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I dyed (dipped) a Horse Hide 1 1/4" belt yesterday (Light Brown) & let it dry over night. This morning I noticed it came out all blotchy. The color is not even, at all. It needs to ship out today. Is there any recommendations as to what need to be done to even the color out? Would you re-dip it or try to even the color by re-dyeing just the light portions. If I put a sealer on it & then a finish coat the blotchness will remain - right? I hate to start all over on this one. I would be cutting the strap from the same butt & might have the same problem again. No time to order additional product.

NoahL: I just broke my 3rd blade in the strap cutter. I don't know what the problem is. But it's time to relax with a glass of wine & figure it out tomorrow. Bytheway, how did you come out in your Tour ? (A little off topic, but short) My son came in third - Regionals) Have a safe one & thanks.

I've started playing around w/ Horse Hide & planning to make a dual layered belt. Horse Hide on the outside & 6/7 oz Bull Hide for the liner. Question: How do you cut a strap of "Horse Hide". I have 4 strap cutters, that I use for different widths for various things (the old basic wooden type - that has served we well in the past) & have cut hundreds of straps, put a new blade in it & still cannot cut past 6 inches on a 1 1/2" strap of HH. It just will not cut. Have I got a bad pc off Horse Hide or am I missing something. The Horse Hide is as stiff as a board but recent shippment according to the Dist. It's not the thickness (which appears to be maybe in the 8/9 oz category) so then what is the problem . Any suggestions......

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the roses.....

After months, I finally got up my new Web-Site. "You all" take a look & let me know (good or bad) what you think. All comments would be appreciated. Thanks, www.agcustomgunleather.com

Thanks for your comments...The reason I ask this question is, I had an appointment today with a local Gun Store that has only been open for about 3 weeks. I guess one of the guys, that work there gave them my name & they called and wanted to hook-up & take alook at my hand made Gun belts. I could see consignment written all over the conversation. Anyway, I just knew it was a waste of time but thought I would check out his shop and his inventory of guns. To make a long story short: After I made my presentation I walked out with a check, in hand, and an order for 24 belts. Now I ask you, how often does that happen. Now - I've gotta go make belts......

What's the general consensus regarding consignment? I have had several retail gun stores lately wanting my belts on "consignment". I've always felt that this was a bad practice & declined for several reasons, inventory, theft, going out of business, ect. I'm not a bank & I've always ask how much of their inventory was there on consignment? Very little...... I just wanted some opinions - I have a couple more retail stores asking again.

I have been sending various products (leather belts, holsters, ect) for years & I can say I have not once been scamed. In fact on several occasions I have mailed the item before I received payment. I guess I've always felt people were honest. And I've really found that to be true in the gun & gun accessories business. If they want to con me out of an $80 holster or a $70 belt - I figure they need it more than I do. Now I know some of you guys/gals are talking "big bucks" for your product, and that's a whole different story. But with the economy & the way everything else seems to be going the "return signature" may not be a bad way to go. I guess that hand shake & trust has gone out the window.

GrampJoel; I have a CD that Cobra Steve made, when he was with Artisan, regarding the Toro 3000 that may be able to help you. I would be more than happy to loan it to you for a week or so. Just let me know.

You know Katsass I've been looking for the same felt to be used in the same manner but I never once throught about a "carpet store". Getting old is hell...... That's why this forum is so great - it helps us old guys remember stuff we shouldn't have forgotten. Thanks.....

TimKleffner; I have not tried Klingspor - but I will give them a call, right now. Thanks.

For any of you that use the Weaver Sleeve Sander (2 1/2"x 4") & Burnisher wheel - I have found a supplier of the sleeves. Weaver charges $7.50 each & I purchased 25 60 grit & 25 120 grit for $1.60 each. It will take me a while to go through them - but what a savings. If anyone is interested give me a call (678/520-2695) & I share the info.

This machine is like NEW. I purchased it this year (2009). I have not yet finished running the 1st 1# spool of thread through it. Comes with all the extras. Pick up in Atlanta only. $1,500. 678/520-2695

Tim, Do you think 220 grit is fine enough for the final sanding ? I was thinking of going even finer. But I don't want to over-kill the sanding.

What's everyone finding to be the best grit & sequence to use when you need a real flat & slick surface ? This is mine & I am not please with the outcome. I need to buy additional sanding supplies but I don't know what to use. I go through a 3 step sanding process (flat surfaces only - like belt edges or flat edges on holsters). #1 A Drum sander with somewhere around, I'm guessing, 80 Grit (just to take care of the real problems) I've just ordered some new sleeves at 60 & 120 Grit. I'm finding that the Drum sanders is NOT the best tool if you want to keep the product flat) #2 A 2" belt sander using 120 Grit (4 or 5 passes) #3 A 1" belt sander using 220 Grit (4 or 5 passes). Should I go to a smaller grit at my 3rd step?

Welcome Big Guy.... Pull up a chair there is alot to learn on this forum.

Redd; Those are beautiful. Great work...

Mike, I ordered a small amount from Springfield Leather. That's the only place I know that has any at all. If you find a supplier, let me know. Thanks,

Mike, thanks. They sell Weldwood at Home Depot & Lowes. I'll give it a try.

What is a good alternate to Barge contact cement that you could buy locally?

dustin29, Jimmys number @ Tandy is: 800/261-4119 or 770/934-0081

I'm getting ready to make a "horse hide" belt & was wondering if the process was the same. I am going to make the liner out of 6/7 "bull hide" & then glue & sew the "horse hide" together. I have no experience, whatsoever, with "horse hide". So my questions are: Is the process the same as "bull" ? Dyeing, Sewing, Burnishing, Sealer, Final Coat ect. Thanks in advance for your help.

Kevin, Sorry about the PM. I would like to know more about your problems with Artisan. When you have time give me a call (678/520-2695). I'm thinking about just selling it. It only has about 3 or 4 spools of thread through it so it's still new. Anyway have a great day. Tom

K-Man, You have a PM if it went through. If not email me.....

Johanna - you have PM