Spence

I've got about 20 acres of mesquite brush that I'm cutting down. Besides the obvious bbq use, I'm using mesquite as a burnisher. I have a pen lathe that I bought at a yard sale for $35.00. Speed adjustment and all. I lathed a 6" piece to work with various edges and it works just fine for me. I've burnished with just naked mesquite, beeswax and gum trag. Fantastic results. I'm also getting ready to make up some handles for some of my tools. I like the looks of the mesquite and the price is right.

Spinning a dog that is seriously lunging is dangerous for the dog. The harness itself should hold the dog back. But the dog needs further training to stop that lunging. I use a prong collar for all of my lungers and it calms them down rather quickly if the prong collar is fitted and used correctly. If the harness is properly adjusted, the dog should not be able to wiggle out of it. What breed and size dog are you building this harness for? What is the end use going to be? As 'roo4u' mentioned, leather would not be a good choice if the dog is going to be wading/swimming/splashing in water. You would have to strictly maintain it after every use. For padding, I've used rabbit fur, sheepskin and foam padding with a pigskin or 1-2 oz calfskin liner. re your design. I'd recommend adopting the breast plate design that is used for the pit-bull harness. I think your design has too much lateral movement in the plate itself, which could cause excessive wear and rubbing (sores and hair loss). I'd put rivets on either side of the D-ring on the top piece. There's going to be a lot of stress right there. In your original post, you have two pics of harnesses. The first, as 'roo4u' mentioned, is an Agitation harness, designed for a very serious, but under control, lunger. The second harness is a combo walking and/or tracking harness. So, in the end it's all about the size, weight, breed and purpose of your dog. The level of obedience or other training you have put on the dog and plan to put on the dog plays a huge part in planning the harness. I have different harnesses for different purposes for my dogs. I raise and train my German Shepherds for military, personal protection and police k9 applications. The harness you are currently using is for an obedience-trained dog, one that is always going to be heeling at your side. G'luck

Outstanding. No surprise there.

Very nice work. I like your "gripper". I've been using a thumb loop for obedience, but your style looks like something I want to try. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome workmanship, as usual.

I don't have a pattern either. I borrowed a friend's harness and duplicated it. I use it on my German Shepherds for "attack/agitation/tracking". A bit more work than Oldtimer's but very secure also. I'd be happy to give you strap measurements and you can lengthen accordingly. I finished this one over the past weekend.

http://www.murphywhips.com/index.html He's in Australia, but the size and price, incl shipping make it worthwhile.

Back-splicing (back-braiding) is not only permissible, it's strongly advised. I back braid at least 3 tucks at both the handle and clip ends. Depending on how it looks when I finish, I may cover it with a turks head. Not sure what you are looking for in an 'easy way.' Easy ways always get me in trouble. With my dogs, I can't afford to take shortcuts with leads. G'luck and make it fun.

If all you're wanting is a stamp with the words "Genuine Leather", you can have one made for about $40-$45 at http://www.lasergiftcreations.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=20&products_id=165 I've had maker's stamps and a caduceus stamp made and they are perfect.

Kudos, Brian That is a sweet "T". I haven't built one of those in years. Not sure I'd want to anymore. lol. Great work, as usual. Your transitions at the clip are outstanding.

Those are really great looking. A friend just asked me to make a couple of sets for him. I've never ventured into tack - yet. What weight leather is best to use? Tks

Don't know if I'm on the right track, but have used para cord as a core for years. In the "old days" I used it for core when square-knotting whistle lanyards, etc. Most recently I use it as core(s) in my braided dog leads. I've never had any trouble with making up the leads or having them rub through. If someone has a large dog and feels more comfortable with a thicker lead, I just add a couple more paras to the lead. Bet you could pull a semi with that one.

That type of braid goes by many different names, such as Magic or Secret braid. I've made a few leads that required the type of strength you're looking for, but I grew nervous about them during attack and protection trials. I've been told and am convinced that making so many cuts into a strap weakens the whole significantly. Hopefully, someone can disprove that because I really like the looks of that braid. I used a thinner leather and my cuts were 3/4" in length, 1/2" apart. You will most likely have to experiment on scrap before you find the key to the type and weight of your strap leather.

Guess what I just bookmarked !!! Great idea 8th and TVM CK !!!

Nice. I'd have to guess it is a combo APA (Attack, Protection, Agitation)harness. The bling turns it into a heavy duty walking harness though. lol. May be for a medium sized, and weight, dog. If you can't find a pattern, get the following measurements from your client: Medium Around the chest behind the front legs: 28-37 inch Around the neck of the dog: 13-23 inch Large Around the chest behind the front legs: 31-41 inch Around the neck of the dog: 17-27 inch Use these measurements, along with the photo and you're on your way. It looks like the straps are double-ply. G'luck

I can't wait until they come out with quads

I don't have a pattern, but I've made a few for my dogs. What type are you going to be making? Mine are agitation and tracking harnesses.

Never heard the deerskin method either. I fog 'em up and wipe them on a t- or flannel shirt. I clean them good with soap lather, running water and dry 'em with t- or flannel shirt. It's been many years since I've scratched them. Luck I guess.

Josh, great looking shop !! Way too clean, but time will take care of that. I like the layout. Gives me ideas for mine.

Ray, go here: www.murphywhips.com He sells a bunch of books and dvds on whipcracking.

I've got both the splitter and strander from Dene. The splitter is constantly at my side. I use it with every string I cut. I've split 7/8 straps up to 1" wide. I have no doubt I could split heavier leather, as long as I don't rush it and trim a bit at a time. I use the strander on occasion and I think I have a better time with it that his dad's strander (the original au strander). Both the splitter and the strander use blades that are readily available - as in cheap!

Duhhh, TVM

I've looked and I can't find: I find it helpful to have a picture of the end result of what I'm trying to accomplish. I can't seem to effectively copy/paste any of the photos from LW. Are these photos protected? (I would understand if they are) Any info?

Great work, Easy !! You may want to get ready to make him a larger one. At one year, that little monster still as another 8 to 14 months to grow. That is definitely an impressive cross breed.