Hildebrand

I always thought that looked like a likely place for something to catch the thread and potentially cut it allowing the stitches to unravel. Seemed cleaner and safer for the thread to all be on the belt loop. Todd

Nice.

No expert but best guess is the leather is tipping into the hole in the sewing machine as the needle pushes down, and it is doing this in varying amounts. I have to be very careful when I sew holsters that are double thickness plus a welt down the seam or the back doesn't match up with the front and it will vary like yours does. Todd

Nice job @chuck123wapati that looks great. Perfect engineering to get an unavailable tool. Todd

@leather20 I have started using one of the circular light/magnifier combos when I tool. It is on a movable arm andI can position it so I am looking through it or it is above just lighting the project. It makes it much easier to get the tool exactly where you want it. Also makes the swivel knife cuts easier. Todd

@Loquai as someone who had a Tippmann Boss, pretty much like the Outlaw, I don't recommend it. It did a good job sewing but I spent a ton of time fiddling with tensions and was constantly afraid to even change out the thread color for fear of something going out of tune. The second part of that is you only have one hand to hold what you are sewing with the Outlaw, while you crank the handle with the other hand. it was amazing to me how much easier it is to sew certain things since I can use both hands to guide them. Todd

Looks great I am getting ready to make myself one for a 1911 10mm. Todd

Depends on the end use of the belt. Very few single layer belts will hold up to carrying a holster daily without stretching. Todd

Looks really good Frodo. Luckily we don't have that big of a snake problem around here, its enough to just be cautious and watch where you walk. Todd

@Paultalks in reading this thread maybe back off just a hair. You have been beating on these people pretty hard. Given they blocked you on social media I am not surprised you haven't gotten responses to your emails and letter. Maybe take a step back, order online for a bit and see if things slowly return to normal. Like it or hate it businesses have to operate under the state, county and city guidelines until this pandemic is over. Todd

Another impressive piece Josh. Todd

To prevent any chance the metal from the back of a snap contacting the gun in any way. In most cases it is the back of a snap on a thumb break. You can't really predict where the snap goes on the piece which crosses over the gun, this leaves the back of the snap exposed once you set it in place. I place as many snap backs between layers of leather as I can but occasionally you have one end up exposed. Todd

Thank you Josh I appreciate the kind words. Todd

I use the little plastic screw covers the Home Depot sells. I just glue them on, I think they come in different colors. Store SKU #583539 Todd

Thank you all. Chuck, that is double layer 16 or 17oz it is right at or just over 1/4" I don't think I measured it once it was stitched. Todd

This is a set I just finished and will be picked up tonight. Its for a Smith and Wesson MP .40 full size. All comments and advice welcome. Todd

I would go to JLS Leather on Etsy. He sells a pattern pack for mag pouches. It has single and double pouches for 1911. I have several of his patterns and they are all spot on stitching line wise. Todd

In answer to your question about the inside of the leather being like suede, yes it is. That is what lead to the lined holsters. Also with the lined holster you get a stiffer holster which holds its shape really well. I have a couple that there is actually a click when you insert the gun. Todd

@Frodo I am going to respectfully disagree. The suede type leather traps any grit and gunk you bring in when you holster your gun. Also I think the majority of suede leather is chrome tanned. I will stick with veg tanned liners, a little blue wear is better than a scratch from a piece of trapped grit or rust from the chrome tan chemicals. Todd

Yes Adams leather he is with hank strange. I think you loose a little with the textured leather but it will work fine for practice. Todd

Definitely stay with the veg tan for a liner. You can prebend but I routinely use two layers of 4-5 sometimes 5-6oz leather and have never had a problem with it wrinkling when bent. I always wet the centerline I am bending around inside and out pretty well before bending. I also have a shadow 2 and am working on a holster pattern. I highly recommend Sam Adams YT video where he shows how to get the stitch lines and then draw the holster. Adams Leather Works has a couple similar videos where he details how he gets the stitch lines. Also not sure how much detail you are shooting for but if you are looking to "bone" the holster for the gun detail to show through a lined holster makes that much more difficult. Good Luck, Todd

With leather everything is a give and take. Best advice I have is get some chrome tanned and some veg tanned leather and make your products then test both and see what holds up better for your conditions. Todd

@MCarlosED usually items like belts and ammunition carriers are made from Veg tanned leather. Cartridge loops made of chrome tanned leather would be to soft and wouldn't hold the shells, same for belts. I have no experience with carnauga wax, I just bought a bottle but haven't used it, but I have not had any failures using a top coat of resolene cut 50:50 with water. Mop and Glo floor polish cut 50:50 with water also works but there is usually a slight flowery scent. Todd

Never found a good source, but frankly it would be cheaper than $7 plus shipping to just buy the ready made belt tape measure holders and take the clip off thats what I have done for the ones I need. Todd

For a use like a sling if you are going to go with 2 layers you really do need to sew it. If you don't have a machine you may be able to take it to a saddle or boot repair shop and pay them to sew it. A sling from a competitive shooters is going to be subject to a lot of different stresses while he uses it as well as adjusts it for the different positions. Todd