CaptQuirk

You could actually go heavier on the inside, specially for a heavy pistol. But what you have there is ok.

First, you need to find TDC in the dog. With the dog on it's back, scratch it under the chin until legs one and three are extended up, and legs two and four are down...

Nice

Right nice looking little building! I hope that the move is working out for you. While I can't say I know what it's like to be that busy, but like you, I have a small storage building/ workshop on my property. I am way out in the country, so I get to see Nature in all her glory as I tool away. I hope you find the fun again!

I got my bar from the local True Value Hardware, that tries to be a farm and feed store. They had 1 bar, and that was months ago. Still haven't restocked it. They also had a few bottles of Fiebing's Dye, but I have left their shelves empty. They just don't bother to restock for one customer, and certainly can't be bothered to ask their supplier for something. They have Weaver's chicago screws in shiny nickle and brass, but can't get antiqued finish? No wonder WallyMart is eating them up.

Weaver Leather has the Glycerine bars, but Tandy or Springfield should as well. If you have any horse places near you, check them first and save time and shipping.

Hey, even with Philly, you guys are lucky. I have an almost 4 hour drive to get to Atlanta, then through to Tandy.

That guy makes some cool books! You are right, it would have to be thin leather, and wet formed too.

Santa???

Welcome to America, where everything is now manufactured overseas, because of cheaper labor and tax breaks. Sorry, what I meant to say is, I use Elmer's Craft Cement. It holds well, but not welded well. I like to mock it up, clean it a bit, then still be able to take it apart to tool and dye.

Going to be hard, without having either a pattern or a head.

@Dwight- That is a pretty impressive skill.

@TrooperChuck- What can I say? I like being a rebellious outlaw. I also tore the tags off of my mattress, and there is nothing they can do to stop me!

I think the bigger concern, would be scratching the leather with the stone, not the metal.

Unless you get a "faux ring" off a street corner vender, I would think you will be ok. Most wedding rings are gold, and I haven't noticed any marks or discoloration. But, if your finger starts to turn green, I would say to keep it away from your leather.

Let's do the math... 1 day to dye and dry, 1 day to glue and dry. That leaves 3 days to edge, burnish, punch, and stitch. On an average day, I can get 2-3 hours in, before my shoulder starts screaming. So, I guess maybe 4-6 hours to stitch? That would include the time to re-thread the needles, find the needles after they have slipped off the thread, replace the needles after breaking the eye off, putting in another movie... all the things associated with hand sewing

DING DING DING! Winner!

I have not used the stain, but have used the dye. It works as well as the alcohol based, for me anyways. Another point that may not matter, is that because it isn't flammable, you can ship it cheaper. Whenever I have to order the dyes, it costs me more because it has to be shipped ground. Just make sure your leather is thoroughly cleaned before applying it.

I gotta agree with everybody else, particularly Matt. Does it suck? Hell yeah! When its all done, is it worth it? Well, yeah... it looks great, and it certainly isn't going to fall apart. Are you going to ever get all those hours back? Nope. Best thing you can do, is plan ahead, line up several movies, podcasts, or music, get munchies, use a 10 stitch chisel, and settle in for a while. Once you get all the holes punched, it is all down hill By the way Matt, 2-3 hours? Seriously? You need to get off the crank dude, it's not good for you

Very cool touch, using ostrich to cover it. Just needs a couple feathers now

Obviously cheap Chinese knockoffs, and not Oshkosh B'gosh..