MsDragonfly

I am completely puzzled with this problem and for the life of me can not figure out why this is happening. I can cut out three holsters from the same pattern; however, when they are all finished no two have the same measurements and it is noticeable. I just did two holsters and the one came out 1/4" longer and wider than the other and the fit is looser than the other one. Does anyone have any suggestions how this could happen? I trace and hand cut all of my patterns. Could it be happening during this process? Any help would be much appreciated. ***Lisa

Thanks for the replys. Its much appreciated. K-man, In researching, I did have the Springfield Leather site saved but wasn't sure about their products. I will give them a try. Thanks. However, I was also going through my research material and found this website http://www.obenaufs.com/product_info.php?products_id=12 has anyone heard of or used any of their products . Also, what are your opinions on the Atom Wax and can you use the edge kote with this finish? Is it best before or after the finish? Thanks. *** Lisa

I have been using the Acrylic Resolene Finish and find that it is inconsistent in its application. At times it finishes fine on my holsters and other times it leaves water marks and uneven color tones and I can not figure out why this is happening. I apply the finish with a wool remenant in a consistant manner. Could the type of applicator that you use cause this inconsistency or is the Resolene just an inconsistant finish? I have attached a picture of the end of a game call holster that I make which shows the markings that the Resolene makes. You can see the streaks that it puts in the leather as well as at the end of the holster you can see the water marks that it made. I am looking for a finish that provides a water resistant, durable finish for outdoor products but also provides a smooth and even professional look. I was thinking of discontinuing the use of the Resolene and going with either the Leather Balm with atom wax or Super Sheen/Satin Sheen. Any suggestions? Also, is it possble to use the Weaver's Tuff Kote in conjunction with either the Leather Balm with atom wax or Super Sheen/Satin Sheen? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ***Lisa

Thanks everyone for all the replies and the advise. It is much appreciated. ***Lisa

I make holsters. Can someone tell me what is the better skiving tool to use in which I can thin out the leather along the outer edges of the holster where my sew seam will be? I use 8-10 oz leather and I have found that with the edges being slighlty thinned for sewing as well as during the wet molding process it provides me with a cleaner, sharper, flatter edge. I have been having problems keeping all sides consistant in thickness. Any help would be much appreciated. ***Lisa

Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a brief moment and introduce myself as a new member. I am very new at the leather craft and have been teaching myself through research but mainly through trial and error. My interest is mostly holstsers and other outdoor products to be used for the hunting enthusiasts, however, I would like to eventually expand into other project ideas such as purses. Just a little background on myself. I am a serious and seasoned bowhunter of whitetails and love spring gobbler hunting. I love the outdoors. I am a collector of custom handmade turkey calls and art. I look very forward to chatting with you all, as well as building my leather craft skill from much of the experience that I see on this forum. Thank you very much. ***Lisa

I am making a holster that will be exposed to the outdoor elements. Due to the shape of the holster that I am making and the design concept, I have to dye the front and back of the leather prior to molding to ensure color consistancy. While molding the leather for form fitting, I have found that my dye is bleeding pretty bad during casing. As well as, when the leather completely dries from molding, when applying the Resolene finish, the dye would continue to bleed during the application process. The type of dye that I used was the Fiebings Leather Dye (dark brown). Is there something that I am doing wrong? Could I be applying to much dye? Am I using the wrong kind of dye? Secondly, other than the Resolene as the finish, what would one recommend to use with the Resolene to ensure that the finished project overtime would not leave any dye marks on one's clothing? Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. ***Lisa