XDholster Report post Posted July 20, 2009 (edited) Hello all, I am new to holster design and fabrication. I have made a few holsters leather and kydex. To be honest i hate hand stitching. I could be doing it the hard way im not sure. I like the tippmann boss but hate the pricetag, is there and cheap alternitaves for a part-timer like myself? here is my first cammo dyed holster, still messing with the colors to get it right. 26* cant Edited July 20, 2009 by XDholster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shorts Report post Posted July 21, 2009 Interesting dye job, cool work Hand stitching does take a little time but you get better at it and it goes quicker. But it still takes some time to do. On the belt slot, get it as close to the belt size as you can. An oversized slot will allow the holster to move upon draw, causing some slack. I don't know what size slot/belt you need, just an offhand comment Overall, good work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted July 21, 2009 Welcome to Leatherworker.net. Sorry to say it, but there are cheap stitchers, good stitchers, but no cheap good stitchers, nor good cheap stitchers. OR You're looking at a pretty substantial investment for a sewing machine that will handle thicker leather like holsters and sheaths. We have a sub-forum specifically for sewing machines, and there's lots of info there worth reading. DO NOT JUMP THE GUN AND BUY AN "INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE" FROM EBAY.....until after you have done a little research into what kind of machine you need. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XDholster Report post Posted July 21, 2009 Thanks for the commemnts and tips! What stitch would yall recommend for holsters? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shorts Report post Posted July 21, 2009 I'm using a Cobra Class 3 stitching machine and its exactly what I need. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted July 22, 2009 The Cobra class 3, Artisan Toro 3000, (and others like them) are short arm versions of the Juki 441. You'll see them often referred to as 441 clones. There's also the 'standard' or long arm version which is around double the arm length. Then there's the Adler versions, Cowboy Sewing machines, Highlead, and a host of others. These are all electric sewing machines and require a stand (or work table) and motor. Most of the ones set up for leather have speed reducers as part of the package. A ballpark budget is about 2 grand to get started with one. In the manual department, only two companies come to mind. Tippmann's "Boss", and Luberto's "Classic Cub, and CC II". They are in the $1200-$1500 range. I'm currently going through the list too, and trying to decide on what type machine to get. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LarryDonaldson Report post Posted July 22, 2009 I'm new to machine sewing also. I just purchased the Cobra Class 3 myself and have had it a short time but I love it and the service after the sale is great. I looked for months on the internet for a used machine but they all seemed to be missing something. I don't regret the extra cost at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhall Report post Posted July 22, 2009 I am very happy with my Cobra Class 4 machine and you get Steve for support! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fivesixthree Report post Posted January 28, 2011 hi friend how you camo dye ???? dont say camo ink .,, cool job and nice stitches ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BConklin Report post Posted January 30, 2011 (edited) That is a really cool holster. I like the camo pattern. I disagree about the stitching though - hand stitching is just about my favorite part in the process. Being a newbie I don't know how most people do it - but I lay out all my stitch holes on the pattern using dividers - then poke through the pattern holes to the leather to mark it with an awl, then punch out all the holes in the leather with a diamond punch. Admittedly it's a time consuming process - I suppose if I was making them for money I'd want a machine.... Edited January 30, 2011 by BConklin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shorts Report post Posted February 10, 2011 That is a really cool holster. I like the camo pattern. I disagree about the stitching though - hand stitching is just about my favorite part in the process. Being a newbie I don't know how most people do it - but I lay out all my stitch holes on the pattern using dividers - then poke through the pattern holes to the leather to mark it with an awl, then punch out all the holes in the leather with a diamond punch. Admittedly it's a time consuming process - I suppose if I was making them for money I'd want a machine.... I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess you haven't handstitched a belt yet eh? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shooter McGavin Report post Posted March 15, 2011 Holster looks cool. After 2 months of hand stitching 3 or 4 holsters a week I bought the Tippmann Boss. Once I got it running right I love the thing. It saves me enough time that I can sit at the computer once in a while again now. What used to take 2 hours or more now takes 20 minutes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
