BlackDragon

Thanks! I decided to remake the liner and sweatband. Here was how I did the first one. The liner (cotton) and sweatband (2oz vegtan) are stitched together then stitched into the hat. This is how I remade it. Now the liner is separate from the sweatband (1oz pig suede) and the sweatband flips inward to hold the liner

The important things are your #1 & #2. Veg tan should be completely dry before clamping for stitching and it shouldn't move while in the clamp. With that said ponies should have something in between the wooden clamps, preferably something softer that the work piece. I use a couple pieces of 3oz English bridle on each side (not glued together). The English bridle will comform to the tooling when snug. When the work piece is in the clamp you don't have to use a lot of pressure to do the stitching, if you are your holes may be to small. Also make sure when you're stiching you aren't pulling the piece so it moves towards you or away from you. The pressure should go to the left and right.

Thanks!

This is only the second hat I've made and I was worried that anything lighter would be floppy. Maybe using 2/3 for the crown and 5/6 for the brim would solve both issues? I made a sweatband and liner but I didnt take a picture of it cuz it's down right ugly. The sweatband is 1" 2oz vegtan and it's sewn in through the holes attaching the brim to the crown at 5 points so I can remove it.

I'm a bit of a gamer and I've been wanting to make the hat for the character Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. I used 6oz vegtan and Resolene as the finish.

I found a couple on Bruce Johnson's site but the bar looks to be different. Some stamps can be impossible to find because they may be custom made. Trying to copy something so exactly can drive you nuts, trust me I know. People wont notice most of the tiny differences so if you find something pretty close you'll be fine. https://brucejohnsonleather.com/products/stamping-and-carving-tools/basket-stamps

When I order a side from Wickett & Craig I ask for the back to be pasted on some of the sides. This way I dont have to take the time to do it.

You did a great job!

That's a big machine.

When I was first looking at machines I was going through the same feeling as you. I finally narrowed it down to the Cowboy 4500 or the Cobra class 4. The two machines are pretty similar and the deciding factor came down to delivery cost. I found a local dealer when I lived in NC for a Cobra and I went with that one because I saved $350 on the delivery fee by picking it up myself, although I had to drive 1.5hrs each way. I don't know of any dealers in TN

Great job!

Looks great!!

His contact info is 865-258-3376 esterltristin@gmail.com

Thanks for the comments. I like the motorcycle idea. I can definitely do a small modification for it to work on motorcycles.

I saw a drink holder on a few websites so come up with my own design. It's targeted towards the horse community to clip on a saddle. It's made with 10oz vegtan except for the face panel which is a more pliable 5oz. I made two versions, the standard version and a deluxe version.

Yes but depending on the leather it can vary in results. You could end up with a splotchy dye job. This guy goes from a black shoe to a a nice deep red.

Welcome to the forum! When I first started with leather it was because I didn't want to pay for a "high priced" holster so, I made my own. It wasn't pretty by any means but it served its purpose. I learned why holsters are priced the way they are and now charge my customers for "high priced" holsters. It takes time and patience but eventually it becomes second nature.

Not sure if it's tooled. It looks more like a stamp because the lines are to straight. Maybe an engraved plate used to stamp onto leather.

First of all, that's a beautiful holster!! I recently started buying holster hardware from this company. The screws have a rubber washer on them and it helps a lot with tightening. https://www.holstersmith.com/vcom/hardware-mounting-assemblies-c-553_560.html

I recently upgraded to a custom head knife from a local blacksmith, Eric Esterl. My previous knife worked but dulled quickly and just didn’t hold up. Eric’s head knife is a whole different level—beefy, beautifully balanced, and razor-sharp. It slices through 10oz veg-tan leather like butter, and the edge retention is outstanding. It's overall length is 6.5", head width is 4.75". You can tell right away it was made by a craftsman who understands both metal and leather. If you're serious about your tools, I highly recommend checking out Eric Esterl at Element Esterl. This knife has already earned a permanent spot on my bench and I'm thinking of having a skiving knife made. Element Esterl LLC on Facebook

And the funny part about it is I read the correct words in each sentence.

Welcome to the forum. I'm about 2hrs East of you

This is a neat idea. I can see these as a center piece for tables at a wedding. A guest could take it home as a rememberance.

Looks like a press for gommets? Edit* Funny enough my google search lead me to this

That's a rifle sling hook You can find them at Zack White's (1 3/4") or Weaver's (1") https://www.zackwhite.com/1-34-Solid-Brass-Rifle-Sling-Hook--H13SB_p_3084.html https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/39-rifle-sling-hook