billybopp

It's pretty much the same thing as a BIG 3D stamp. You'll need an arbor press or something like it in order to emboss the design into leather. . Bill

Didn't see it on your site, JLS, but if you've got a Ruger Mk I, I'll take you up on your offer! I'd try making my own pattern, but have never made a holster before, so a pattern is probably a good way to start! Bill

Great work, as always Huns! Bill

Now I wish I had a bandsaw.

Totally agreed on Seiwas. I have #1, #2, and #3, with #2 as my goto for 0.8mm polybraid, and usually for 1.0mm as well. The handles aren't the greatest ... I'm very tempted to cut mine apart now and fins something that's both a little sturdier and fits my hand a little better! Bill

I've seen similar greenish or bluish colors ... It seems to be some component of the dye that floats to the surface, and usually happens when the dye it put on heavy. Not completely sure what it is or what causes it, but It does rub off, tho. Bill

those are just too nice to park yer butt on 'em! Bill

I still prefer using a wine cork. Mostly because you get to drink a bottle of wine to get one. A couple of other things that can help with getting through thick pieces in addition to sharp, your awl should be highly polished over it's entire working surface so that there is less friction against the already cut leather that it's moving through. Some folks also keep a cake of bees wax at hand and plunge the awl into it now and then to provide a little lubrication. You may not want to use that method, however, if you intend to dye after stitching since the wax might not allow dyes to penetrate. It's probably also worth noting that the shape of the awl blade could be a factor as well! Bill

At that price, you could afford to experiment with modifying them to your needs ... Bill

You might find it easier to set a blade, french edger, or something in a vise ... improvise something ... and move the leather against the fixed blade, rather than move the blade around the leather. Bill

Both really nice! And they go together for a really good looking combo. Bill

I think I'd replace the strap ...carefully ... and put the old one aside. That is one awesome horse .. and an even more awesome heirloom, made all the better by usability!

FIrst and foremost, make sure your awl is sharp, sharper, sharpest. and the leather is well supported. Aside from that, this video is a pretty decent guide ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCFTDqQaEIc Bill

Does the eucalyptus oil leave enough of a scent to be noticable?? Bill

Here is about the best reference I've seen about sewing machine needles points that I've seen. http://www.campbell-randall.com/wp-content/uploads/SCHMETZ-leather-needles.pdf Hope you find it helpful. Bill

+1 for a little long and then trim. Bill

Just tell folks you were hiking in the Himalayas and got frost bite. ... But they think they can save the finger. Bill

Nothin' wrong with that as far as I can see Bob. Awesome!! Bill

With an airbrush, it's dead easy to do. And the only way to get a transition as even and smooth as in your picture. You can get something similar with a barely damp sponge/cloth and build up the darker edge .. but it's harder to do, and nearly impossible to do that well. P.S. Drunk monkeys are a LOT of fun. I used to have a squirrel monkey as a pet. She used to sit on my shoulder and HAD to get a drink of anything that I was drinking. She was particularly fond of tequila sunrises, and terribly entertaining when trying to climb the curtains so that she could sit atop the curtain rod and watch what all was going on. Bill

+1 for single malt. It doesn't stop thinking about leatherwork, but it does make it more enjoyable. Bill

There are many, but inkscape is a pretty decent free program. Bill

If you are having a hard time getting the stitching chisel back out of the leather after punching through, some polishing on the "tines" might be in order. Some of them come pretty rough out of the box. Bill

Chisel tooth (hole) sizes are not all the same. Some are decidedly more "chunky" than others. You will find some information about that here ... http://www.armitageleather.com/shop/4583584113 Download the(free) PDF file found on that page. Hope that helps Bill

Be glad it wasn't a tattoo. You can remake the seat. Bill

The white dye and thread really make for no contrast at all with the white background. You might want to watch out for that. Bill