jrdunn

Just an FYI, I ordered this item. It is not a hand press but dies for a hand press. To be fair, it didn't cost me $48 US either. I think it will by the time I get the press too. Let that be a lesson to me. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Jim

A paten is not going to spend $150 plus on a vest that will be outgrown in 6 mths. Maybe not but a grandparent would! Don't ask how I know.

According to the SDS for Vaseline Petroleum Jelly it is 100% petrolatum, no other ingredients. https://www.bettymills.com/product/MSDS/Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (1202753).pdf Fiebing Aussie Leather Conditioner SDS says that it contains 59-72% petrolatum. Yes, I would only use it for things that would be wet a lot. JM2C. Jim https://www.springfieldleather.com/sds-sheets/Fiebings/Fiebings Aussie Conditioner.pdf

Consider yourself introduced. Welcome!

I bought my Cowboy 4500 from Bob a Toledo Industrial. I'm very happy with the machine and the service from Bob. JM2C, Jim

I'd recommend a stitching groove. I hand sewed a work belt with Rhino thread(a braided thread from SLC). After about a year and a half, I'm getting a few spots where the thread is fraying. I am pretty hard on my work clothes, though. I think a stitching groove would've eliminated this problem. I don't usually use one. JM2C, Jim

Nice work! Also, I applaud your support of our veterans.

+1 on that. I read somewhere that a few hours will work. I tried it. It changed the color of the wood and leather but not as dark as it did after a week.

I can't be sure from the photos but I think your post is too long. When you get it rolled down on each half, they interfere with each other. They work better (for me)if I have to push the snap down onto the post while setting. Try a shorter post. JM2C, Jim

I use just plain white vinegar with good results. JM2C, Jim

Me too.

Nice! Thanks for the tip.

Glad to hear that.

Did you buy a strap cutter? If so, how has it been?

NICE!

I searched and couldn't find that app from my IPhone.

That is beauitiful! I really like carving/tooling but have really never liked flowers(I know, my therapist is looking into that.), so I really like oak leaves. Don't those high "lifts" get a lot of wear during use? Don't get me wrong, that is some of the best looking oak leaves I've seen. If I could do something like that I would dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back. Is the holster mostly a showpiece? Just a burning question in my feeble mind.

I'd get him to burn it into a piece of wood if he will(assuming it's not a freeze only brand). I had a guy wanted me to burn one into the leather of a business check folio. It wasn't what I wanted but exactly what he wanted. Be careful if you do, veg tan brands a lot faster than live cattle do. It smells pretty similar, though. JM2C

Where is that "like" button?

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.