wintermte

I completely understand. I was just looking for a shortcut, I imagine I'll just size it up using a paper pattern and figure it out. Thanks anyway. Dan

Tim, Can I get a copy of the pattern as well? Do you happen have one for a v-star 650 as well? Thanks, Dan

Holy cow that is sweet looking. What kind of tank is that being put on? Is that an oil filter tank on a cycle? Dan

I'm not sure about that, but the set I'm using now (which I didn't make) I ended up just drilling holes in the back and bolting them to the frame directly. Dab

Man that really stinks! I'm sorry for your loss.

That is truly incredible.

Thanks everyone! I just used the basic tools -- swivel knife, background tool, pear shader, and the beveler. Dan

Deleted because it was another duplication of the original message. Sorry I'll get the hang of this yet...

Thanks! I'm not sure how the heck I managed to post this here 2x. I was trying to post the 2nd one in the "Show Off" discussion. Is there a way to move a thread to another topic?

--deleted because it was a duplicate post--

I'm a little hesitant to post this as it is my first attempt at anything complex. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, although the dragon/satan's head didn't come out as well as I would have liked. I can't claim the full credit to for the design. I found the original sketch on the internet, and traced it for this project. Let me know what you think (just be nice). Dan

Another good idea. I guess I'll have to make a trip to Walmart!

File folders! That is a great idea. I would have never thought of that. Thanks for the input, that will give me something to play with. Dan

Is there some inexpensive material you can use to help figure out patterns before cutting the leather? I've looked a vinyl, but isn't stiff enough to really piece things together. Thanks for the help everyone. Dan

I'm wondering where I can find patterns for things like motorcycle bags, roll/tool bags, etc. I'm not looking tooling patterns, but instead am looking for patterns for the shape/size and assembly of the pieces. I did find one web site called BigHouseDaddy. Has anyone bought any of his ebooks? He doesn't have anything for roll/tool bags, but he does have a saddle bag pattern set. I'm still very new at this, so any help or advise would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan

Hi I'm pretty new to leather tooling, and I have some questions about finishes and dyes. I'm not sure where to start. I've purchases a few of Cava Eco dyes (water based) and have tried to use them, but I'm not getting the results that I expected. They are much darker than anticipated. What I would like to do is achieve a "wash" appearance. I want the cuts and "lower" tooled areas to appears darker than the higher areas. Something simple like this (the finish not he pattern) Also, I'm interested in adding some color to some areas. What kind of dye do I use for this. Ultimately I'm working towards making a seat for my motorcycle. Finally, what do I use to seal it all in. I've see many different clear coats, but I'm not sure which to use that will protect the piece in the rain. Thanks to everyone for any help you can offer. Dan

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start looking in some of the other lists on here. Dan

Hi all, I'm pretty new to leather tooling. I've some some small things tooling projects, but nothing real big. I want to start to do some bigger projects (motorcycle bibs, maybe a seat) and use dyes and/or antiquing. Where do I get started with how to use dyes and paints. I can't seem to find a good place to start. I have the "Leatherworking Manual" but it doesn't have much in the way of details on this topic. Should I invest in an airbrush? I'm just looking for a good reference place to start. Thanks, Dan