DaltonMasterson

Heres some pics.

I did a search of Ellis Barnes' stamps, and come up with someone saying that they were not attracted to a magnet??? Mine are steel/magnetic, but I dont know if that will mean anything. I got some pics taken tonite, and will try to post them tomorrow. The sad thing is that this box I bought sold after a few others sold. There were a few full plastic Craftool tool holders clear full of stamps and wood handled tools (didnt see them until they were selling, shame on me). They sold for 30 bucks each rack. I imagine there were a few good older stamps in those too. I wanted to make sure I got the box I got though, and didnt bid them up any more. DM

I made one a few years back. I seem to recall it reminded me of a pregnant guppy.. It is the Stohlman 1911 pattern just made wider. .

I have 4 different ones on the way, and should have been here today, but..... I am glad to hear they work good for our purposes. DM

I just went to an auction that listed "leather tools" in the flyer. Well, expecting it to be a Basic 7 set and a wallet kit, I went anyway. I was pleasantly suprised with several boxes of nice older Osborne hand tools, lots of stamps, etc. Well, I bought a tackle box full of 63 stamps, a round knife, draw gauge, edgers, rivets etc. Most of the stamps are identifiable as Tandy, with several pre 63 ones in the mix. There are a handful of Kelly Tool/Midas in the pile as well. BUT, the intriguing part of the buy was the 13 no name steel stamps in the mix. They are shorter than the Craftool stamps (3.5" long) and very nicely made. They are not stainless, and are not plated. I will try to take a pic of them later, but dont have pic access right now. The tool faces are sharp and well defined, and the handles are knurled like Craftool stamps. Does anyone know who might have made these? Thanks! DM

Well the price was right either way, other than the major muscle pull that happened having to move it. It didnt look like it would serve holster duty very well. I will do some cleanup and see about posting it for sale. Thanks, DM

I have an old Merwin Hulbert .38 that had grips made from leather on them. They stacked 2 pieces, and shaped them for each side. They did NOT look very good, but I dont know how long they have been on there. Its a 100+ year old gun. I have replaced them on the gun, but will see if I can find the leather ones for some pics. DM

I lucked (maybe not) into a Landis 12 from a local retired shoe shop. The lady had it in her shed with some other equipment, so its dirty, but does work. The leather belt on it slips a little, but other than that seemed to work fine. I mainly build western style holsters, and I dont think this machine will do much for me. OR will it? I ran it when I brought it home a few years ago, and it has just sat in the garage since then. I am starting to reevaluate my sewing machine needs, and thinking that if I slim down the old machines I have, I might be able to come close to getting a newer (smaller) machine. So, does this machine have any use to me? I mainly sew 9-10 oz leather (18-20oz total thickness). Is there still a market for a machine like this if I would sell it? What would be a good price range to list it? Thanks, DM

I like that Dave! Its very similar to what I came up with, but minus the pretty stingray inlay. DM

Well, its actually more of a western style holster, with a cartridge belt. I have made one, and just got it dyed a few minutes ago. Its not my most creative moment for sure. Cannon, thats a pretty cool design. DM

I have been asked to make a holster and gunbelt for a Taurus Judge. All I have to say is that it is one ugly critter. If you have made one, please post them so I can get some inspiration and ideas to make this thing a little prettier. That or I am gonna end up putting it into a full flapped holster and then stitch it shut.... Anyhooo, Please post them. DM

Sad thing is I had a pretty full cart that I had been building up, and now its gone I bet. I wish they would bring out a paper catalog again, so I could actually look and see what is available. Half the things dont have pics on the website. I still like their stuff though. DM

Thank you! I just put a coat of Skidmores on it, and it actually brought out the nuances of the brown a bit more. I like it. I just hope I can replicate it come time to dye the belt. Not the belt in the pic by the way, a veg tanned belt to match the holsters. Mug, yes, that is buffalo. Its pretty comfy, but very hard to smooth the edges, as its not veg tan. DM

Howdy! I have used walnut dye with some success, and also use a coffee dye. For the coffee dye, I bring to a boil then simmer a whole can of dark roast coffee for a few hours, and reduce it. I get a nice mellow brown color after using a little bit of olive oil over the top. Here is a pic of a coffee dyed piece. It was submerged overnight in the dye, then oiled after drying. Then a little bit of sun, more oil, then back into the dye for about 20 minutes. The walnut dye is basically done the same way. Boil and reduce green walnuts for the best color. When I did it, it made a slightly more pale brown than the coffee, which is not so evident in the photos. The real difference in color is probably due to the sun and the oil more than the dye. DM

Mongo is correct, cowboy shooters do drop the bucks. I also sell gunbelts, but mine are unlined basic straight belts. I get 80 for a 2 1/2" Ranger belt, with a border stamping and no loops. Everything is handsewn, but there is not much to sew on these. I always have at least 1 standing order for a gunbelt in this fashion, usually with a few loops added, or spots. These extras cost more of course. I was charging 40 for them, and wasnt selling them. When I finally sat down and figured things out, I doubled my prices, and things really picked up. I can make one of these in the equivalent time of 1 night, if you dont count dyeing, topcoats, and edging time, which goes on for several days after assembly. I say equivalent time as I have an 11 mo old boy and full time job/other things to contend with. So, if you base the time that it takes you to carve, and make the beautiful things you do, on the unlined straps of decorated leather I am making, you should be able to price accordingly. Also, your location might hurt your high end sales as well. If I tried to sell a belt in the middle of Nebraska for 100.00, I would be laughed away. The clientele is not here for that sort of item. You might need to be in a more upscale location, catering to the people with money burning holes in their clothes. Good luck, and nice belts. DM

They still need a coat of Skidmores or two, which should darken them up just a tad more, but for the most part they are done for now. I also need to make the tie downs, but that can come later. These are really fast holsters. Its a nice compromise for us that dont like to build buscaderos and buckets, but still want a somewhat fast draw option. The belt is a work in progress, that I just grabbed for the pics. I have had a heck of a time getting the edges to lay down on the belt. I also built it with the Maker stamps on upside down, so...... Its very comfortable though. I did not do the antiquing that Will mentioned, but did use my year old dark blend coffee dye, EVOO, and more coffee, which gave it a somewhat antiqued but not overly worn look. Also, ignore the strange moccasins in the photo. The Nike tribe was visiting when I took the photos. I also have this in the holsters section. Please feel free to critique the holsters, but be nice about the belt. I feel bad enough about it already, . Thanks! DM

They still need a coat of Skidmores or two, which should darken them up just a tad more, but for the most part they are done for now. I also need to make the tie downs, but that can come later. These are really fast holsters. Its a nice compromise for us that dont like to build buscaderos and buckets, but still want a somewhat fast draw option. The belt is a work in progress, that I just grabbed for the pics. I have had a heck of a time getting the edges to lay down on the belt. I also built it with the Maker stamps on upside down, so...... Its very comfortable though. I did not do the antiquing that Will mentioned, but did use my year old dark blend coffee dye, EVOO, and more coffee, which gave it a somewhat antiqued but not overly worn look. Also, ignore the strange moccasins in the photo. The Nike tribe was visiting when I took the photos. DM

Got my pattern today, Will. Looks good! HOpefully gonna start a holster tonite! DM

Hagar, that is exactly the stuff I am using, and it works great for leatherwork. If mine didnt have the grid lines, I would be happier, but they are handy to have at times too. Thanks for that link. DM

i'm glad to see you got this posted over here Will! I was gonna link it but havent had a chance to get on here until today! Good stuff as usual! DM

Sorry to bring up the old post, but.... Check with your local architect/engineering firm. I work for a City government, and our city engineers no longer use the stuff. They just gave me a few rolls of it. They are precut, gridded, and have the firms name on them, but for the price they cant be beat. I can fit many holster patterns on 1 sheet, or I have also cut them down into notebook size pieces for transferring carving patterns and small stuff. Once I get it drawn on, I use a clear enamel paint to preserve the drawing. It keeps the lead from transferring to the leather if you reverse it. I have yet to wear any of it out. DM

I prefer a solid brass or white bronze clipped corner buckle from Will Ghormley for my gun belt. That or the round/oval one in brass. Thats for my personal gear. I give the customer an option for that buckle, and make the belt for it. I let them either get the buckle on their own, or I add the price on to the belt price. The price is high, but they are US made, and look very good. Otherwise, I put on the Tandy clipped corner buckles in either nickel plate or solid brass, depending on customer wishes. DM

I am looking for a pattern for a holster for a North American Arms .22 mag revolver. My friend wants it to have a belt clip, so he can wear it in his boot, but any pattern will work. He also wants a little pocket/wallet type holster for it. I have been toying with this thing for the last week, and have NOT come up with any good designs yet. Its just such a small little thing, and that spur trigger rules out a lot of my ideas. Its driving me nuts.... Thank you. DM

I am looking for a pattern for a holster for a North American Arms .22 mag revolver. My friend wants it to have a belt clip, so he can wear it in his boot, but any pattern will work. He also wants a little pocket/wallet type holster for it. I have been toying with this thing for the last week, and have NOT come up with any good designs yet. Its just such a small little thing, and that spur trigger rules out a lot of my ideas. Thank you. DM

I had a request for some adult themed leather work. Can I get into the restricted forum. Thank you. Name: daltonmasterson UserName: DaltonMasterson IP Address: 97.119.99.183 Email Address: mercuryman68850@yahoo.com