Hags

I have a 4x8 overhead storage shelf above my bench. It hangs from the ceiling. I roll them up and put them up there. I think I got it from Costco online.

Ditto TOXO. I buy sides for much of the same reasons as above. I also feel I get the most sq feet for my $. As above, I use the back or top of the leather for belts. I then cut off the belly and use that for dog leashes or narrow straps, and generally lighter use stuff. The in between or bend part I use for holsters. You have an advantage in that you can see the leather you are getting. I cant due to location, so I buy Hermann Oak to be sure of the quality I'm getting. I buy b grades, but you may want to try a craft grade HO, you may be surprised at the difference in the leather.

Well, good while it lasted I guess.

Email said it's on till Friday 1/7

Montana leather is having a sale, craft grade Hermann Oak sides for $140 and free shipping. See their website for details. I bought one earlier and it was a decent deal for sheathes and stuff. It can have brands, holes, etc, but for a buck forty and free shipping it's a pretty good deal IMHO. If you wanted to try Hermann Oak, now's the time. Hope this doesn't break any rules...

The book explains it all reasonably well. It's just 2 screws and it comes apart. Also several videos on YouTube. It's pretty easy after you get into it. I love every time I do a bobbin, disassemble the bobbin hook assembly every 2 times. I oil the bobbin hook area every time I oil the machine. I always look at the hook for burrs. One needle strike is all it takes. It a piece of 1500 wet or dry paper cleans it right up. Dont be afraid. You have to get into it at some point.

Nicely done!

Very nice Chuck! A small lathe is probably the next thing on my list. I'm sharing a 2 car garage with my wifes car and my golf cart. Needless to say space is at a premium in the winter here in Washington state.

Nice job! There will always be room for improvement. I do agree with covering the end of the barrel unless you have a specific reason not to. Cant is a personal preference.

I have a class 3. My first thought is when did you last clean the bobbin area? I mean taking the thing apart, looking for burrs on the shuttle hook, blowing it out, reassembled cleaning and oiling? Yes the needle is important, but so is the bobbin mechanism.

Hello from the other side of Washington! I use 7/8 for mine. Finish with resolene then massage them until they lay the way I want. Always seems to be a little cupping, if I cut them from the edges, a lot! Especially if it's a belly cut. My last ones, I glued a piece of 4/5 to the back. Made a big difference.

Nicely done! Love the concho too.

Yep. That's the truth. Veg tan gets very firm after wet molding.

Ditto the HF vac pump. I use the same one.

Here is another holster that I feel is interesting. This was for my brother in law's Pico 380 acp. He wanted an IWB, and had a German holster from the 60's. No belt clip, but used 2 pieces of leather outside the pants. I riveted them to the holster, the male part of the snap on the part that goes under the belt. Then the female part on the top part that goes outside the belt. Obviously only new to me, but I thought it was a cool way to do it. I've thought a small pocket knife sheath on the outside part might be a nice touch. I wish I'd have taken a side view of it.

Kinda slow during the holidays so I'll post some past work.This was a freebie for a good friend. The story is his Grandfather took this knife to France in WW1. It is a folding hunter, with what I think is a bone or cow horn handle. The sheath he had for it was deteriorated beyond repair. I made this to keep it covered. It will never be used. There was also a bit broken off the end I repaired. Kinda cool I think.

Love the colors. Nice work.

Nicely done!

Very nice indeed! Great job.

That looks just fine!

My wife has an older one, not sure of the model. Wouldn't cut thin leather very well..

This is one I did a while back for a Ruger GP100 in 357 with a 4" barrel. I did a flat back holster and sewed a belt tunnel on the back. I think it worked out pretty well.

I like it.

I struggle with this as well. I advertise in a local online add service (CL), and stress my custom work and individual service. I make mainly chest rigs for hikers, horseback riders, bow hunters, etc. I make one of items, and use only Hermann Oak leather. I do make pancake holsters as well for CC, and guns with lights, lasers, holographic lights, and others. I do use a Cobra class 3 to sew and feel this gives me a very reliable stitch line. I sewed by hand until arthritis put an end to that. I wish I could use a clicker press, just dont do enough holsters to justify a press and the expense of the dies. I have to say I'm a retired hobbyist, I'm doing this for a love of the craft, not as a living. I do not have a bunch of blue guns, have to use the customers most of the time so this hinders me. I do 3 or 4 holsters a month, sometimes less.

Pretty.