Shorts

Gosh I love grandmas and grandpas! Bet those crooks weren't going back any time soon. Art, great use of material; great bag!

Got my new ride a few weeks ago. Most I've done to it so far is nerf bars (gotta get in!) but it will be getting the treatment as time and funds allow. It will be sporting leather and will advertise when the time is right. Until then, upgrades will be my own until marketed. I love this truck!

Art, beautiful range bag. I've been considering making a nice one for myself. What weight leather would one go for for putting together a similar bag?

Thanks Crystal! I don't know why I chose to stitch. In fact I asked myself that as I was only a 1/4 the way into it

Very Cool. Here in TX they are illegal to carry but not illegal to own I thought about making one myself. Recently at a meeting, a friend brought his old one out. I wouldn't want to get smacked with it! It was shaped like a flat wooden spoon.

So true! And not yet anyway!

Thanks Mike Looking at it again I really skimped on the leather prep on this project. I didn't even bevel or burnish the edges!

TrooperChuck, I did the same as you. Git it on there and stitch her up! It's nothing special but its finished. I used the stitch in the example of the drink koozie in Stohlman's book. Then wiped it down with a mixture of water and alcohol to final fit and set the stitches. It's going to be left untreated to wear as it will. Starting out the stitching was a bit of a trick as the piece of leather was just hanging on the wheel without much support. It'd be easier with two hands and maybe a tie down of some kind to hold the piece in place while securing the first 5 stitches. All in all, not bad. Took a couple hours. I started it last night and then finished it up this morning in the daylight. I used black thread as it matches the interior, plus it'll stay 'cleaner' longer. I'm anticipating the leather will darken from the sun and hand oils so that it will compliment the faux wood trim. (sorry about the quality of the cell phone photos) More than likely I'll be doing dad's steering wheel when my fingers stop hurting. That wheel is pretty torn up from 10 years of service life. I also want to do more leather accents in the truck. Once I get the shop up and rolling again my truck will be displaying the leather as well as transporting the goods and of course, me

Nice work!

Every shooter has Hoppes! ...I'm going to go try it on some snaps I got looking funny. Crystal, I'm interested in seeing this when you're done. I also echo rhall's reply about what the holster actually is to the owner; collector or fun-to-have era specific gear?

Oh my goodness, that link wit the braided wheel is great! Crystal, I'm not sure I have the patience for that Then again, I have hand-stitched a belt! lol I have a piece of leather cut out and ready for something. Ideas? BTW, dad found out I was making something for my truck and I think I've been commissioned to do something for his!

The benefit of a double layer is you have 2 skins for strength. That combined with stitching makes for a sturdy belt. I haven't had the opportunity to work with the weight of leather you're considering so I can't compare the two directly. Might give the double layer a try if you get a chance just so you can test them out side by side.

I'm a no-lining fan here. My input echos the guys above. Best 'lining', the veg tan that the holster is made with. If want the smooth in, do it.

Hey folks, I bought me a new truck and I'm thinking about random leather accents on the interior. The first thing I need is a wrap on the steering wheel. Its a little bit slick! I'm sitting around the house here with 4/5oz leather wondering what I can do with it. I realize I can go to Autozone and buy a steering wheel wrap. But I don't wanna do that Thoughts?

I heard the news. I'm saddened by his passing. Never got a chance to converse with him but I read his info quite a bit. I was glad to hear him in good spirits this most recent time in the hospital and his return home. He made a crack about making leather thongs for the nurses I'm sure Lou was a delight to know in person. Be well and take care, Lou. Condolences to his family.

Greg; I am still in the market. Let me know the details about the machine you have.

I don't dilute in order to ensure a solid cover that doesn't bleed. If you do, 50/50 is a lot. Keep it like 10% diluted if any.

Resolene anywhere is ok. Its an acrylic that dries flexible. I've never had any trouble with it cracking or peeling off. I allow 1-2 days for the finish to set before I package and send them out.

Anyone used 1and1.com? I've seen their 2 page spread in magazines and looked at their site. A friend of mine who knows computer stuff better than I said their plans looks reasonable enough if the service is up to par.

I dye the inside of my holsters.

drof99, in the 'How do I do That' section IIRC there is a belt tutorial. It builds a belt with stamping. If you haven't gone through it yet, it might give you some ideas. I've never stamped anything so I can't point you in the right direction. I would guess, only if I had too!, that you'd line up your stamps with the groove/stitch line. You could give yourself a dash of room and put the stamp just inside the line

Before using airsoft, take calipers to them. The ones I've run into aer slightly larger than actual gun. I buy Blue guns from several sources, best price I've ever run across is $35, but $37.99 is the norm plus shipping. You may be able to get then for a little less as a business entity.

Brent, thanks for the info. It makes clear sense Thanks Bill. I think I'll give it a go once I'm up and running again. As much as I would have loved it I never had the pleasure of hanging around a saddle shop. I have so much catching up to do! I'd certainly be interested in meeting you and Brent and anyone else nearby. I was raised out in Karnes City and I still go by to see how things are. I'll be going by again to make a stop at my old elementary school (there's a time capsule in the building I wanted to see about). I'm up for a taco!

Interesting idea molding to the curve instead of cutting. I never thought of that but it's seems like, 'duh'. So....on the curved belt, how do you go about double layers and stitching? Seems the stitching would be done after the curve mold so that the stitches can hold the leather in place. Bill, I so need that seagull infested island! We move out next Thursday and the stress and frustration of all tat an overseas move entails is making want to cry "uncle!" and be done with it. Less than 2 weeks...less than 2 weeks...less than 2 weeks... :D

That looks great, color and contrast. Styled nicely. And your phototaking skills are too :D I was wondering the same thing too. I've tried riveting on leather - it doesn't take too well. Could have just been my pain in rear rivet gun. Another option is Tnuts on the backside, or even just on the front piece, sandwiched in between the layers. if you don't want to use the Tnuts with prongs, you can either snip the prong off or use the flat kind from DOT fasteners. Also use a small flat head machine screw, short length of course. Dab a hint of locktite on it and you're good to go. You don't need to install the brass until after dye and mold so long as the Tnut is in place. It's the same concept that I use on my holsters.