Haystacker

Hey great work! How does the pancake feel. One thing you may want to form more on a curve than flat. I can see the Particle influence on the avenger. I do like the two tone color.

Nice looking holster. Jeff

Wow! Showing off again. Looks great.

The gun show that I am getting ready for is in Spokane in December. I'm either an optimist or real slow. The vacuum pump works great. I do boning right through the bag. The best advantage to this is it hides mistakes better. I use deer antler and when I slip it is not too bad or easier to fix than If boning directly on the leather. Here's a picture of the typical detail that I try to get.

I built a drying box for holsters and belts. The box is 2x3's framed and sheeted with OSB. Box is insulated with 3/4 inch foam board. Dimensions are 6 ft tall, 2ft x 2ft wide and deep. The heat source is a couple of heat lamp fixtures that I used for brooding chickens. I use 250 watt heat lamps most of the time. I can plug and unplug heat lamps to control temp. I have a remote temp gage that allows me to monitor the temp. I also sometimes use a single 100 watt bulb that keeps temp around 70 degrees in the box. For ventilation I used a 2 inch holesaw at the bottom of the box (heat lamp wires go through this) and 2 holes at the top. I stuff rags in the holes when I want to retain the heat without venting. I strung wires across the top to hang holsters and belts from. I made this so tall because of the belts. I also rigged a couple of brackets for installing a wire shelf when I need it. I have been getting ready for a gun show so I have been using the box a lot. I works very well. I transformed my garage into my leather shop so space is not a problem for me.

Nice looking holster. I have the same pistol with a 5.5 inch barrel. Took a deer with it this year. I love the 44 special.

Overall I think you did a good job for a first holster. Much better than my first try. But what really stands out is your own critiques. I am impressed. You identify the problems, and look for a solution. I think you will be your best and harshest critic.

I finally broke down and bought an edger from Bob Douglas of Sheridan WY. I also listened to his advice on edges. I was working way too hard. The edger was $70.00. But now my edges look just as good or better than before in one tenth the time. Bob's number is 307 737 2222.

This is what the back of the straps look like.

For double action revolvers I make the fold under the trigger guard, then add buckles and straps.

Looks very good. Several of the holsters in the book Packin Iron have the pistol riding deep in the holster. I think you have a winner.

I built myself a hot box. It is about 6 feet tall, 2 ft x 2 ft. I use 2 heat lamps. Seems to work well. I can adjust temp by wattage of bulbs. I currently have 2 250 watt bulbs. I have a remote temp gage that lets me monitor temp without opening the box. I ran a few wires across the top that I can hang holsters from. I also built a removable wire rack for more drying options. The only thing I would add is a timer but so far it works good. I use my cell phone alarm to remind me to turn off the heat. Jeff edit here. I framed the box with 2x3's. Added osb for a shell and used 3/4 inch styrofoam board for insulation.

Nice job. I really like the mag holder.