dbusarow

If you can't return the leather then it's time to try to clean it up. Oxalic acid as Tom suggested. It's used in the States to clean cement floors, driveways, areas around a pool. Paint stores are a good source here. I've never tried it but I have heard that lemon juice also works. You'll need to dilute it since you have so much area to cover. Once clean, just experiment with the finishes you have available until you find one that works. A finish will be necessary or the leather will become stained quickly. Dan

You need to return the leather you bought and find a new supplier. The look you want? That's what my veg tan looks like when it arrives at my door from my supplier. W&C Dan

Thanks Matt. I'm getting excited to see it now. Dan

Hi Matt, I haven't received my sample yet. Might be one of those damaged ones. Thanks, Dan Busarow

Thanks!! Dan

I finally got it done. I used 3/4oz veg tan from RJF Leather. Very nice leather. This was my second bag. The first with lining, pockets and zippers. Dan

Probably depends on use. I added a saddle horn to my wife's saddle 3 or 4 years ago. Finished with tan-kote. She rides pretty much every day, rain, shine, snow. The horn cap and wrap still look great. All it gets is exposure to the elements. The most is is ever used for is hanging a pair of reins while walking out to the arena. Harder use would probably wear it off. Dan

I use Bag-Kote for all of my holsters. I've never liked the plastic feel of the acrylic finishes. Bag-Kote give a nice soft look and a natural feel. I use Tan-Kote when I want a higher, but still soft, gloss. Dan

That's a cool hat Jim. I'm thinking I might need a new hat for next winter Dan

REN, I'd be interested in both the iron set and an edger set. Dan

thanks

Does that design pick the weight of the bosal off of the bridge of their nose? Dan

Trace the outline of the gun. Then make a second outline, 1/2 the thickness of the gun + the thickness of the leather, outside the first. That gives you a very close approximation. You may find that you need to make adjustments from that point but the resulting holster should be usable. Fine tune the stitch line changes on your pattern. Dan

Thanks Tom. Wonderfully useful patterns. Dan

Leather is mainly from beef cattle. Steers are usually sold sometime in their second year. Around here calving is mainly Feb to March and September is common market time. So the steers are 1 1/2 years old. Then they go to a feed lot for finishing. Less than 2 years old total. How much grass or grain does it take to turn a 100lb calf into a 1000lb steer? Dan

I've made these with a leather loop. No need for metal unless the customer is insisting on it. It's been a while but I think I used 4/5 oz for the loop. It doesn't need a lot of srength. Dan

You could use harness or bridle leather. They are both pretty water resistant. Not water proof, but you can wipe them down. Dan

Ken, That looks like a copy of a CZ75 Compact/P01 to me. Rings makes one http://www.blueguns.com/shopexd.asp?id=311 The picture shows a full size CZ75 I'd call and verify that they do indeed have the compact/P01 with light rail and then order that. Bet it's cheaper than making your own. Dan

Since the jockeys dont normally take any stress at all I'd use the 3oz to keep the repair as thin as possible. That must have been some wreck to tear the seat jockey. Dan

Sounds good. Please PM me details. Thanks, Dan

I happened to be looking at the picture of this purse when my wife walked by. She wants one!! Thanks for the post and pattern Tom. Could you experienced bag makers chime in with recommendations for the leather? All I have is veg tan I use for holster, sheaths etc.. I do have some very nice 4-5 oz W&C that might work but I'm guessing that it might be too stiff for this pattern. What say you? Thanks, Dan

Hi Olena, Shipping is fine. What will the paint cost be? Thanks, Dan

Joe, What weight leather are you using for your bags? Thanks, Dan

I'm interested in 8oz of each color. Zip is 59759 Thanks! Dan

I think WWII era would have used Lift the Dot http://snaps.dotfasteners.com/category/lift-the-dot-8482--2 Dan