AKRob

I just picked up three more in April, they were fine. I have 20 of there aluminum guns one was delivered with a broken hammer, but otherwise OK. They do seem disorganized and the very nice gal on the phone new very little about guns and barrle lengths. They sure beat buying the real thing for every new model. Still, I am looking for an alternative. Ireally like to be able to cast my own from plastic and end up with a solid chunk of plastic like a Red Gun to build around.

I in Alaska and I need a clicker- what ya got? Rob simplyrugged.com

how much are you wanting for this machine? Rob

Just recieved answer from the eBay guy: onlythe four Glock 17/22 molds left. Rob

Thanks for the source. LEt's see if he produces anything but G-17/22s In the mean time the only other source that I am aware of is Duncan's Outdoors shop http://www.duncansoutdoor.com/about.htm I have also used Red Guns for molds with good results. Rob

(In the interet of full discloser: I am not affilated with Joe, I did buy this CD from him as well as my first Boss. But not shilling for him, I do stand to gain anything by this.) Joe's CDROM Book Artisans and Money is very instructive for folks trying to strike out on their own. One thing that really struct home with me was how one goes about marketing their goods: Don't act like a store is doing you a big favor by offering to sell your hard built goods on consignment.Either your stuff is worth paying for, or it's not. Verticle integration is the way to go (Cuts out the middle man) sell direct to your customers by directing them to your website, or store. If you do this successfully reatilers will come to you, and you can set the terms-minimum dollar amounts for initial and subsequint orders etc. http://www.thingswestern.com/artisans.htm This has really helped me, I hope it can help you folks out too. Rob

I have used a Boss for about 28 monthes. Tippmann's service is excellent. There is a learning curve and both of my machines have their own "personality" so to speak. Tippmann created a lot of bad blood recently when they eliminated a whole pile of small dealers. It took me a bit to nrealize that the rack and gear are designed to break BEFORE the more expensive parts do. They have replaced parts free out of warrenty and been informative on the phone. We use our machines hard and often. I would like to find an Aero Stich one of these days or get into a good electric machine for doing heavy belt stiching, etc. But we will keep the boss machines for doing our general holster work as they do it so well. Rob

I use a grill igniter lowes 2.95. I first pull the treads to the back of the holster or pouch and nip them short. I just quickly melt the trhead and then touch the hot metal tip of the igniter to the hrad welding it. When i hand stich, I pull the thread into the seams tie a bowline or granny knot and pull them out of sight then nip the ends. If you carefully hit the knot with a smoth faced hammer you create a durable invisble end. rob

I use one hide for all my strap cutting. It saves time and is the best use of the leather. I would not pay someone else to cut my leather, rather I would look at a clicker and knives. That being said, I have hired folks to do piece work for me, It frees up my time for sales and marketing. Maybe you can share a clicker or use a nearby leather crafter's clicker? All Then Best, Rob