JRB

I think most of the high points have already been hit on. On the sight channel, I use the body of an ink pen (like a bic). A pen was handy on the first one I did, seemed to work, so I continued using it. On the stitching, the guide that was suggested to me when I started was to measure the width of the gun, divide that in half and add about 1/16". That is how far your stitch lines should be from the outline of the gun. This has been pretty close for me on semi autos using 7/8 oz. leather. Not as easy on a revolver since it's not as clean of shape. Keep it up and you'll keep improving. I've done 4 or 5 holsters and I think each one is getting better.

The coffee stain looks good. Are you happy w/it?

IWB for Glock Leather: W&C 7/8 oz Dye: Fiebing's UMC Black Here is my latest effort. I think this is the best constructed holster I've done. It's also the first one I've started to put together the molding. Still a long way to go but thanks to the help of everyone here I'm improving. The thing that bothers me the most about this one is the dye. The leather didn't seem to take the dye very well and I don't know why. It's kinda spotty/thin and almost purple in spots. I'm anxious to get my Angelus dye. All comments welcome!

Most don't like it because it's difficult to draw without crossing your body.

What he said!

7/8 oz. holster utility grade. I got the plain (undyed) and they offer drum dyed. They sent me samples of all their colors. I ordered over the phone. Very friendly and quick delivery. The offered to send me samples first but I didn't feel the need. I would still like to try Hermann Oak.

When I say register a business I guess I mean setting up a business, reporting income/loss, paying taxes, etc. I guess I'm not sure where you cross the line from a hobby making minimal profit to a business making minimal profit. I'll have to do some investigating on the city, county, state issues. Thanks for the input.

For those that are selling holsters on the side from their work as a hobby, how do you handle "orders" and paymments? I don't really have a demand and am not really looking to "grow a business" at this point. However, I would like to make a web page to share with and thought it would be cool to have a way for people to order & make payment. Am I making a mistake by not registering a business? I thought as long as you did not make over a certain dollar amount of profit you did not need to report the income (is that just wishful thinking?).

I just got some good leather from Wickett & Craig. I was going to try Hermann Oak based upon a recommnedation but was having a hard time getting since I'm not buy quanity. I just started working w/the W&C and it has been easier than the low grade I started w/from Tandy. Also got my fist dummy guns. I like working w/the dummy guns more so than the actual gun. No worries with damaging them.

Since I asked I better post a pic. I use the handles of the edge beveler & stitching wheel. Also use my hands.

I want to try Angelus dye but their site does not provide color samples. I found a color chart for their paints but it's not very helpful and for paints. Anybody know where I can see the colors? If not, maybe you guys can provide some direction based upon your experience. I know I want Cordovan so that's easy enough. I want black but they have 3 different blacks (looking for something like Fiebings USMC Black): Black Jet Black Pro Black I would also like a nice brown. Something like the pic.

Ahhh...wrong kind of bike. When I here bike my mind thinks motorcycle. I figured it was of the personal comfort of OWB over IWB like you say.

Looks very nice. +1 on the color...Very nice choice. "uber concealability" with an OWB. Wonder why he would not want an IWB.

Do you have a forward cant on your IWB holsters?

Lets see some pictures of the tools you use for molding/boning your holsters.

I think the key for tuckable is attaching the belt loops/clips near the middle to bottom of the holster to allow the shirt to go between the holster & loops/clips. BTW, +1 on the extra clip being on the strong side. It's better to have it where it is quicker & easier to get to w/the weak side hand.

Very nice...I just can't seem to figure out those nice clean & crisp lines with the molding.

I honestly don't even remember where I copied the pics from, but I know several makers that use this same similar design (one of them has already been mentioned but there are others). Either way, I don't think it's going to be an issue for me because I think w/hand stitching I'll go w/K-Man's suggestion.

Thanks K-Man! Wasn't sure if adding it to the front would offer much advantage or not. Also, I guess when the exotics are used they are sewn over this piece?

I agree about the thicker band needed. Do you think the reinforcements that are only on the front & do not wrap around still offer any advantage? I too agree that the reinforcement is not a must have (and adds additional thickness that is not needed either!). But when somebody wants...what ya do? Overall, this wrap around reinforcement seems very difficult to do when hand stitching.

So are you suggesting laying the front and back side by side and stitching the reinforcement across?

Any tips on how holter makers are stitching the reinforcements that wrap around from front to back on a pancake style holster? Here are some examples.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Fiebing's Leather Dye vs. Fiebing's Pro. Oil Dye? Is Neatsfoot Oil recommended for use w/both? I am using it for holsters and plan to put Weaver Tuff Kote as a top finish (if I can get it).

I thought a "one size fits all" approach would not work. I guess the key is to determine the size of pocket that will be used most frequently.

I might have missed it, but what part of OH are you in? I saw you mentioned Cincy but didn't know if that was your area or not. Didn't realize you were the "founder" of this haven of information...Thanks!