jrdunn

Looks good. If it looked too good, it could be made by a machine. I tell myself "I'm not after perfection, that's for assembly lines". That helps soften the blow of my big booboos. I have to admit when I saw the title, I thought maybe you did the Firebird/TransAm bird. My hotrod buddies always called that the "screaming chicken". That would be complex!

Mule tape is a polyester "ribbon" used to pull cables through a conduit. That belt is made from 8 plaits of of 1/4" mule tape (rated for 400# of pull. I first braided it looser to start with and it was 1 3/4" wide and too thin, so I un braided it all, pulling much tighter. That gave me a 1 1/4" belt with a good "body". This tight of braid doesn't allow the ribbons to lay flat. It worked out well for my 8 year old granddaughter. https://cajuntiedowns.com/product-category/cajun-pull-line/?product-page=7 This company sells various size and colors but I buy the white and dye it the desired color. I use RIT synthetic dyes. I needed several sizes and colors, so I bought white. So far the synthetic dye has held up well. Their standard dye doesn't stay in synthetics well. This picture is a turquois and white 6 plait(I think) of 5/8" tape. It made a thick, 1 3/4" wide belt is great for my 16 year old granddaughter. It ended in more of a western style than the other. I have also braided "roping reins" from the 5/8" tape. JM2C, Jim

I use his book extensively for braiding. I learned from it and still use it as reference. I practice a lot with "mule tape". I used paracord and nylon rope also but mule tape seemed to work better for me. Here is a picture of a belt I made for my granddaughter. She loves purple! JM2C

I always wear the buckles toward the outside for one simple reason: If they are on the inside, you run the risk of snagging the buckles on each other thus tripping you. Just my two cents and experience. Jim

I can't really help you but I will offer a huge "Thank You!" for posting the picture. I love pictures of the old machines! FWIW, Jim

Very nice! Beautiful work.

Yeah, in my neck of the woods we'd assume that is a "mouse nest".

Yeah, It turned into a "uninating contest" before I even read it. I just figured it was "whack a mole" day and kept my head down. Confession: I do use Olive oil(I know, shame, shame!). It seems to leave my leather less greasy My father in law used tallow on his saddle since 1942 and I still have the saddle. As usual, this is all just my two cents. No warranty expressed or implied. Jim

Yeah, Chuck made this one for me and I love it! It cuts good pushing or pulling and holds an edge pretty well. If it starts getting a little difficult to cut, strop it a little. No worries. Thanks Chuck! Sorry for the slow review. Been trying to wear it out! Jim

+1 on Traditions. I was in there a couple weeks ago and they have some nice double shoulders. American hides, tanned in Mexico. JM2C, Jim

Take it easy, bub. This is the first time I have seen it. I really like it! I only have time to look at the new stuff and possibly a little research when I get on here. I don't usually post anything. I know I'm not very good but I still enjoy it. My praise may not mean much since I'm not very accomplished myself. Sorry for the long post. JM2C, Jim

Welcome to Leatherworker.net !

Sounded like a comercial to me too. IDK

X2

I'm for rawhide. I've had an old Tandy rawhide hammer for years and got a heavier (2 lb.) rawhide maul about a year ago for the heavier stuff. JM2C

Ken, Welcome to Leatherworker.net from a fellow Okie. Wiz is great help as always! Jim

I like where your pattern is going. Somewhere I read (on here I think) that beveling around the barbed wire tooling really improves it. I haven't used them, so I don't know. It looked better in the pictures. JM2C

Sorry for the sarcasm. I did find this, though. https://www.ebay.com/itm/294369129812?chn=ps&var=592982284511&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1fKPvdja_QlGndLBZtofeKA82&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=592982284511_294369129812&targetid=1585159292091&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9026179&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1585159292091&abcId=9300697&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8uOWBhDXARIsAOxKJ2GMsyb-EZZgkPyoTWsxGYkTz2LFqtR_nQTClKzYShb-lWWaHO-sNG4aAr4vEALw_wcB

I don't know for sure but I would assume on the south end of a north bound turtle. Sorry, just kidding. Jim

They don't call them GRAND daughters for nothing. My two receive and inordinate amount of my leatherwork.

Then we could start a whole new sub-forum (I got plenty!)

And I ain't tellin' nobody.

@Johanna, Thank you. I am from the U.S. and don't really care for that stuff. I think I have thick enough skin but feel like most of it is a waste of time. I do feel everyone is entitled to their opinion but I don't come here for it unless it is about leatherwork. I really appreciate all the hard work all the moderators put in. Thank you! As always, JM2C. Jim

Ain't that the truth. I don't know about you guys but for me children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces account for most of my "pro bono work" and huge portion of my leather budget but I love 'em anyway.

Bob took good care of me as well!