Drill presses are usually slower turning. I have a homemade bench set up. The motor is 1\2 HP and spins about 3450. I have a 2" burnisher on that.
It hasn't given me any problems and the motor was free (some people say that is way too fast).
I have another 3 speed motor from a down draft vent a hood I want to try next.
Just food for thought.
Black River Laser can cut custom templates for you. This is a great option, short of investing in clicker dies.
I use their premade dies and I am pretty happy with them.
For the newbies out there, here is a well written sewing machine blog I discovered. It mentions this site for leather sewing information so I figured I would share it.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/04/difference-between-domestic-industrial.html?m=1
Enjoy.
The wood is red oak.
Nice job. Tools that fit our hands is nice. I have an awl made by a forum member that fits my hand perfectly. It really relieves the strain.
I think the hexnhit sets are worth saving up for. Yes, they are expensive. But once you have them, easy lettering for the rest of your days.
I think they are worth the money.
You could embedd the snap in the flap similar to the inlay. Then you wouldn't need the strap.
Or you could do a piece of deer horn that goes thru a loop mounted on the body of the bag. I have seen that done a few times and it looks pretty cool.
Nice looking bag too.