niterdr

Thank You Very Much for the compliments. I am going to take the advise and see where it goes for me. Alex

After using this I am going to make holes lower as suggested. Rounding the edges was real easy with the new sanding sponges on the market, they conform easily to round off edges. I have already started on another set of uprights with smaller (height) jaws as some of the cases and sheaths I make have very little room to hold on to. The new jaws will be 1/2" x 3 - 4 1/2" narrow enough that they won't interfere with a belt loop or clip. Will post pic's soon. Alex

Both Lee Valley and Rockler Woodworking Tools have the cam levers. They come in 2 sized 1/4" and 5/16" I found the 1/4" too small for this. Alex

Got frustrated without one so I had to build me a stitching horse, I used 5 oz milled veg tan for the jaws, Oak for the upper and poplar for the base (Less chance of splinters) Please let me know your comments!

Thanks for the idea's, Can't use wool due to an allergy but I might get away with some faux suede or other lining. Alex

Actually I was not aware of the CSCL annual meeting, I may just look up the info and drive there. Thanks for welcoming me to the forums!! Alex

New to the board but not a newb to leather. As a tween I learned that my skin does not agree with "Base Metal" in watch cases. The only way for me to wear a watch was to have a strap behind the case, that started my long history of working (Dabbling) with leather. That was during the 70's when leather was a fashion statement especially hand tooled! In 1976 I spent some time in the West Coast where I met and spent time with some leatherworkers who made Belts, Jackets, Pants and sandals with tire tread soles even!! They had a store called "Mom's homemade happiness and the Banana Bros." Guess the name kinda says it all. I did learn from my time with them though. This along with the fact that I hate Vinyl and how easily it wears out, Love working with my hands love the beauty of leather, Makes me who I am today "An Old fart with contact cement fingers and calloused hands". During all the years working with leather I never did learn how to Carve leather so that is my new goal! Hope to be able to learn and share ideas with Y'all. Almost forgot, Spent most of my life as a Cabinet/Pattern Maker, If anyone needs info on that topic I would be glad to help there too. Alex Niagara Area Canada

Thanks Tom, I was just worried about the natural oils in the leather getting on the lenses. For the last 30+ years I was known as the guy that always had on a pocket T-shirt with reading glasses, pen and paper. The case is going to be totally utilitarian with an open top and pen holder on the side. It will however be decorated so as not to be plain or ugly. Just wish I could figure a way to have it hold my paper as well (Folded 4x6 index cards). Thanks again! Alex

Wanted to work on a personal project to replace my shirt pocket (Never get a chance to wear my T-shirts) Will be using Veg tanned 6-7 oz leather, question is do I need to line the case if so how is the best way? I usually do mostly belts (no lining, un-complicated). Thanks, Alex Canada