billybopp

Whoa! You have tools made of METAL?

I really like the idea of a cot in the workshop. Naps are important! - Bill

Is this what you're looking for? https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/product/crimping-tools/ - Bill

I don't know of any way to lighten it. But dang! That's a nice design! - Bill

I have a civil war era Sauerbier strap cutter that was missing the gib for the blade, and made one from a nickel that I cut and bent. It cost me five cents, some propane for a blowtorch and some labor. - Bill

I find that this type of strap cutter works better with thick leather, and the wooden one better on thinner leathers. If you want a functional gib, it's not hard to make one and does keep the bar from getting buggered up. - Bill

... At the 30 second mark ......

In HS physics class, we divided up into teams to build bridges using nothing but popsicle sticks and glue, and then tested them for strength. My team won. But now they have many uses around the house both as part of leatherwork and many other things as well. In addition to what's listed above they're useful in tons of ways. From just a stick to try to get out little objects that roll under things to scraping and serving goopy things in the kitchen to forming a support for small sculptures and plastic models. Who knew such a simple thing could find so many uses. You can, of course, buy them unused at hobby shops and such - but it's more fun to buy the popsicles, eat them and get the sticks that way! - Bill

I agree with much of the above - I'd probably try to bring it back to life first, but if that doesn't work and you like the design, I'd probably disassemble it to make a pattern and re-create it! i like the design. - Bill

You might also try Lisa Sorrell @ https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/ She is a custom boot maker, and used to be a sponsor here on LWN, but i haven't noticed lately if that is still the case or not. She has a variety of tools, leather, lasts, and other supplies. -Bill

I was talking with an anthropology professor some years ago, and she told me that they had somehow discovered that throat skin from a seal is much like modern goretex - It is breathable, and passes water in one direction only. Ingenious! - Bill

I have to agree ... That's a workshop that I could deal with! - Bill

Some sort of dehumidifier might be good. You probably don't want a light source since that could possibly discolor your leather. For just head, I'd probably go with something like this ....https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KLZCDQH?pf_rd_r=2NF2ZEB06JHJEXEK3QN6&pf_rd_p=8fe9b1d0-f378-4356-8bb8-cada7525eadd&pd_rd_r=3bda8aee-7244-45b0-800e-e057d469968b&pd_rd_w=Tf3Nt&pd_rd_wg=07p3y&ref_=pd_gw_unk - Bill

Looking good. It's always a lovely thing when you get a commission - just to know that folks are willing to pay for work that you love to do! - Bill

Aint it great to have help with your work? - Bill

Well done! - Bill

You could, of course, sell them. There is a market for shoulders for sure. But imagine the marketing possibility of selling accessories made from the very same side that your belts are made from. 10-12 is thick, but if you get a skiver you could make wallets, key clips, and/or any of the things mentioned above. If you don't want to go to the expense of buying a splitter or the time to produce those items, partner up with somebody that can do those things and sell them to your customers on a consignment basis with your partner. Everybody wins that way! - Bill

You may want to do some searching on here - somebody did a post about beeswax/pitch/epoxy for a mug on here a few years ago. They had done some research on food grade epoxies for just this sort of thing. If I remember right, they had even researched epoxy for alcohol resistance, and even high temp for coffee, etc. - Bill

I'd suggest start with some of the simpler Tandy Craftaids. Craftaids take out the variable of tracing patterns. I'd suggest one of the simpler flower templates and some celtic knots. Celtic knots are deceptive! They look simple, but the long smooth curves are good for learning to control your swivel knife and also for learning to bevel where one line dives under another to get you thinking about beveling. I'd also suggest using some scrap for some exercises - Just make some lines - learn how to ease your swivel into and out of lines - trailing off pressure. Make some circles, make some S curves, then mirror them. All good for learning control. Just like practicing scales in music, or practicing your basic swing in golf. Hope that helps! - Bill

It sucks that that happened. While the leather might not be suitable for your intended purpose, it is interesting as is, and with the right hardware somebody will love it and buy it! - Bill

If you can't get incandescent lamps, they also make light-bulb-base heater elements that are about equivalent to a 100W incandescent lamp. Also, if you're hurting for space, there's no reason the cabinet couldn't be made collapsible to fold down to just a few inches. Maybe even wall mount it. - Bill

It is kind of a shitty title. - Bill

I use Dye-Gone II for hands, fabrics and surfaces. - Bill

Cool ... thanks! I was thinking it looked like it might be a window screen or piece of canvas. - Bill

Looks great, as always. I've been wondering, though, how do you get the texturing like on the blue one? - Bill