billybopp

I have very few rivet problems anymore, since I bought a rivet press. Mine is from Tandy when it was on sale a year or two ago, as well as most of my dies on sale. Knowing what I know now, though, I'd probably buy a Goldstar, since the dies are much cheaper. That being said, there are still occasions when I have to set with a setter and anvil, when the rivet is too deep for the throat of the press. For those, I put the anvil on my granite slab, placed on the floor for the most solid striking surface that I can muster. A nice big dead blow hammer helps to insure that as much force as possible is transmitted to the operation. Bill

I don't even have a big sewing machine and enjoy watching these videos. Watching how things work is endlessly fascinating. Thanks for making them and posting them for us!! Bill

Yeah... You just made me snort coffee up into my nose, Tinker. LOL!!! Thanks! Bill

That's only fun if you have Mog in the passenger seat tho, Tinker. Bill

I think I'd consider buying a used travel trailer, especially if you can arrange hookups for utilities. If the furnishings are ratty, so much the better .. it'll lower the price, and you'll want to strip them out anyway. They have at least some amount of storage built-in as well as plumbing, electricity, heat and cooling. Reinforce the floor with some thick plywood under your tooling area and possibly your sewing machine. Leave the facilities in place for travelling to shows and fairs, etc (VERY handy to have at hand). It's probably more expensive than a car trailer, but might come out better off for the stuff that's already in place and doesn't need to be purchases and installed. Just a thought Bill

It should also be noted that stitching chisels can be quite effective when hit lightly to mark the stitch position and helping to guide and awl in much the same manner as a pricking iron .. If the situation calls for it. Bill

Fiebings tan-kote and a burnishing tool do a nice job of finishing the flesh side of leather. Bill

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