CaptQuirk

Timing is a huge factor, as I usually get a request with "How soon can I get it?" The further away the source, the longer the turn around, and the higher the cost to ship. Had to order line 20 snaps this morning. $5 for the snaps, $10 to ship them. But, Tandy is 3 hours away in Atlanta, and I should have them tomorrow or the next day. Springfield takes about 5 days, and the shipping is about $17. Normally I have these rivets and snaps, but had a bad run of luck the past few days, and burned through all of the female half of the snaps in a day. Happened again last night.

Ok, I think I have it. Thanks for the help, all of you.Like I said, I was just wondering what my options were for decorating the exposed suede. Going to google pyro... burning suede Thanks again.

Yeah, I am a bit confused, as I'm still learning the ins and outs. I have sort of learned about veg tanned, since that is what works for my holsters. Then I read that lined holsters are all the rage, so I'm trying to accommodate. Personally, I kinda liked the suede lining, 2-3 oz made it soft and quiet. Can you show me an example? I have no press, but it sounds interesting.

Ok... heard bad things about pig, and now suede? What do you use? I suppose I could try straight up veg tanned for lining?

Hello Sioux, I am buying just regular veg bellies. Both Tandy and Springfield charge about $30 for them. And yes, I do need to find another source, hopefully closer to home. Being in Georgia, I am limited to Tandy, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. I did try a Herman Oaks shoulder once from Springfield, but didn't see enough difference to warrant the extra few bucks.

Thanks. I'll look into it.

Yes, a side would be cheaper by square foot, but I have no room to store anything yet. Only doing a few small pieces here and there, it doesn't make sense to buy a big piece, spend a lot, and have the unused get ruined.Being a retail customer, I pay more up front, up to $30 for a belly, plus shipping. Shipping is what really hurts. But, thanks for mentioning Weavers, I'll look into them.

Thanks Michael. I wasn't sure if it was me or the suede, but I couldn't get it to stamp. That is how I learned you couldn't tool and mold chrome tanned stuff. The reason I asked about tooling suede, is that I'm using it as a liner on my holsters. There are times when I have a holster that hangs low, leaving a lot of liner showing. I think it looks good, but a little on the plain side. Have you tried burning it yourself? What was the result?

Well, can you? I've looked around, and found nothing.I did find some mention of burning it, but not tooling and carving it.

I used to do sales, auto parts to be exact. I also had to do a lot of "telemarketing" and "cold calling" to get those sales. Those that stuck in and became customers became MY clients. I took their calls, placed their orders, filled them myself, and shipped them. I got to know my clients, their shops and what worked best for them. I even found ways to make some deals that worked out for them. But, that was a small company, and a long time ago. I miss that interaction.

I got the August sales flyer from Tandy, and they had veg bellies for $20 each. I jumped on it. Got them in and found what was more like 1 1/2 bellies. One was nice, the other looked like it was torn, not cut, and about half as big as the other. Springfield was awesome for a while, when they offered a "flat rate" shipping. Now that is gone, and it costs an arm and a leg to order. At least Tandy had an outlet in Atlanta,, saving a lot of time and some shipping. Not much, but it is something. Don't know where else to go.

Thanks guys, those tips are something to try someday. I am just concerned that there may be some bleed issues.

And BandAids... Lots of BandAids. And maybe a something to bite and scream into, when the awl goes through the leather AND your finger, and the wife is sleeping.

I'm curious about dipping. How do you go about this, and how much waste is there? Also, is there an issue with excess dye bleeding out afterwards?

This is one of many posts that should be a "sticky post", one that stays at the top of the all the other posts in the section. I went through 6-8 snaps the other morning, just trying to get a Line 20 snap to set. That was just the female half, I now have 6-8 male halves left over.

I have two different issues going on... lots more really, but I'll stick to those that pertain to this. I really gained a few pounds over the last few years, and made the belt at those measurements. Then I lost a lot, including my butt apparently. This belt falls off, like the opening of The Monkees. But it is also the way it fits that doesn't feel or look quite right. The belt stands straight, with no hugging at all. So thanks Dwight, I will do the next belt on a curve.

Thanks Dwight. Suede liner will work, since it is too late to recut the belt now. But in the future, how much of a curve do you cut?

I made a western gunslinger style belt and holster, but it doesn't fit quite right. I measured around my hips, and the length is right, but it still slips right off. Is there a secret to making these belts? Should I have cut the belt with a curve instead of straight cut?