YinTx

I've been trying to connect these two posts now for days! Glad I finally did, but looks like OP hasn't been here since July '17. Hope he gets the message... appears Mr. Sheldon is going for the same look as this: YinTx

A light tap to set the stamp followed by the heavy hit to get the impression can help sometimes also. YinTx

Those are just awesome, man. Someone gonna see them and like em. Then there's the ol "Hey, I see you are wearing that belt I made! Does it fit ok?" in a room full of folks... YinTx

Welcome to the forum. Your English is good, your work is fantastic! YinTx

Thank you. The tooled sling has been given to an unsuspecting recipient. They have been tasked with abusing it and providing feedback to improve future designs. Don't know who I am going to encumber with the other one yet. Appears I made it too long, so I'll chop the end off and punch some more holes, should be good to go. YinTx

Bruce Johnson has a really good write up on the various types of leather splitters that you may find an invaluable resource before selecting the type of splitter you need. It is on his website. There are some that lap skive, some that don't, etc, so depending on what you need it to do, as to what kind you should get. In my case, I ended up with a crank splitter, and a manual splitter that does lap skives, similar to the Heritage splitter bikermutt07 mentions. YinTx

While it is still wet, after tooling, take a modeling spoon to all the cut edges to round out the lines where you have beveled. I think that will make things look a lot better. YinTx

Outstanding! As Tugadude says, the details and craftsmanship really shine through, doesn't need any embellishment to be a stand out. YinTx

This is painful for me, as it is unfathomable. I have the general believe that the human species is intelligent, even if sometimes uninformed. However, folks are constantly refuting my perceptions. YinTx 1N73LL1G3NC3 15 7H3 4B1L17Y 70 4D4P7 70 CH4NG3. -573PH3N H4WK1NG

I'll put a close up here, but you are gonna see some of my special "features" (i.e. errors). Thank you! The angle of the camera has a lot to do with the basket weave looking good. Sadly, it did not do what I had in mind... kinda doglegged on me. Version 2 will be better, I'm sure. (eternal perfectionist flaw here...) Thanks for the compliment, for sure! Helps me know when my perfectionist tendencies are in overdrive and I'm being too critical of myself. Wow thanks! And I wasn't sure about the keeper either, it was on an old sling I have, and I've seen it on others. I think it is for keeping the bottom loop tidy, which means this one is WAAAAY too big. I also see little leather 1/8" strips about 12" long tied to each end through the adjusting holes. Not sure what those are for either. Maybe to keep the swivel quiet? Perhaps someone who knows can chime in and educate me! YinTx

Perhaps a trip to the local hardware store for a shorter set screw? YinTx

Finally focused enough to finish up a sling, many thanks to @Chief31794 for the detailed youtube videos, in particular discussing finishes and antiques. A great help for me to be sure. Both finished in acrylic antique. YinTx

That is some perfect basket weave on a belt. Nicely done. Oak leaves are outstanding as well. YinTx

Pretty clear in the photo, I just missed it. Thanks! I don't think I've ever seen one with a thumb loop. Will have to try it some time! Fantastic sling, thanks for sharing the build with us. Also, nice holster work! I've only done one so far, and not much to shout about. All in due time... YinTx

And how do you know where to attach it? YinTx

Sketches help me understand what you are trying to solve... wasn't always the best at word problems without a sketch... YinTx

I like the site - thanks for sharing. I've been wanting to dive off into the world of having my own website, but have hesitated due to the issues you mention, plus I'm not exactly a web site designer. Looks like you used "godaddy." How was it to set up? YinTx

I'd be surprised if the Sedgwick takes/needs any oil, they grease it pretty good I think. I am curious how it turns out, so let us know please! YinTx

That is super slick. I've been itching to make one of my own, but haven't decided on design, colors etc.. . which just means I am really good at procrastinating. Great job! YinTx

Yes, you should put the oil on before the acrylic coating. Some folks use a tiny bit, others use a lot. Leather should become more flexible, but not soggy/oily when you are done. Then apply your finishes. You will notice a difference between dyed and not oiled, and dyed and oiled. Your bags look pretty nice, too btw. YinTx

Thanks! I am too at times when I look at it, not sure I actually did that or not... Thanks! I felt like it needed a little somethin on the back there as well, glad you like it! YinTx

Thanks much for the compliments! I can probably say in all honesty that OCD is not under control. Basket weave can drive you bonkers. And why do people like the itsy bitsy tinsey winsey weave??? No extra pockets, just enough to hold the book... Thanks! Thank you!... the inside.. about the inside... can I interest you in a nice little photo of the shiny burnished edges? Thanks! My first go at tooling cloth, I think I can do it better the second go round... Basket weave is a regular practice thing. I get cross eyed at times. Hahah, thats a good one. We'll see if that happens! Thanks for the compliment. Sam, thanks much. I hope the future owner feels the same. The tools I picked up all at once when i started this leather journey, and didn't think I'd ever use them since I didn't have a clue about them. And truth be told, I really mostly use the tools in the small holder, so maybe 20 or less. I could probably get by with 10 or less if I really wanted to. The rest collect dust, unless I want to do something totally different like barbed wire. That inside again... well, it's a bit rough, with some wonky backsides of stitches since its been a while since I stitched stuff. But... since I can't appease with the shiny edge work, here are some obligatory shots. Forgive and ignore the crooked stitches... YinTx

100% awesome! YinTx

Started this last October when I tooled the front. Tooled the back and spine in November if I remember correctly. Finally got everything together and stitched it up over the last week. Lots of room for improvement, but overall I think it came out ok. YinTx

I'd say more than alright, looks spot on! brilliant! YinTx