Hags

Ditto JLS. To me, top grain is leather with a smooth, natural top/hair side and the split and sometimes sanded flesh side. I use HO exclusively for my work. I use one of 2 dealers because I know my b grade will be pretty much all usable. I like HO because I know how it is going to tool, mold, and finish. I use whichever one has the best deal at the time. One has a very good flat fate shipping and the other occasionally has free shipping. I do pay a bit more for HO, but I feel it's worth it. You will still have to work around zome problem spots, but I find them pretty minor. I also am trusting my supplier to send quality leather. If I had a tandy or Springfield within 50 miles, I may do things differently being able to see and feel the product. But as always, caveat emptor.

Dye from working on projects! Thanks guys. The cost is somewhat ameliorated by getting the lighter weight stuff when it's on sale. Usually black Friday stuff. I think I got that side for $65 and free shipping. I don't use much of it, but like to have some around for straps and the occasional bag.

Too bad Matt, could've treated you to a day on the golf course here. And all those sharp implements rest on a layer of 7/8oz Hermann Oak leather. Doubt they could make it through.

Ditto on the knife! Want to see the finished piece.

I generally use 7/8 for the back and 4/5 for the front. I have taken the time to make a few molds out of plywood for 380, 9mm, and 45 acp, both single and double stacks. It really helps with the wet molding.

Pretty cool.

Did not visit Tally Ho. But if you're in the area about September the wooden boat show in Port Townsend is very interesting. And no, I'm not worried about the pointy ends. I did consider pockets, but ultimately settled on what I have. I dont sit except to do tooling and dont wear the apron for that. This is more for use around the cutting bench and sewing station. Thanks guys.

I had a piece of softer leather hanging around and nothing on the bench. Merry Christmas to me! I used 7/8 oz Hermann Oak for the tooled pieces, Hermann Oak 4/5 oz for the straps. Basket weave just because. I have never made an apron like this and can see room for improvement. The stitching on the top of the pocket is because I got so into the machine I just went right around the corner and sewed the dang thing shut! Pulled it out to the corners and hand stitched the top so the holes didn't look like I was ... I made a yoke for the back and it is tooled with my makers mark as well. It has a short drop to a loop for the waist strap. Anyway, i like it and can't wait to get dye all over it..

Every new thing is a learning experience. I personally like a bit more coverage up the mags but otherwise a nice build.

Nice and clean, less is best. Good work.

I believe it was an Alden's school of leather video I watched regarding this. He used double sided tape and covered the entire back of the patch. It's a good video, look it up on Youtube. Sewing on a leather hat patch.

Ditto the plastic bag, re-wet as needed.

No roasts, maybe constructive criticism. Welcome! Hope you show you're successes as well as the "learning opportunities".

For my small patterns, I use card stock and print directly onto it. Works really well. For larger stuff, I often use the card stock you can get from Costco or similar stores that I find between the paper towel stacks.

Check out his videos. Just went through the cast iron skillet one for a friend with a few cast iron skillets that wanted one. Great videos!

That is very nice! I get some requests from time to time for these but have not done one yet.

Very nice!

Nice!

It is. Getting a little breeze off the Pacific today but the Olympic mountains block the prevalent southern wind we usually get. I grew up in Texas, moved to Seattle in 91 and got addicted to mountains, trees, rivers, salmon, etc, etc, etc. 52 here today.

Thank you!

I use Hermann Oak 7/8 for the holster, 4/5 for the rest, 1" nylon for the chest strap, but you could do leather with a buckle as well. The glass slicker came from amazon. I see now there is a 2 pack of different sizes. I think I would like that better. Sometimes this one is just too big. I bought a 2 pack for <$20. I bought my welded rings there as well as the purple loctite (you don't need 40 to 50 ml!) that I use on my Chicago screws. I do almost all my buying online. I live on the Olympic peninsula of Washington state and dont have the luxury of a leather supply within 5p miles that includes a ferry ride across the Puget sound.

Sorry, I just saw this.. here's a pic of my parts and pieces I use for my shoulder rigs. I use nylon for my chest straps, but leather is an option as well. I catch hell from a few members for this, but leather is not always the best material. I measure below the nipples, cut to size, and the holster width usually gives me enough room for clothing allowance. I do a 25 degree cant on the chest rigs, and just be sure to leave enough room for a grip and draw away. Dont hesitate to ask if you have other questions.

On my holsters, I stamp the reinforcing piece before I sew it on the front. Then I wet mold.

I think they look very nice, more so since they are you're first. Nice stitching and design. I prefer a forward canted holster. The FBI standard was set ar 15 degrees sometime in the distant past. I use this on my pancake holsters and find it does, to some degree, help with drawing the gun as I carry mine in the right rear. I also use a reinforcing panel on the front. I feel it adds some rigidity to the holster, but have made them without and feel it really made no discernable difference. It IS a very nice place to tool, which I enjoy. One thing that was brought up is the spacing between the grip and the top of the holster under it. I always leave at least 3/4" to get my fat fingers around the grip. I also get most of my retention from the back of the holster, trigger guard, takedown pins, etc. Good job!

Arthritis, cobra class 3....