rickybobby

Thank you Paul for the lesson! I learned a lot. I hope you find time for other segments, this is so informative and helps build confidence for those of us interested in boot making. Thanks again, Rick J.

I have not seen the cable rig system, I have heard of them though. I would like to see a full set of photos of your trees and a tutorial of how the cable system works. It sounds like a great system and you may have an easier time explaining how it works and it's adjustment abilities. If there were some pictures of the construction methods we would perform if using one of your systems it may clear up or inspire its benefits and strengths.

In our boot repair shop (cowboy boots!) we polish every pair after doing heels and soles. Customers really like to see the boots looking like they did when they bought them! Any way we also sell polish on line and I sell a bunch of Lincoln wax polish to cadets. They seem to like it for a super gloss. I have never used the Kiwi Parade polish but it sounds like it does a great job too. We also sell boxes and boxes of metal heel plates and full Army Rims. We have every size of each that is available (they seem to be hard to find,everyone who orders them are thrilled to find out about our selection of all sizes). I don't know if there are groups in the military that require Metal Heel Plates but there are a bunch of people using them (in the military) and in civilian life. Most of the boots we polish is done with Meltonian Polish, it works well and we have all colors. Our shine method is pretty simple for cowboy boots, Clean & Condition, Apply polish, Buff with horsehair brush, Finish with soft towel. There is no mirror finish like the military but with the mud, dust and cow poop cleaned off the customers are happy!

I am not sure what the "triangle" is in the first letter, if it means something to you then it needs to stay. Overall you need to remember that when stamped on leather a lot of the fine points of your lettering will be lost. Many of us considered different letters in our stamps but the BOLD letters last longest, are easiest to read for a longer period of time. Our maker stamp is also our advertisement and you do not what someone to try and guess who made a product of yours, you want to be recognized! That is what brings new customers to your door. Just my thoughts,

Terry, I have seen it used a little in small spots on leather, Be carefull, it will bleach it to a pink color, I think the ratio that others have mentioned would be best. The way I saw it mixed was "some" (unkown amount) in a baby food jar mixed with cold water. Use gloves!!!! Bruce at Ben's Saddlery in Wickenburg swears that the tips of his fingers are numb from using this stuff years ago without gloves. I don't know if it is so but he is pretty sure so the times I used it I wore the rubber gloves!!!

Great job Josh! Dave looks so thrilled with his saddle! That pretty much says it al!!! nice job Josh

Steve, It has been some time since I have been to your shop but have always enjoyed the weekly emails and notes you send out to touch bases with your customers. It is a personal touch that others don't find the time for or think it is important to their business. I can't believe that you have found the time to post on this forum with all that is going on in your business (the move, the orders). The forum will be just that much better with you and your leather knowledge available. Rick J.

Terry, I have seen several circle Y saddles (about that age) with Ralide Plastic trees. Many seem to be o.k. and not broken on the ends of the bars. The early ones I have seen seem to crack at nail holes at the front and rear bar ends. Maybe they use a different plastic now? Rick

Hi all! I have a customer that dropped off a pair of english draw reins with a cloth type elastic sewn in (about 18" doubled on each side) I went to order it and had a hard time finding the right stuff but found it a Weaver. They will only sell it in 50 yard rolls. I will never use that much and wondered if someone that stocks it in their shop and had 2 yards they could sell me so I can complete this repair? I will be glad to pay for the material and shipping/packaging. Thanks in advance, shop 623 580-7272 cell 623 271-3309

p.m. sent Rick

Hi, There are some people that put a solid fixed sight rail on their dummy guns. I did a quick search and could not find the photos but Jeff from "Boomstick" holsters does this. He has a channel groove machined in the top that runs the length of the dummy then epoxys a rail on it to allow for the channel left in the leather after moulding the shape. I think he does all of his dummys and it is a very professional look and will always allow for the forward sight on your holsters a clear draw. You might drop him a p.m. and see if he will post a photo of them, they are really the best I have seen. Rick J.

Darcy, Great job on the website. I like the old fashion look of the black & white. It shows the tooling detail (which is excellent!) crystal clear. Rick J.

p.m. sent Rick

Erica, I have not heard of "cutting" nails, but you maybe able to use "clenching" nails. They are very sharp and when used with a metal backing (or a last) the tip bends at the end holding the pieces of leather together without glue. Hope this helps, Rick J.

Harvey, Try Able Auto Transport http://www.ableautotransport.com/ We used them a couple times from the midwest to CA./Hawaii, then from Hawaii/CA. to AZ. They contracted with someone local to get the cars to them and dropped the cars to the right docks to and from Hawaii. Overall they were professional and reasonable and the local drivers they used were clean, polite and I am pretty sure sober . The car hauling industry seams to have its share of "dirt bag" drivers so be carefull. Rick J.

Welcome to the forum! Your work looks really good for as little time as you have been at it! I am just south of you (anthem az.) and my shop is on 20th ave. just south of Deer Vly/Rose Garden Ln. (arizona boot and saddle repair). Stop in sometime when you are heading to the leather store, I would love to see some of your work. Take care, Rick J.

Nice job!! I am interested in how the Glock holster will feel when wearing, it looks very high. Given the shape of Glocks, it is difficult to get them lower, I carry a G30 everyday and have struggled with getting it so it does not "pull" from the top. I have found, using a heavy gunbelt does help and I suggest a matching belt to the customer when they order the holster. ( extra $$$ !! ) I like your 1911 holster alot! When doing a mouthband or upper trim like you did, detailed boneing is less of a issue for visual appeal, open up a new can of worms (swear words and stress) and try some exotic hides for your upper trim! Just when you think you have a comfort level, working with exotics will humble you. It is a whole new learning curve! I have some extra pieces I can send you so you can get a feel of them without breaking the bank to learn. Let me know if you want them. Nice stitching! It appears you have the Boss dialed in and are producing some very even stitches. Keep it the gears in it lubed and clean, and a drop of oil in the bobbin groove on the cylinder and it will keep stitching like a champ! Rick J.

Aloha Willie-Joe Good to hear from someone from the Big Island! I lived South of Pahoa for 2 years and tried to spend as much time as I could along the Hamakua Coast, it is some beautiful country. Akaka Falls and the Botanical Gardens are some favorite spots! I really miss living there and try to get back often to visit. I miss Poke and beer with friends on friday nights! There is none here in Arizona ;( There is another person from the BI on this Forum, it is "Hilo Boy" he does monument engraving on tomb stones just north of Hilo, you might drop him a p.m. and hook up. If there is anything I can get for you here on the mainland to help you out I will be glad to do that. I know the limitations of not having a leather craft store near by. Post some work, we would love to see it! Did you do the "Hawaiian" saddle in your avatar? I saw a nice one by a maker on display in the museum in Wiamea. It was a local art show, It was nice, done very well with tooling. Aloha, Rick J.

Machine is sold. Thank you, Rick J.

Matt, You guys are what the rest of us strive to achieve in this business, your work and knowledge are unquestionable, it is the best. But this gentleman is a beginner (without knowing for sure he will make it a profession) and may have not ever used an powered machine, he is on a budget and wants to step up to the next level. A machine such as the Cobra is a Rolls Royce to use but, for the hobbyist it may be to big of a jump. You are correct, the return on investment is the best it ever has been, the machines are less now than years ago thanks to competition in the market. I have sold the original Boss I bought as a hobbyist within hours of posting it (I wish I had more) I have a list of people hopeing the deal will fall through so they have a chance at it because they called me and hour after the second person I talked to bought it. I think you are correct, it is easier to loose 10% on $1000.00 from depreciation than 10% of $2400.00 +shipping. A beginner, not sure they are going to stick with it may not want to put out that much money for something they have never used before (power machine). How about a bidding war!!? lol!!! Just my .02cents Rick J.

Sale Pending on this machine, Thanks Lance!!

Hi All! I have a Tippman Boss with all the accessories for sale. Boss stitcher extra needles extra bobbins tools Removeable Flat Bed Material Guide Spool of t-270 thread Original Box (not the oak one) This machine has been covered when not used and works great. $1000.00 PayPal or U.S.P.S. Money Order I will Package and ship to you in lower 48 states inc. in this price. The best way to contact me is phone, 623 271-3309 Email azsaddledoc at yahoo.com

Rod & Denise This kind of information would be great for some of us that are fairly "new" to ordering trees. It might also be nice to be able to know what specs the customer needs and be able to convey that to a tree maker. Rick J.

Hi, Do you still have the Gold Stamping Machine for sale? I would be interested for more info. Rick Jorgenson 623 271-3309