King's X

Just FYI, Harbor Freight has a small variable speed grinder type set up for $29.99? I bought one and wanted to plan some thing similar to your idea. Please post pictures if you get some thing set up.

Deno: I appreciate your comments.

Tandy leather website. They have good references and patterns for beginners. Your local Tandy store maybe able to help you with a pattern. Al Stohlman has some great beginner books. PM your address and I will forward a book to help you. I have an extra one. Good luck

Thanks Deno.

I was wondering if anyone had this Doodle Page somewhere in their collection? I saw this picture and cannot read the name, so it may be wrong in the title. Please PM me. Thanks.

I need some help finding a tool rack that was shown here a couple of months or so ago? It was a 4x4 block that tilted forward with what appeared to be 1/2 of a 2x4 on the front and back. This 2x4 was cut at a slant, which enabled the tool block to tilt forward. I believe it was redwood? Any help. I would like to see it again.

If Hidepounder does it, who cares why? Just do it! Obivously, after seeing your items and Bruces', you are guys are doing something right. I feel a glass slicker coming my way soon!

I think I remember reading something that stated that pre letter stamping would place those tools origination around the 50's to 60's? I could be wrong. I have some that are pre letter, and every 'Crafttool' business name that was used. Sorry I was not more help.

I appreciate all of the comments. I feel much better to all of you that took the time to response. You accepted it, therefore, I accept it. A beautiful thing happened late last night. I received a phone call and on the end, it turned out to be Mr. Mosqueda, the person that this was made for. After a length conversation and about 100 thank you's from him, a couple of things he said stuck out in my mind that I would like to share with you. He said that this gift brought him to tears because his wife took the pain staking time to seek someone to built such a beautiful item by hand. Mr. Mosqueda, who is 70 years old, said that the gift is extra special because it was made by hand, here in Texas. Besides his stint at Norte Dame, he has always lived in Texas. He wanted to know if I would share the photographs so that he can send them to family all over the USA. His wife (my friend & coworker) said that he has taken the portfolio everywhere he goes. To dinner, on shopping errands and family gatherings. If that doesn't show appreciation for the gift, wow. Anyways, he left me with inspiration to continue my craft and learn more and mostly share what I have to date. I told him that I had shared his projects with the best leather crafters and enthusiasts (online) in the world (actually this place is that) and also told him about your comments. He was really excited to hear that there many who share the interest in what he thought was a 'dying' art of leather craft. He recalled as a kid all of the beautiful things that were produced by leather crafters and saddle makers. He said that he appreciated my efforts and mostly my heart given to his items and told me to 'drive on!' I know that a lot of times we never get this type of appreciation, but I wanted to extend this appreciation and congranulatory comments because many of you have shared your knowledge and skill with me. You deserve part of this, so here you go. Great job and many thanks. Sam

I know that one of mentor's has converted one of her double door closets into her hide storage area. Basically, her hubby built shelves about 3-4 feet starting at the ground and heading up. She has her heaviest hides (for saddles) at the bottom and lighter weights going up. They are all rolled up and tagged with the tanner and weight. The storage sits about 3 feets from her large cutting table for easy access. If I can capture a picture, I will take one for you and post it here.

JBird & CEM I appreciate the comments. It was my first case, so it took much too long. I've got the admit that the Stohlman directions were A+, but I get Murphy's law got involved in the process. It was this project that made me think if I continue with commissions, that I better get a sewing machine. I went through about a dozen of my sewing needles. This finish is something that I picked up from George Hurst and I really like the way it turns out when I use Herman Oak Leather. The inside flap is a 3oz Tandy hide that they had on special that I needed at the last minute. Oh well. Thanks.

I see traits of your father in there. It looks really good. I have another surprise coming up for you after reworking one of your father's photo album patterns. I hope you like it. Keep up the good work and Happy Carving.

L/R & Tim: Appreciate the great comments. I thought the overlap leaf would be a good touch for the owner. The inside customized plate idea came from one of Al Stohlman's cases in one of his books. Appreciate you.

Good point! Okay, does anyone have a set for sale in this arena? I would interested in discussing it. thanks.

Yea Luke..beyond mad. I appreciate the A. As for the process, here is what I usually do. Case overnight with glass carve and let dry Olive Oil and throw it on the back of my truck for a short tanning session. Dye the background Lt. Brown Fiebing's Oil Dye Let dry a good day apply RTC (Bee Natural) finish {really good} and let dry. Then apply ECO FLO Antique Medium Brown gel Final coat of Natural wax with soft towel. The swivel cut areas, just get cased, craved and let it dry. Apply RTC and make sure it covers well. That's it.

I actually glue "Peacock" poster board to all of my project after finishing that cardboard stuff that Tandy had on sale a month or two ago. Prior to that I used Peacock still. Anyways, I leave it on and use it as a go between the leather and liner as a stiffner. I know others do it difference. I guess this is the "poor man" way. Good luck.

For those of you who saw my portfolio case, here is the matching Attache case. I am sssoooo glad it is done. I am a hobbyist at this craft, but because a friend asked, I decided to take this commission. This was my first commission piece and probably my last. I am way to hard on myself. The front panel is the second one and almost the did it again after making two major boos. If you look closely, you will find them. I was not able to "cat scratch" them to cover them up. There is a big reason why the pictures are smal. Oh, I almost forgot again. My black belt broken, so I made another one for myself. I used an old Tandy craftaid pattern by "Chuck Smith." This was a different type of project and my first belt. Thanks for lookings. Please critique away, maybe I missed something.

Jbird did this first, so I am going out on the same branch. I have heard some things about J. Watts "Stamping & Carving" video set and was wondering if anyone would be interested in renting their set out to me? I would pay a fair rental fee and insured shipping both ways, no problem. Side note: The internet guild rents out their videos, I would be interested in offering my videos (VHS) up for rent. What do you think? I appreciate anyone considering my request. I have couple of references from members here who have loan me their items and returned them. Just drop me a PM and I will provide their names. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum. Nice work and thanks for posting a picture. Enjoy yourself here on the site.

Very nice touch with the American Flag colors. BTW, are you going to be attending Jim Linnell's Longhorn embossing class in FTW? The guys and I are thinking about another road trip up north.

Contact cement.