BruceGibson

I think you'll find the file folders real "user friendly." You can get your basic design down, then use your thumb and forefinger to "pinch" around the outline of the gun. This "pinch" will give you a good idea of your stitch line. If starting with an automatic is an option, that's what I'd recommend. Keep in mind, I'm no expert, but given a choice, that's what I'd do. The autos tend to be more consistent along their length than a revolver. Again, it's the cylinder that requires additional space, and that can be a little tricky. At the risk of being staked-out and set on fire, I'd compare autos and revolvers to Kate Hudson versus Dolly Parton. If you were making a swimsuit pattern for both, the Hudson pattern (the auto) would be the place to start. I'd have to work up to the Dolly pattern (the revolver).

I don't leave any "play." However, like Chuck Burrows and John Bianchi, I do start with manila file folders for pattern-making. File folders are a heck of a lot cheaper than leather, and you can get everything laid-out, and stitch lines pretty close by using them. Revolvers are tricky because of the diameter of the cylinder. Once you've got something workable with the folders, you can then use them for your layouts on the leather. I've found that if I can get it right with a simple file folder, then I can translate that to leather and a usable product.

I'm no bag expert by any stretch, and I'm not sure I understand the question. However, I am a briefcase fan, and I see three possibilities as a buyer. If I were looking to purchase, I'd buy the one on the left. Not trying to score points, Ed (I know the bag on the far left is one of yours), but I don't like the brass hardware on the other two. I like the simplicity and "usability" of the bag on the left.

Great story! I'm sorry to hear about your basement. We got the same storms you did, a day or so before. I'm glad to see you were delivered a ray of sunshine along with the gloom and rain.

Nice work! Welcome to the Forum!

No offense intended, Jim. I believe I cited in my post that none of my comments were intended to slight other manufacturers or distributors. If I'd purchased a machine from you, and been as impressed with your operation as I am with Artisan, I would be just as quick to brag on you. When someone's in a position where they're about to drop anywhere from two to five thousand dollars on a piece of equipment, I doubt that minimal information has much appeal. As to the use of a forum to further sales, everybody does that. Some do it in a subtle manner, others by more assertive means. This forum runs the gamut from the basics of getting started up to and including the finer points of Sheridan carving and saddle tree making. Marketing, pricing, and all those fun and many times confusing topics are also addressed. Heck, if it applies to leather, you'll either find it here, or it's welcome here. To reiterate what I said in my original post, nothing I expressed was intended to slight anyone else. Artisan does a great job, and that's presented as a result of first-hand experience.

Here's their website--appears they're in Ohio. Royalwood Thread

Welcome to the Forum, Andy! Lots of cool stuff and good people here!

I've got the same one. Which die set are you using for the Line 24 snaps?

Welcome to the Forum!! Awesome work!

Well done! I like it!

If you'd like to see a pretty Pearson, check out Steve Mason's blog...here's a link to a pic Steve Mason's Pearson Here's the link to Steve's amazing blog: Steve Mason's Blog Steve's a member here. Does amazing leatherwork. Has a miserable side-job guiding fishermen in some of the ugliest country in Canada. Lucky son of a gun.

I love my Toro 4000-P as pretty much everyone around here knows. In fact, a friend of mine has several Artisan machines, and he got a visit from Jerry and Steve last year. They were in the area for a show of some sort, and stopped by his shop. He said they were discussing his 4000-P, and next thing he knew Jerry and Steve had it taken apart and pretty much rebuilt, tweaked, tuned and turbo-charged the thing for him spur of the moment. They could have simply answered his question, but they were there with his machine, so they SHOWED him the answer--and then some. He'll talk about that for years. This Forum has become well-established, and well-known throughout the leatherworking community. Membership is a simple matter of registering, and participating if you choose. Of the dozens (maybe more?) of manufacturers that make/distribute industrial-type sewing machines, Artisan is the only one I'm aware of that's shown up. Not only did they show up, but ArtisanDave is a regular participant in Forum discussions. I've got no vested interest in Artisan beyond "happy customer-hood," and none of my praises of these folks is intended to slight any other vendor or manufacturer. The simple fact is, they answer the phone, they answer the most asinine of questions (I've asked most of 'em), and they respond to e-mails--promptly. Antiquated as the whole concept has become, these people really care about their customers.

Thanks, ya'll! These birthday deals seem to come around faster & faster every year.

I'd have to agree with that entire statement. The folks at Artisan are exactly what they present themselves to be. In fact, they were exactly the same attentive, helpful folks before Leatherworker.net and this new video as they are now. They really are exactly as they appear. I would, and DO, recommend them wholeheartedly.

Those are both amazing. Great looking buckle set, too. Stitching looks perfect. Okay...how much?

Excellent video. Keep 'em coming, and please don't forget about the care and feeding of the Toro 4000P!

You're right! The drill version's faster, and easier to control. The bench-mounted deal works, but it's an acquired taste. It'll also cut the heck out of you if you brush past it without watching. Of course, I own one, so I have to use it, right?

Ditto what Art said! I've also got the same question on the twisted fringe.

Amazing, as always! I've also come to the conclusion that along with doing beautiful work, David never sleeps. Ever.

I've got the same one. You put the bobbin on the spindle with the spring and little cotter pin. Mine's mounted on my bench. When I use it, I put the thread spool on the floor, and feed the thread through my fingers as I turn the "crank."

Amazing work--that just looks good! I think when Texas gets you back, you're gonna be as busy as you want to be.

Great video. I had no problems with it at all. Okay, guys. Now it's time for the Toro 4000P video!

I tend to agree that it's "advertising hooey." Reasonable resistance is to be expected, but if you want to stack weights on a holster, you might want to consider Kydex--or aluminum, maybe even steel. My primary concern, and I carry all the time, is that I'm able to draw my weapon should the need arise. If it's comfortable in the interim, that's important, too. I don't care if it can lift, or support, a steel weight or two. In fact, I'm not terribly concerned about reholstering. I've got plenty of time to reholster if I'm not dead, and how much weight the holster will carry in a holster-maker's web photos doesn't influence me in the least.

Nice job! I remember when the singer Sammy Kershaw used to carry the double saddle bags over his shoulder everwhere he went.