YinTx

THIS. Always slows me down. So many aspects to learn in leather, and all kinds of things that can be made: shoes, wallets, purses, briefcases, holsters, belts, guitar straps, totes, chaps, carvings, decoration, the list goes on and on. And even in one genre, so many variations and techniques, leather types (chrome tanned, veg tanned, bridle, english bridle, retanned, pull up... garment, lamb, goat, ostrich, cow, turkey, ostrich.. ) that it seems I can't learn enough. I almost never seem to make the same thing twice. I see so many things that the tooling is phenomenal, and the stitching is all wonky. Or vice versa. I want to be able to produce an item that has both skills in place, but always seem to feel it isn't good enough. When people see my stuff in person, they seem blown away. But I always wonder if they are being polite, because I see all the flaws, all the skills and techniques I have yet to perfect. And there are some phenomenal leather workers out here, that have the skills down and the products are outstanding, full of wow factor and perfection. So I don't always feel I am doing my customers justice when I know they can order from someone that has been in the trade for decades making beautiful pieces. This keeps me up late at night practicing and studying. Which means a lot of what I make is practice, and destined for the bin. Slows down production. Just my view from down here. YinTx

Awesome. What program are you using to lay out your patterns? They are coming out flawless. YinTx

OMG, thats huge! 3 feet by almost 4 feet! Nicely done, too! YinTx

Thanks, I'll give it a try, since I like the look I get when I use it on un-tooled leather. 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