we could use a pic of the back of the hat band ends on the left of the head with some sort of embellishment, I don't see that so that's missing info on your project.
on cutting the slots get a round punch the width of the intended slot and punch two holes that match the width of your concho strap then cut across with a knife creating the slot. Slot punches are pricey for one project when a cheap round punch and exacto knife aren't. One slot per concho the concho strap goes through the leather main strap then around the concho bar then back through the same slot under the main strap to the next concho. it could then be ended in the back with a bleed knot.
That's a fine pattern!! It looks great. Shooting it will tell the tale, lol. Sometimes, they slide up due to recoil. The stitching is great looking, too. If you can clean up that edge on the riser, it would be perfect, IMO.
I've done a bit of etching myself. That's too bad though it leaves out a lot of potential for those buckles if you can't do it no one can. I would consider a different material for the construction as chrome steel is way overkill for a buckle and leaves out a vast number of sales options. Good luck to you in your endeavor you have a good product!!!
Hey Mac!!! No, it won't work lol. leather sewing machines cost a ton o money. Home-style machines won't cut it and there are no needles that size for them. Now what is giving you fits with the hand sewing maybe we can make that easier and a bit more fun for you.
Oh then check out etching for steel it's easy to do. The pics make them look like brass. I've never considered a laser image any form of self-expression now if you just want money then it may fit your needs.
finding someone with a dip tank (auto shop) is much safer than cans of carb cleaner lol. you can dip the whole machine and then blow it out with air with less nasty chems getting on you like Acetone, xylene toluene, etc. Good tips though for small parts however that stuff cleans fast and I use it often for things I can't dip. the grease brush rocks!!
You might hit up some fly-tying forums too they now use cutting dies for foam bodies, it's getting big fast!!! They may be more appreciative of your offer. Thanks, BTW.
Good luck !!!
LMao I read this "Looks nice. "Mule deer antler shed?" then this "Thanks! Not 100% sure on the antler. I bought it from a maker on Etsy. the seller didn’t say."
I just figured you knew it was a mule deer. Sorry
I used references from existing ones online in my case it was for an M1 Garand. I also got the best info from Dwight here on the forum.
oh mine is for right or left hand use lol I shoot lefty.
thanks, i feel the same as you the one has a date of 3/33 maker unknown on it the other was an old Montague both the wood was in excellent and when refinished they are beautiful. That old workmanship on what was once a lower quality rod is as good as any. I cant wait ti try them out lol the water is still to hard here. New reelseats handles and eyes complety scraped down with ten coats of try oil and japanese silk thread. When you afford cool sometimes you gotta make your own cool. The main reason o got into leather work btw.
So anyway I haven't spent the winter totally hibernating. I have a couple of old bamboo fly rods I bought off eBay years ago, last fall while in another town i bought another from a thrift store. It turned out the tip was broken but the silver lining was a beautiful red agate stripping guide a vintage sock and the original aluminum case. long story short I built two rods out of the three. I see some leather cases in my future lol.
its our turn for a mild winter. we had the mega snow two years ago. Its the wet time of spring now and when we get the moist moisture of the season. So we get snow/sleet rain hail stuff depending on the minute lol. the weather changes very quickly here.
Thats a nice little patch knife indeed. I found some small compasses that look nice embedded in the cut end it is an easy way to fill that void if the shank doesn't interfere and the sheath really rocks!! It will look great on a possibles bag.
Oils are used to soften vegetable tan. Do some tests with Neets foot oil to find the amount of softness you want in your final piece. It also darkens the leather a bit.