dbusarow

I use a 21 for 138 and 23 or a 24 with 207 depending on the leather. Your 19 and 22 might be a little too small. Dan

Depends on what is spilt. Where exactly the split is. Horn wrap type. Several options. A picture would help but seriously the only DIY type of horn repair is a mule hide wrap. http://www.bigbendsaddlery.com/hornwraps.html Dan

Dan

The Maine thread I have has a label on the inside of the cardboard core. It lists the diameter in inches, e.g. 0.040 Dan

It's the spring steel thread guide that you run the thread through after it comes off of the lower tension disks. Dan

Sounds like the lining might be harness or latigo in which case it doesn't absolutely need to be oiled. But it won't hurt. No, it won't hurt the thread. Use Pure Neatsfoot oil. Dan

Just break it into comfortable length sections. When you reach a point where the first thread is too short to continue, run the needle/thread currently in front to the back either as a half back stitch or going forward. Start the new thread two to three stitch holes back from the end. The effect is the same as a back stitch but looks cleaner and seems easier to do for me. Dan

http://www.goligerleather.com/saddlery.html Dan

I scribe a line using a straightedge and a scratch awl. Then use a round knife to make the cuts. Just follow the scribed line, don't try and use a straightedge for the actual cutting. Dan

I don't think you should be using a finish coat on the billets. Neither English Bridle nor Latigo require it. Neither does veg tan, just oil it. Dan

4/5 works fine for IWB for a small gun. My Kahr CW9 lives in a 4/5oz summer special I built about two years ago now. Daily wear for around two years and it is holding up fine. Dan

I use the smaller Osborne haft with collet and it works fine with the Douglas blade. The collets are the same so, yes, the one pictured will work with a Douglas blade. Dan

Your Tandy oil tan is full grain. Your upholstery leather may be either top or full. Don't worry about the sanding/buffing, does it have a finish coat? Dan

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I agree with Bob, that's a good friend. Congrats. Dan

You've got it pretty much right on. The only thing I do different is to pull the loose thread from the front side to the back. That eliminates the tiny nub of thread on the front when you cut the threads. Dan

Hunio, thanks for your posts. I learn something from every one of them. Dan

Short version, Yes. Dan

I don't know which is best, but I prefer the glycerin soap for edges. Dan

Yeah, great video. Dan

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather Full-grain leather refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed (as opposed to top-grain or corrected leather) to remove imperfections (or natural marks) on the surface of the hide. The grain remains allowing the fiber strength and durability. The grain also has breathability, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact. Rather than wearing out, it will develop apatina over time. High quality leather furniture and footwear are often made from full-grain leather. Full-grain leathers are typically available in two finish types: aniline and semi-aniline. Top-grain leather (the most common type used in high-end leather products) is the second-highest quality. It has had the "split" layer separated away, making it thinner and more pliable than full-grain. Its surface has been sanded and a finish coat added to the surface which results in a colder, plastic feel with less breathability, and it will not develop a natural patina. It is typically less expensive and has greater resistance to stains than full-grain leather, so long as the finish remains unbroken.

207 does work with a #24 but I usually use a #23 Looks to me like the needle is dull. Dan

Looks like your roon hadn't cooked enough. Let it age longer. Keep adding steel wool til it won't disolve. I just soak for about 30 seconds. Baking soda rinse for a few seconds. Let dry 24 hours. Then oil. Dan

Nice work. I especially like the eyes on the three heads. The center head with the hint of the second eye. Good job. Dan

Many people like the zig zag pattern in their stitches. But if you don't just use a different needle point. A couple of people have posted PDFs showing how the various point styles look. Here one of them. TI_SMN_15_EN_01_20130703_150.pdf Dan TI_SMN_15_EN_01_20130703_150.pdf