Shorts

Turtle Feathers

Never got a reply to a message I sent inquiring about this post. Boy do I feel like a sucker I discussed my needs for a machine elsewhere and received timely replies. Looks like I ended up making a better deal than this post could give me.

I prefer Colt .45

When I think shoulder holster my concern is comfort and adjustability. That will depend on the span of the horizontal back piece, width of the shoulder straps and the position of the holster as it sits/stability. Sizing the rig is the challenge. You can have a basic pattern but you can't build the same rig for the 6'5" 220lb guy as you do for the 5'7" 175lb guy. It's like fitting jacket sizes. And after suit shopping with my husband, jackets are tricky! I've yet to completely finish my prototype shoulder rig so I've got no other input than what I've discovered tus far. Good luck!

Excellent! Thanks Lobo

As Chuck said, it will dyeto a point. I find with the EcoFlo that the white thread will take the browns to match close, but the black won't. So black thread is needed there.

Wait and order the proper finish. You'll be glad you did. No use putting all the work into a holster only to not be satisfied with the last step.

I use a sponge press for initial forming when wet. Then my fingers for final touch-ups just before boning after the leather moisture is right.

I also dampen the edges I am sanding out. After months of dusty conditions I finally stumbled upon that great idea but the dusting damage was done lol Aside from the Dremel sander, I go through a series of finer grits to finishing smoothing the edge for burnishing. I wear a dust mask when I do this and it's helped keep things out of the sinuses. Mine get agitated in those conditions as well.

I always thought this was an interesting method. However, it seemed to be more trouble than the results. Especially if the holster will be boned for detail. I don't think I'd use this for molding leather, but possibly other projects with epoxy resin casting. I certainly respect the work yall put into getting your machines together. Great designs that do the job!

Great stuff! I've been kicking around a wall clock for our place as well. Good to see great example!

Yeah, Jeff has a point about makers using different guns for different holsters, even though the models are pretty similar. For example, I use two 5" 1911s, one Colt and one Springfield (dust cover length/widths different), 4.25" and 3". I need to get a 4" and 3.5" - I want my patterns as exact as possible. The 1911 for a BHP is one I won't do either. A BHP deserves a BHP mold. Get Glock molds, those go well. A J-frame is a popular revolver model. Also look to pocket pistols, I've yet to grab any molds for them but I get requests. One thing you'll learn as you try to build the same patterns for different brands of gun is that you'll have to adjust each pattern, not just the stitching, but the shapes/cuts so that they compliment the style of the gun. Leather that looks classic molded to a 1911 doesn't make the XD look classic. It's like you're also matching a personality to the pattern. I find it interesting anyway. Maybe I'm already going crazy.

HHB, I'm impressed reading you learned to code. I think I liken it to trying to learn a different language! lol Good stuff! Its amazing what one can do when they need to do it. Mike, 'the family' will be listed soon. I have links I want to list on the left side of the page to balance it out. I'm just trying to figure out how to get them over there UKRay, it's in my price range! Rayban, thanks for the suggestions. I will be looking to a dedicated, real photobox or setting to photograph my items and hopefully have a more eye-friendly setup. I can't change the pictures I have as they are all of orders that have long been sent to customers. For now I have to use the photos I do have and then work from there. Thanks for the suggestion on the neutral background. I have been told that before - it's time I start listening!

Hmm, I too was wondering who gets to work on her Anyway, she's wacky. If she intends to be of any use for really good projects, she needs to 'expand' herself. I mean, come on. Does she actually want to be a functional handbag or just a formal gown accessory?

Awesome, thanks! I don't mind a bit

I got this idea from UKRay and some other posts below in order to be the first step in advertising my upcoming opening. I put a quick page here: http://monicakuehnleather.blogspot.com/ It's certainly a long way from great but throw me any oohs or ahhs. I'm not good at decorating and especially not this web page stuff. Any ideas are certainly appreciated!

After the leather and dye dry, buff it well to remove any dye residue. This allows you to see any light spots as well. Then top coat when you're satisfied on the color coverage. I seal all leather. I am interested in trying drum dyed leather to see what it comes out like.

Mike, what I think of offhand is, if modifications can be used against by a prosecutor, shouldn't the simple fact a person actively sought a carry permit be as well? What about purchasing a firearm in the first place? What about the amount of ammo they have? Where's the line going to be drawn on what actions a person takes in regards to their firearms being used against them? How does the prosecutor know in the first place that any trigger work was done? While a long shot, I think a prosecutor would try every angle possible he can get his hand on. Afterall, his compensation depends on it. I wouldn't worry about mods

Denster, the idea is worth pursuing, not just on the thumb break but on the mouth reinforcement as well. I hope I'm not giving away your secrets here, but as I said, worth pursuing. I've never used superglue on my leather. I found the hardening/crusting effect to be scary. From reading this thread sounds like SG can be used and finished clear. Offhand, I watched an episode of How It's Made where the builder was making a wooden bow. It was impressive and sparked a few questions.

I've had an account on Ebay for years and buy random small things here and there. But as far as doing any selling, I stopped after the first round of items. First, my items are worth much more than what the highest 'lowest bidder' prefers to pay for it. Frankly, "Ebayers" are cheap. I don't want to sell to Ebayers. I want to sell to customers particularly seeking my items. While this runs along the line of free market and the item is worth what someone is willing to pay. I'd like to set that minumum limit without being charged a higher closing fee. Maybe its an effort for Ebay to keep itself what it is. A cheap method of convenient buying and selling. I value my time and my items higher than Ebays standards. Second, the fees. Not only do you get hit with Ebay fees, but you get PayPal fees too. Nickled and dimed out of a profit well, bites the dirt. I won't allow my profit, my items or my time to be nickeled and dimed to fit into the quick and convenient niche Ebay wants to work in. Third, but not least, politics. Both Ebay and PayPal have positioned themselves on the direct ooposite side in regards to certain political matters I find important. Matters that are exactly the market I am in. I refuse to carry a company on my back who actively seeks to shut down the freedoms I have, both professionally and personally. Short and simple, I dislike their business practices. They will not get mine.

I saw that! Good stuff! Jeff shouldn't rake you over the coals about that one too much. But if I were you, I wouldn't leave myself open for the near future Welcome! Congrats on the new machine and your workspace is looking like an old pro

While it takes a little extra time for cleaning, the result of the airbrush is worth it. Especially if you are not putting out oodles and oodles of items. The projects you do build you do want to take the time to get it right. That is quality and craftsmanship that can be readily seen at the very beginning of your work. It shows you do take the time to get the details right to achieve the best result possible with the resources you have to work with. I started using the $5.99 airbrush and compressor kit from Harbor Freight. Just recently I picked up a Badger 350 (IIRC) that is the name brand equivalent of the HF one.

Nice Bronson, bobtailed and everything. I eventually want to try my hand at grip panels. BTW, did the bobtail change the feel of the grip in hand? I'm considering that mod myself.

Denster, good experiment. You hit some points I was concerned about during my build process affecting the glue. Thanks.

The line between hobby and business is ambiguous. I haven't figured it out myself either. Start at your state level. Check the AG site and the state business site for more details. They require a tax number for state sales tax (TX). From there you'll be lead to the IRS site.