JerseyFirefighter

Special purpose built tool or something seemingly commercially available? I think this setup and execution looks fantastic!

Your mileage may vary based on individual circumstances, but I found manageable successful growth by starting out with immediate friends and coworkers covering small costs for a project (price of a leather strip, or a new stamp or two). Something just to offset the cost of the material used and/or tools. As my skills improved and interest in my items spread through local FD/EMS channels my prices increased to reflect demand and skill improvement. If you happen to be a firefighter, which seems likely due to the project you are looking to start on, use your local FD channels as an excellent way to get some projects on the books. The fire service is amazing at "word of mouth" exposure. Building your order queue over time also helps you acclimate to order demand on a regular basis and not have a few pages of pre-orders to have to tackle right out of the gate. Best of luck either way!

Harness Leather is truly a bear on the standard strap cutter. Ive found the same issue with 14-16 skirting. Razor blade would be the only other alternative save from a motorized strap cutter.

There are a few machines that I consider game changers for leather shops running straps. This is most certainly one of those machines. Between this, a sewing machine, and their rotary punch you will never want to look back. I still use my hand beveler for tapered ends and around strap ends, but after the first pull you'll ask yourself why you hadnt gotten it sooner.

I ordered two and just try to forget that I did. If you save your pocket change everyday it will be paid in full by the time the order is complete Not a knock at Terry. My customers wait all the same just like everyone else

I've used a mix of delrin and acrylic on my laser. Delrin does not cut as easily as acrylic, however both have held up very well to hundreds of presses.

I'm glad you had posted and will be following suggestions. I had reached the point to either its a larger home for a bigger work space, or a steel building put up on my property. I would prefer the former but the question of heating and cooling in the seasonal months did cross my mind as a big factor into which direction I would like to take. We can go from sub freezing to 100F throughout the year. What got me most was the time it would take to heat up in the morning. My hours in the shop vary so I cant just set a weekly timer. In the summer it is cooler in the morning so cooling wouldnt be so hard. In the winter it gets pretty cold. I'd spend the first hour working in freezing temps before the structure can heat up in the winter time.

Ive had some sections of 14/16 saddle skirting go up to about 26+oz in certain spots. a few square ft worth along the side. Which for me made it useless for needing 14-16. I was eyeing up a motorized skiver once I can add some more sq ft to my shop. Wonder if it could handle starting at that thickness.

I only surmise is that it is to keep the bend symmetrical along the top half of the shield as the attachment points to the helmet are lower. Otherwise no clue. Most custom shield makers I know do not use it.

If you use the search bar, likely under "firefighter shields", I recall a thread where there was a pattern or two linked to the thread.

Angelus almost exclusively. I have needle tips ranging from 18 gauge to 25 for the type of detail i'd like to do.

I second the needle tip bottles. I'm pretty sure I am closing in on 2k radio straps painted with them. Bonus points for not ever having to dip a brush into paint... just squeeze.

Phew.. thought I had a screw loose. If you find the 1911 die missing id be interested.

Don't happen to see the photos for the dies. Coincidentally I didnt see pics linked in the H.O. thread either.

You are correct. My apologies as the conversation quickly shifted to those machines.

Provided you can "feather" the pedal, I don't see why not leaving at max rpm is an issue for a 441 machine. I completely understand that no two people are alike, but messing around with settings mixed with your abilities is the best way to find a happy medium (or to leave the the motor maxed and use it when needed on those long belt runs). I had heard another worker mention that running full rpm increases the marks of the presser foot/feet. While I dont suspect that is the case, and I have seen this topic and solutions suggested here... if anyone would like to chime in on the matter in terms of speed vs foot pressure it would be appreciated.

Expansion cometh. Then hopefully I can weigh in with all of these awesome spaces.

Hey that looks like my space! Just shrunken down to the size of the forklift including pallet.

I feel your pain. Most of my scrap is fairly usable, however there are only so many hours in a day to put into clearing it out. I purchased some dies to make use of the belt scraps and remaining portions of the usable bellies like key fobs and such. My solution may not work for you, but I now pay a guy every 2 weeks to come in and spend a day clicking and burnishing those items pieces for quick turnaround items. It kills me to throw it out, and I dont have the time or patience to market it for sale and ship it out. That said I have gotten at least a LITTLE better and just toss the smaller pieces just to keep my scrap heap any larger than it depressingly is right now.

Best of luck. If you ever need, I sell pre-cut blanks in 2 different styles. Less time cutting, more time tooling.

For being your first post...I don't believe you.

12-14 or 13-15 depending on availability.

I have purchased a few sides from Springfield. They are ok. Their Hermann Oak Craftsman side is a great deal when cutting out straps as the blems can be worked around. There is also Maverick and Thoroughbred to choose from as well. I had started making gear with 9/10 oz but had decided that the beefier weights were more desirable for straps and suspenders, but with that comes the need for a multitude of weights that you can technically get away with when keeping it at 9/10. At current, I use approximately 4 different weights to make a full radio strap set. I would also consider looking into a benchtop splitter in the future as you will notice that certain items work better if they are a few ounces thinner.

The craft beer craze has come with some throwbacks. They are all non twist bottle caps. Then again the new trend in craft beer is quickly moving towards canned pints in 4 packs instead of 12 oz 6 pack bottles or cans. As silly as it sounds that is the market you should target as they will pay a fair amount for a swanky way to show off their beer as they stroll in.

Very nice. I would attempt to add a small slip pocket or pouch for a church key.