TSes

I don't think it has a name, other than a diamond pattern. The easiest way to do it is by using a round awl. Draw the square shape first, then connect the corners to make a big X using the awl. Lay the awl down pretty flat so it doesn't scratch the leather when you drag it. Then lay a 1" ruler next to the line, and make the rest of the lines all the way to the corners. You might want to practice on some paper first, and adjust the spacing so it looks correct your project. You can use a swivel knife if you want, but an awl does a good job. Then use the seeder at all the line crossings. Use a small seeder so it eliminates the small x inside it.

Very nice. A nice "custom" look, with a simple, very adaptable design. That will work well if the maker wants several more in a short time.

Something else to consider is the cost. Even a small hand operated press with some dies is going to be several hundred dollars. Your sales will dictate if the expense is worth it.

The safety style works real well. It is designed to only take small amounts off at a time. Lets you gradually work it to the shape you need.

Tandy sells them as "domed rivets". 2 sizes- 7mm and 10mm. They sell setters for them also.

Any man made surface will have a little bit of give to it. It'll work, but you won't get the deep, clean impressions that you want. Good stamping needs a smooth, solid, hard surface mounted on a solid table or bench.

Hopefully, the shop owner wants the finished product in his shop. That way you won't have to take time to fit each one. We keep size 30 through size 50 in stock at all times. His sales will determine what is best for you. Usually, 36 through 44 make up most of our sales. This is for a standard, not fancy belt. The first thing for you to do is make a specific sized belt in your normal way. We make only even numbered sizes (32-34-36-etc.). We make our center hole 5 1/2" from the tip, and add 3 1/4" at the buckle end. Take the belt apart, and measure the total length. Then subtract the size of the belt, and the remainder is the amount to add on to any size you need. Using our measurements, a size 40 belt would need a blank of 48 3/4". A ranger style or lined belt won't work using this formula. We only use 2 buckles. Stainless or brass of the same design. Too many options mean more precise measuring. Hope this helps.

I'd say your first try was a success. Very nice job.

One of the best hand stitched bags I've seen. Really great job.

Looks great. I'll bet your next project won't have so much backgrounding to do.

I've not had any trouble with Fiebings or Tandy dyes. Just follow directions on the bottles, and both brands will work well. Read some old posts in the dyeing forum and you can get some other views and tips.

Has someone claimed these yet?

Next time try Lexol conditioner on your old leather. It replenishes oils and only makes a slight change in color, if any. I don't know of any way to highlight the tooling. All the regular ways to do it make the leather darker. I've never used olive oil, so I don't know how it will react with standard waxes or finishes.

I agree with JLS on the stamping. I always preferred a border line around the stamped area. Kind of cleans it up some. Just my opinion. Other than that, it looks pretty good.

I never cared much for them. I always preferred steel. Try it before you replace it.

It's probably ruby stone. Tandy stores sold them years ago.

Got mine today.

We use the bigger model in our shop. It works very well, and is easy to use. We usually make 40 to 60 belts at a time, so the time savings is tremendous, and that justifies the high cost. I've not used the smaller version, but I'm sure it works just as well. If you're only doing a few belts at a time, that's probably the way to go.

That's an edge creaser. You dampen the edge of your project and push the tool down the edge. It will round over the edge and make a bead line. You hold the tool vertically, and with the long edge of the tool hanging over the edge of your project. Then push the tool with some good down pressure to get a finished edge.

Thanks CraftyNick. The color is Tandy's EcoFlo mahogany gel antique. I applied the antique directly on the raw leather. The picture is slightly browner than the actual color. I finished it with Master spray with lanolin and wax. That's a product made for shoes. Tom

Here's a Christmas gift for everybody's special uncle. Tom .picasa.ini

I don't make a one size fits all. I start at 6 1/2" and go to 9" in 1/2" increments.

The longest bracelet I make is what I call a size 9. It's 9'' between snap centers and will fit almost all big wrists. I also use 7/8 leather.

Thanks to all for the positive responses. Bdpeters- That is a Barry King border tool Tom.

Had a customer request a Western style holster for a Colt 1911. Not the best gun for that type of holster. I came up with this. I think it could have had a little more floral work, and less background, but I tried to match up with an existing belt he uses. I'm pretty happy with it overall. Tom