ABC3

Kevin, not at all sure of what to do. That's why I ask the question. Pulling out thread can be a pain but don't know what it would look like if you stitched over a couple of threads to continue. Maybe like "back stitching". Like I said I'm new to all of this and looking for some direction.

I know you should check the bobbin before sewing a new project (belt in this case) but I did not. Half way through the project my bobbin ran our of thread. Nothing but holes for several inches. How do you salvage the belt. Can you load the bobbin & over-lap the stitches and continue down the groove ? Please don't tell me you have to pull out the stitches & start all over.....

I posted this question before but, I think, in the wrong place, thus no response. I think now I've found the correct area & will ask the question again. I have an Osborne 1 1/2" Bag/Oblong punch that is a week old that I need to sharpen. Can anyone tell me how to do it using a Osborne Bench Stone? Thanks for your help.

I'm new to leather as you can see & I have a million questions. Making holsters, belts, ect is alot more difficult than I thought it would be. I wish there were an ABC chart to follow from cutting the straps to finishing , but it seems that everyone has their own way of doing it. But I am determined.... Question: How long can you leave Dye ( Fiebing's Professional Oil Dye) in a Stainless pot before it starts to lose it's properties ? Can you add anything to it to bring it back to 100% ? I understand that alcohol will evaporate from the dye, yes-no-what can be done? Thanks so much for any help. Maybe one day I'll make something that is useful.

Rdb' I've read your tutorial several times & I must say it has helped alot. Thanks for posting it. But to finish my belt you are saying just apply Leather Balm over the entire belt. This is a plain BLACK belt with no tooling. Let it dry & I'm ready to go. No sealing.

Need some opinions regarding finishing a Belt: I've cut the strap, edge it & punched the "slot" & the "chicago srews" dyed it - then what. Regarding sealing, finishing, burnishig, ect. What are the steps from A to Z. Thanks for your input....

TinyL; I just got in a large order from Zack Whites as well. Tim is a great guy to work with. I'm sure you will be pleased in your future dealings. Stay safe.

Can anyone help me find the book entitled "Belts Galore" by Al Stohlman. I ordered it on Amazon.com but they emailed and cancelled it. I've been to several Borders book stores as well as Barnes & Nobles & nothing. It seems that it has dropped from the face of the earth.

Greg, You have a PM...

Looks good - nice job.....

Ryano; I think Weaver sells only one Rotary Punch. I am talking about the big automatic not a hand held unit.

Has anyone got an opinion on the "Rotary Punch" that Weavers leather Co. sells?

I was looking at the same deal. I've never had one. Also I was surfing the web & came across Weavers Rotary Punch (what a gem) but @ $1480. You would have to punch alot of holes go get your money out of that.

Where would the best place to start looking for a "Western Punch Press". I want to have some dies made to punch buckle tongue holes & Chicago Screw holes as well as a die for the other end of the belt to punch tongue holes. Or maybe there is a better way to skin this cat......... Any suggestions ?

I have an older workbench that I will be using in my leather craft. The work area or surface is painted. Should I sand it down to the natural pine, leave it as is or does it matter. I didn't know if the paint would affect the hides.

Great looking holsters. Thanks for sharing....

Dwight; I've been looking for something to make the job alittle easier and it looks like you've got it. Two questions: What do you put on the edges to burnish when you use your dowel attachment & did you use the dremel sanders to cut the groves or did you use someother sander. Great information by the way - thanks

Does anyone know if there is a tutorial on holster making on this forum. Any info. from pattern to machine sewing to dyeing to sealing. Anything at all. Thanks in advance for your help.

Marlon; That's not it. Thanks for trying. I'll find a sample somewhere.

Rawhide, I do not have any pic's. I have such a belt and it looks like it was sand blasted. Just covered with alot of little pits. I can't find it in any catalogs. Maybe I'll take a look at some of the web-sites.

Do I need an Embosser for leather belts ? I am looking at one from Zack Whites but really all I want is the "pebble" design. Can anyone point me in the right direction ?

All great comments and they just keep coming. So I think I'll start off & build the frame & then come back to the forum & decide on the top. Space is not a concern & I do have 4 other work benches in the room (Including my reloading bench which I can't move). I'll just have to work around it. I think I'll go with the 4'x 8' for layout. Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm assuming pine for the frame - right......

Thanks everyone for your input...I'll get started. I bet the 3/4" Granite top cost a pretty penny.

I am starting to build a new work bench for general leather work with a shelf on the bottom to store material. Not making saddles or anything large but I have a couple of questions: #1 Size (L&W) I have the room but don't want to go overboard. Would you make the legs out of 2x4" or 4x6". #2 Height. I have a lower back problem so I don't want to make it too low so I am bending as I work/play. #3 What have you found to be the best material for the top (3/4" plywood) or are there other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

William, Thanks so much for the input. I will continue to stop in at the Tandy stores as I travel around. Have checked with Weavers but not at the point yet of getting a Tax ID or Business Lic so not much help there. "Will check w/ Springfield leather. Have a great day & again thanks,