YinTx

If you are really interested in the different styles, Jim Linnell has several courses that highlight the differences in Sheridan, Northwest, Texas, California, etc. I highly recommend them. YinTx

Doing the back and the seat or just the seat? If you only use the prime section of Hermann Oak leather, the total cost just for the leather might approach $1500. Did you ever find a taker? If so, how did it come out? If no, what pattern/style are you looking to do? YinTx

Routing is a mathematical computer model that can resolve any inefficiencies in delivery paths. Managing the financial aspects that have been politicized is something else entirely. For a detailed read here is the report by a Presidential Task force on the condition of the USPS, and on recommendations to shore it up. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/USPS_A_Sustainable_Path_Forward_report_12-04-2018.pdf Interestingly it leaves out some of the topics we refer to in this thread. Also, we risk hijacking the thread, so I will stop commenting on this topic here, and revert to YangTools, which Tandy says I am not allowed to try. YinTx

donno. but this kinda touches on the topic. https://www.forbes.com/sites/wadeshepard/2017/11/05/how-the-usps-epacket-gives-postal-subsidies-to-chinese-e-commerce-merchants-to-ship-to-the-usa-cheap/?sh=4c8a90f840ca https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2018/10/18/china-postal-subsidies/38203951/#:~:text=The subsidized ePacket service limits packages to 2,American companies have cheered Trump’s plan to withdraw. Appears that USPS was roped into subsidizing the rates from China by the previous treaty. US taxpayers and customers of USPS have had to pay the difference to keep the books balanced. Which still isn't happening, this hurts everyone, including USPS, and small businesses or sellers like us, but helps China. YinTx

Also pay proper shipping costs. I can't mail something across town for the price they somehow manage to drop ship items half way across the world, explain that. Sometimes the price of the item with free shipping is less than I can have something mailed from across town, let alone the price of the item. anyhow, rant off. YinTx

I tried to look at the tools at the local Tandy, but they would not let me try them, only look at them under glass. I've bought thousands of dollars of stuff from them, it was a bit insulting to say the least, so I walked out. No idea if they are any good and could care less after that, I'll support other craftsfolks making nice tools not from China or Tandy. YinTx

Check out Don Gonzales Youtube video, I think he does some reviews of it. YinTx

Not sure what you mean by dye the tracery, but I did just apply dye with a small (fine) paint brush around the tooling, then resist and antique. The paint was Angelus, hope this helps! Thank you. It has become Lulu's fancy "going out" collar. She has done a number on the thread tho! - rear claws are kinda rough on thread when your ear is itchy I guess... YinTx

It is a nice wallet. How is the Buttero to work with compared to other leathers like Wickett and Craig, or Hermann Oak? YinTx

You may be able to peel all the paint off, then clean it with deglazer which will remove all the finishes and strip some of the oil out. Then, use several coats of thinned leather paint (Angelus works well, Alpha 6 Corporation makes a paint that seems to work really well (Maker's leather sells it - https://makersleathersupply.com/collections/alpha-6-leather-paint). After you have painted, and it has dried, then you can consider oiling again if needed, and putting a finishing coat on the whole piece for protection. If you are considering scrapping it, this process may work and save you from doing it all over again. If it doesn't work well for you, back to plan B. YinTx

Was a video of Denny at SLC using it as a resist, it seemed to work really pretty well. Give it a shot if you are curious. YinTx

Thanks for posting the process, look forward to seeing the results over time! YinTx

That is awesome, I saw the trailer a few days ago, and I saw the holster in there, even did a freeze frame at around :55 to see it up close. Was wondering how they were being held in there with only 2" of the barrel covered up with leather, but I suppose it is movie magic, seeing how you actually have them in there on your photo. Wicked cool, and many kudos!!!! Glad to see a member on here getting some movie action! YinTx

Well, the one I have anyhow is from Sergey. https://leatherladyproductions.com/adservices/www/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=27__zoneid=6__cb=178c9020c3__oadest=https%3A%2F%2Fleatherstampstools.com%2F YinTx

Awesome use of that stamp, hadn't thought to use it for a strap like that! I really like it! YinTx

At least that is what happened to me. I've taken to marking with a leather marking pen and using a round awl to open the leather up enough for the stitching needle, especially if I don't want any thread showing on the turned item. Punching all the way through leather is popular these days, I get it, but there are some instances I think where I don't really want to do that, this is one of them. YinTx

That depends on what you are stitching. If you are doing a turned bag, round dent may be better. If you want to see slanted stitching, maybe not better. YinTx

At 4:10 he labels it a Barry King Crowner. Not sure what you are asking that he didn't answer? YinTx

I suspect that is not an easy thing to make and get it to look right. My first thought was cool difference with the antiques/battled look. Also, I thought the fingers wrapped all the way around, kinda like a glove? How do you plan to attach the stones? YinTx

I've heard that if the holes are too big in relation to the thread, it allows the thread to move in the hole and rub, cutting itself like a little saw. Maybe that is the difference, and why we both had failures at the same place, where the bend allows the thread to rub in a hole that is too big for the thread? This is supposedly why you don't want to use a stitching chisel to punch all the way through leather in an application like a saddle, where there is a lot of movement and stress, and the tiniest exit hole from the awl is preferred, and a thread size that is very hard to pull through the hole so there is little room for movement. Maybe someone with understanding/experience on this theory can pipe in? YinTx

Wow, I haven't had this issue. Been using Fil Au Chinois on many a wallet, never had one come back. Have used them myself for years on end, never had one even fray. I have been using 432 and 532, perhaps that makes a difference. I have had some 532 fail on a dog collar where the dog was scratching the collar with a hind leg, bit extreme use though. Not sure how much grooving would have helped that. Also had a 532 fail on the fold of a phone case/wallet after about four years of constant daily use. It did not come unstitched at all, just had two of the threads break. Obviously, YMMV! YinTx

I really like how you got the colors on the leather to compliment the colors of the wood, or vice versa. Also, the train scene is phenomenally colored! The whole piece has a great nostalgic aura. Thanks for sharing! YinTx

Ok, that rocks! Will definitely be the only one on the road... for now! YinTx

Also, they function awesome. And Robert Beard will sharpen it for you for the cost of shipping if it needs it. Mine did, and now it is phenomenal. I don't know the going price, but if someone is considering a nice upgrade, this certainly fills the bill. I will say this, I've used a BK swivel and wasn't impressed enough to upgrade from my well sharpened Tandy. I am impressed by these tho and I have upgraded. I'd be in if I didn't already have one! YinTx

I did note this is in the Show Off Section, not Critique My Work Section, even though he did ask for some critique so: Love the colors of the leather contrasted with the blue thread and copper rivets. Cool simple design, looks like it should provide some decent protection for the stogies. Alternating stitching came out well. Others have provided enough critique, so I won't add to it! Welcome to the forum with your first post. YinTx