Hags

I like the thought process that went into this . Square cornered, hard sided, briefcases form the 70s that I remember, were double sided, or lined, with a hard material in the middle. This may be relevant or not. But I feel a firm layer between the leather will add a lot. I'm sure you have seen this already.

Very different Frodo. I'm a big fan of tooling. Outside the box!

I use Hermann Oak veg tan and I do not dye the back. I do use the same finish, front and back, lined or not, 50/50 resolene and water, then glass the unlined back to make it look more finished.

Ditto above

Welcome, no shortage of information here.

You just need to pick a project, watch a video, and get going! You will mess up, no shame, part of the game. Stop worrying and start making. You'll love it and you'll get better fast. You dont want to see my first holster!

I only have 4 model guns. I have used the customers for just about all of my builds. I use plastic wrap to wet mold then as JLS says, I wipe it down very well. The customer knows this is how I do it, so no surprises and I think they like the fact that I fit the holster to THE VERY GUN it's being made for. As for leaving the gun with me? I have a safe I keep them in, and the customer comes to my house to drop it off so he knows where it is. I dont do this as a business per se but as a busy hobby. If someone really wants me to build a rig but lives far away, I'll up my price a little and order the blue gun (my fav) if one is available. The customers are surprisingly fine with this. I'm pretty sure I have jls' pdfs on holster design if you need them, send me a message. They worked great for me and is the method I use.

Very, very nice.

Very nice!

Very nice job!

I'd call the Leathermachine.com direct and speak with them. I believe that's who Springfield gets their machines from. They were very good when I had an issue with my class 3.

Thank you!

Me too, took a piece of 1/2 metal and bent it to a comfortable angle and cut pieces off a 50 grit stick on disc on it.

New to me? Hope you figure it out, they sound very nice.

I really want to try this technique. I think it looks very clean. I struggle with sewn on belt loops. I guess I just dont make that ma y of that kind of belt. Mostly 5 to 6 shot belt sets.

Pics are always welcome.

So very sorry. They are so much a part of our lives.

I recently ran an add on craigslist and found 10# of mixed bird shot for $2 a lb. I plan on using it to make weights, but a sap may be cool. I just didn't want a 25# bag of it and dont reload anymore. Very pretty, much more like the ones I remember the police carrying in the 60s and 70s.

I use a lot of copper rivets. I also use the three punch set from buckleguy.com ($56.93) so I have all the tools I need. I mostly cut the rivet 2-3mm and use the round over punch. I use #12 rivets, be sure your tools match your rivets. I love copper rivets because my customers love the look!

Pretty nice.

Another welcome from the upper left coast! Google Sequim Washington and you'll see what I mean.

WAG here is 4/5 oz veg tan dyed black kn one side. Pretty easy to do.

Welcome! Plenty of info here.

Welcome!

Very well done!