Hedge

If your blade is sharp enough to shave hair, it should be plenty sharp enough to cut leather. So, I'm puzzled, too. Don't know the quality of your steel, so here's something to check. After you try a few cuts in your leather, have a look at the edge through a maginfier. Is the edge rolled or dull? If so, the steel is too soft and won't hold an edge.

Sorry to hear about your customer ruining his boots. Tough lesson. About not hearing that the soap is rinsed out afterwards...I think it's one of those things that sorta gets forgotten when passing on information. It seems obvious to some but one tends to forget that it's not always the case when someone is learning new things.

Hi Timothy, I've used only 2 types of saddle soap, so I'm no expert but here's my experience. My use has been for cleaning my tack and for moistening/lubricating my lace for braiding. The yellow paste tends to color rawhide a bit and does darken my strings. The white seems to be more moist and doesn't color the leather. I always wash off the soap when I'm done and apply an oil or conditioner so, I haven't seen any detrimental effects on the leather. This goes for 'roo leather, as well. Don't know if that's considered exotic, though.

You might also try this site: http://scientificsonline.com/category.asp?...hcd2=1208654228

Glad to see you're planning on more cases, Tom. I think you've got a winner! I understand the thinking on the cap lacing. Chalk that one up to experience. It's always a learning process no matter how many times we make things. In any case, it's a fine piece and you should be proud of it. I've been looking around for a good tutorial on the terminal turk's head. If you have Grant's encyclopedia, check pg 109. There is a full description of it's construction. Thanks for the compliment, but I'm not so wise. I've just tread a path or two before you.

Thanks, Alan! What a simple device and perfect for the job. Sometimes, I think we make things more complex than is really necessary. This one is going in my book of tools.

Tom, this looks awesome!!! I can see that it was a lot of work and I sure hope you got paid well for it. The color scheme is spot on. Very tastefully done. Love the initials on the handle and handle design. The tooled name adds a perfect touch. And the tooled fish and cast line are a sweet touch as well. Ya made me proud with your basket weave lacing. Some suggestions, if you don't mind. The braiding over the catch loop on the case cover...too much underpinning to cover with that size lace. I don't think wider lace would look good. So, perhaps working up another way to attach the loop would be in order for the next one. (very nice work on the loop braid, btw!) One way would be to make 2 holes in the cover above the catch, run your braid through them. The holes should be of a diameter that will provide sufficient friction to hold the loop on the catch when drawn tight. It's a simple idea that's been around a long time. (or reverse it...catch on the cap and holes in the case.) Another thought on the round braid. Time to learn some knots, my friend. A simple terminal turk's head will finish off your braid nicely. And if you're of a mind, cover the turk's head with another knot. I've included a pic of a terminal turk's head. Keep up the excellent work, Tom. I love what you're doing!!!

Tom, this one will also give you a slightly different version of the Greek Meander: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/product...?number=6447-00

Nice job, Timothy! Good, tight lacing and good design. I'm glad you posted what you learned. By passing on those lessons, you'll help others.

That sure doesn't register right in my book, either. Recommendations: Dr. Jackson's leather conditioner. Darkens as it's applied but goes back to original color when absorbed. (btw-you can use it on callouses...does a great job on softening them. ) Skidmore's leather cream. Has bee's wax in it so needs some buffing afterwards.

For those having problems keeping the knot parts in place as you weave the knot, try practicing with para-chord. It's cheap, tends to stay in place and is reusable.

Yup, much cleaner. Improved stitching, too. Carries nice and snug and at right height. Way ta go!

Yeah, but Rawlins/Rock Springs is Butch Cassidy country!

.41 LC...I'd forgotten there was such a cartridge! Sorry to hear you had jamming problems. I checked Reeder's site. Looks like he reworks Vaqueros. It's a good gun. What the heck caused the jams? Had a minor problem with my Colt. The chambers slugged out smaller than the bore. Took a little investigation on my part to find the problem...some miniscule burrs on mouth of the chamber throats. I just took them off with a cutter and they all slugged out to .429. That's when the accuracy shot up! Didn't know about the rhinestones on the boots. That is a problem. The only solution is to get a different pair! Ya gotta have spurs with that outfit. (decorating with spurs and china...is that what's called eclectic?) Haven't followed the thread. I'll have to check it out.

There's nothing wrong with cutting from an oval, Timothy. It's just that the tighter the bend, the harder it is to cut. And when you straighten your string, that sharp radius will cause too much stretch on that side of the string. Trimming is the right thing to do, but there's a point where you'll be trimming so much that you would more likely have lost a good bit of stock that could have been strings.

Just sent a reply to your previous post and then saw this one! Thanks for posting the pics, Joane. Fine looking guns and in excellent shape! Am I seeing right...that Colt is gold plated? Engraved, too. Wonder what more of the history is behind that gun. I recognize the sight on the Springfield. Looks like a Marbles tang peep. They've made them forever. Quite popular for a long time. My 1885 came with one, too. But it's too short on range adjustment, so I replaced it. My favorite repeater is, also, a '73 Winchester. there's just something classic about its lines and the way it hefts. Now that is one fine SASS outfit you have on! Definately suits you. The only thing missing is a set of spurs with big silver rowls, jingle-bobs and a fancy set of spur straps with a big concho and silver buttons. I'm betting one of the crew, here, could come up with something that would match your outfit. Thanks, again for sharing the pics!

Thanks! Yup, I'm always up for selling the things I make. Just have to find the right customers. People around my neck of the woods are a bit tight with thier money, though. Dagnabbit! Now why can't I run across great deals like that! Congrats on the Colt. And a passal of original ammo, to boot! I'm betting it's a .32-20 and matches your rifle. A friend of mine collects '73s and says the .32 shoots more accurately than the .44. Pearl grips? Glad to see you put ivory stocks on it. Makes the best looking SAA. You bet a pic of the Colt will do until you find the Springfield. Anxiously awaiting a looksee.

Haven't tried it on Vista, John. When I wrote it, XP was the latest version of Windows.

Timothy, that oval will quickly give you problems as you start cutting your strings. As was suggested, you may have to divide that piece into 2 or more circles. Check my lace calculator to give you an idea of how long a piece you can get from your circles.

You did it again, Tina! I do believe you've found your calling.

NICE JOB!!! I like that lacing pattern. Never seen that one before. How did you do it beez? sure is a sweet job on the tooling, too.

Welcome to the forum, Mudtwo Some of the best ideas come from those who make their own gear out of necessity. Rock Springs...spent a summer working out of Rawlins and taking camping trips to the Big Horns. Always did like Wyoming.

Holy cow! You've got a rare and expensive piece of iron there. Glad to see that you shoot it, though. That's what it's meant for. And what a cool history on it. Got a pic? I'd love to see the sight set up. Pistol-wise, I shoot a Colt SAA .44-40 4-3/4 bbl to match the '73 replica chambering. Made my own rig for the Colt. When I get another Colt, I'll make a second holster for it. (being a poor retired guy, I have to borrow a boomer and another pistol when I shoot with the CAS guys.) For combat shooting, I stick with a .45 ACP Combat Commander. Sure love them Colts. Both will stay within 1" at 30 feet.

Thanks, LadyJ. It was fun to make. Especially examining the details of the original and then reproducing it. What model .45-70 do you have? I picked up an 1885 Win and installed an Axtell mid-range vernier on it. Sure is fun to lob a 500 gr hunk of lead 500 yds down range and watch the plate drop. 'course ya gotta have patience while waiting for it to get there! Sorta like shoulder mounted artillery. I know what you mean about full loads. I pushed a few while working up something that would satisfy my shoulder and rifle. OUCH!

Common cores run from 3/16" to 3/8". The 3/8" will give you a finished bosal of about 5/8" diameter. That's considered a full sized bosal.