehumidifier? Otherwise, I'd take the hides where it's dry, seal them in airtight containers or plastic bags, and they should be okay for a short while if you want to store them downstairs. I think though, that leather is better kept in a dry environment where it can breathe. I store my hides in an unused bedroom, laying grain side down on the bed. When company comes, I roll them up and slide them under the bed. Lining leather is rolled, and stored upright in big popcorn tins or plastic pails. Just my $0.02 Hilly

How absolutely inspiring! Your hatband looks fantastic!

Thanks for the pics, Johanna. It's really neat seeing the things that other people make. I think I recognised a pair of really hairy chaps there? I really, REALLY wanted to come, and was quite disappointed when my plans went to custard AGAIN. Well, they say the third time's the charm. Hilly

What strength magifiers do you use? I'm thinking of getting one, cuz my old eyes ARE as old as I think they are. I would think that X5 would be pretty good?

Thanks, Brent. Guess if I went to Columbus, I'd look at me funny, too! Indianapolis sounds even better than Columbus, anyway! MUCH closer for me. Still not nearly as close as the one in Illinois....

I've heard that the fumes will do the same thing to your brain without the use of proper ventilation.

I use Dap Weldwood Contact Cement. I Buy it for about $8/qt. at my local home improvement ctr/hardware store. I've never tried the low VOC kind, though.