tnhomestead

With those prices for burnishing tools, I need to get my new shop finished!

Much as i would like to say send my some patterns, I would offer a price on the full shop -- if you dont get it, piece it out on Ebay -- if you do auction it like that let me know!

Where did you gt the buckles and snaps to hold them in place? I really liked them!

I just got a used one -- and the foot was stuck in the up position. I added a drop of oil to the top, then kinda pried it down -- worked fine but I do not think that was the proper method! Give them a call in the am, great folks to talk to!

Wow that looks great!

Punches try Harbor freight or a cheap tool store. Setters (for rivets) can be a hammer and a hard place -- thats what I started with.Strap cutter is nice, but you can use a straight edge instead to start. Ebay always has cheap tools, and ask your local leather store if you have one(st louis?) if they know of any tools for sale cheap. If you setup a company, sole prop, tandy and others will give you the wholesale price. I moved form Illinois few years ago, so not sur what that would cost in Benton.(used to fish a lot at Rend lake, lived in C'Dale for a few decades! Driifstone Pueblo may have some stuff you can use, they are just west(15 miles?) of effingham on 70. Good cheap tools store in Marion on 13 for punches etc. Good luck!

I went with a Tippmann Boss just because I got a good deal on it, still havent used it -- need a needle, bobbin winder and thread. That said a lot of the local plain folks here by me either use treadle machines(just saw a nice Adler) or they use a driveshaft system and power from a gas or diesel motor. We will be completely off grid when the new house is done.But only have about 1800 watts of panels to start with. Would probably have stayed on the grid, but the 6k to get electricity was too steep for me! Rather sink that ibnto the solar, and get some tax credits back. I will say the converted machines do take some power to run, visited a local harness maker and when he started sewing you could hear the gas motor slow down for a second or 2!

Thanks for that PDF -- be a big help to me and to lots of others I bet!

Awesome -- thanks for the information, exactly what I wanted to know! Appreciate it!

Just opened it up and the bottom was full of corn! LOL I think I the winter dinner some poor mouse stashed away!

Just got a used Boss, looks like cast iron for 400! Hope I did okay on it, was willing to go a bit higher. Been sitting for years, dont believe its been used much if any. he bought it for his son to start a harness shop, and the kid wasnt interested. He had an Adler, a industrial singer and a tac sew? but since I will be off grid soon, figured the hand machine was my best choice. Thought the Adler was cool, it is treadle operated! Now to get thread, needles and practice! LOL Any suggestions on thread? Will be doing holsters and belts mainly, and will use a old Singer to do wallets etc. Thanks

Jim -- I like that idea! Only problem is my wall would get coated with signs! LOL Thanks for the ideas, I like the sell discounted/swap for beer suggestions if the piece is functional and looks decent. Otherwise, its going in the trash -- that ought to make me work harder -- I cant afford to throw leather away.

Just saw some cool colored thread at hobby lobby, its no 2 nylon. Should I try to use it as is or would waxing it be a help? Been using tandy thread for holsters, but this was a bit thinner! Any ideas I would be appreciated!

Hey, unlike these videos I have watched on you tube, where there 2nd or 3rd holster is perfect, glowing and just fabulous, I make mistakes when learning! LOL So what do you do with projects that are functional, look decent, but are not at the level you want to sell? Already have too many holsters(hard to believe I know!) etc tec. Hate to just throw them away, and really cant afford to either. Appreciate any help and suggestions!

Thanks fer the pattern, I promise I wont try and make it fit my ol Ruger P85, cough cough!

The How to Make Holsters book tandy has a concealed shoulder holster plan in it. I dont have it on digital, so I cant help past that. Good luck.

I am learning -- thats why I am here. If there is a better choice I am all for it! I have never used the copper rivets, but am more than willing to try them out.

Sure, here you go. Looks like the rivet pulled righ through the leather, gun was an accutek 32 with 5 rounds, so not supoer heavy -- but not light either.Looks like about 20 oz with loaded clip. http://sasquatchhosting.com/showimages/CIMG0728.JPG http://sasquatchhosting.com/showimages/CIMG0729.JPG http://sasquatchhosting.com/showimages/CIMG0730.JPG http://sasquatchhosting.com/showimages/CIMG0734.JPG The last one has the clip slid back into the holster. Couldnt figure out an easy way to post images in the post, sorry about the links.

I was trying not to add another layer of leather, but that may work. Wonder if I can get rivets with enlarged heads?

Okay, been doing some small auto holsters, and seem to have found a problem -- the rivets pulling through the leather then the gun faces a sudden stop after the fall! LOL The holsters are 2 layers, inside is 4 to 5 oz leather, the ooutside is a thin 1.5 oz piece. The holster clip was glued in between the 2 pieces and riveted in place, but the rivet pulled through the leather. Any ideas on how I can avoid this? Really dont want to go to a thicker leather if possible, the design is nice and looks good, just seems to have a weak spot! Thanks for any ideas!

Hey did 4 holsters last 2 days, and managed to pressure cut my finger pretty good when pulling the needle through the leather. Any ideas on how to avoid this? Pliers seem like a pain in the long run, and not sure if gloves will work.I imagine the needle would just bust the gloves same as my fingers! Thanks for any tips in advance, I do appreciate any and all help!

Thanks Dwight -- Kinda what I was thinking on -- just show off some products, bring some smaller items as well to sell. I really appreciate the advice on the belts and the holsters, was thinking Glocks but dont have one for a pattern -- will ask around, have several friends with FFL's that may have one I can borrow. Didnt think of the belts that small, I am kinda large -- about 6'10 so I dont think of smaller sizes, but will do -- shouldnt be a problem selling them around here! Again, thanks a lot!

Hmm good idea -- never thought of that one! Thanks!

Getting back in leather, have a craft fair in 6 weeks. Will be selling some pens, but wondering what simple leather projects I can do that may sell? Was thinking some key fobs, dog collars and maybe a belt or 3. Will display some holsters I hope to try for some custom work. So if anyone has any ideas please let me know -- thanks!

Sweet work -- but cmon now == the bulls? Where is the only true sports team in Chi? The White SOX??? LOL Nice job!!