don't ever do this-

[pete]

I just spent 2 hours(happily) making a thin pocket holster for myself. My first. It was for a Ruger 380 lcp.

All finished and a perfect fit and draw. The leather was still wet from forming (why I wet it I don't know as it was 4oz or so.

I wanted to dry it and "cure it" a bit so I put it in the microwave. I set it for 10 seconds and after 2 it shrank to the size of a marble.

PLEASE- someone tell me that they have done stupid things like that before!!!!

I still have the template so off I go again-

ah well.......this is how we learn I am told.

pete

[BearMan]

Pete, Don't feel so bad,,, there are Lots of people that have done the same thing. I've seen the results,,, & it might be interesting to give it a try,,, & see if it's controlable at all. Might be useful for something,,, I just don't what yet,,, But I'm sure somebody can find a good use for the rapid shrinking leather. We all learn in differnt ways,,, & I can Guaranty, that You'll never do that again. Take Care,,, Ed

[pete]

Just went upstairs since I posted this and lo and behold....I just made another and it's better!!! Didn't wet it as much and I still hand stitched it- record time!!

pete

[Cowboy316]

well guys a thought just crossed my mind for a use but not sure if anyone does sculpted leather heads but theres and idea for leather shrunken heads LOL

Cowboy316

[Luke Hatley]

NOT ME YOU ARE BY YOURSELF ON THIS ONE........

[TimKleffner]

Pete

Don't feel bad, years ago.... during a cold wet winter evening, I was trying to get a holster to dry, I turned the oven on WARM , put the holster in , ..30 minutes later ........ BURNT HOLSTER.

learning experience. What NOT to do next time ...L O L

Happy tooling

Tim

[Grey Drakkon]

Oh man that's just awful! A tip, if you have a small item and want to dry it off, use a hair dryer. I have a really old one that's worthless for hair since it's so weak, but that makes it perfect for drying and curing leather while I'm there watching it.

The stupidest thing I've done with leather is have purple dye close to it...And it was a leaky bottle. >_<

[Double U Leather]

Pete,

I've done something very similar. I had a pair of gloves that were a bit too large. I remembered back to the day when I rode bulls, we'd soak the glove in rubbing alcohol and then wear it until it was dry. It would shrink down and fit exactly to your hand. So...I think that since I'm trying to get a glove to shrink, I'd soak it and then dry it. Since I wasn't concerned with an exact fit, and since I wanted to hurry the process along, I figured I'd toss it in the microwave for 15 or 30 seconds and be ready to go to work with my new "better fit" glove. When the little bell went off on the micro, I opened the door and here lay a glove that a small child couldn't wear, and it was as stiff as rawhide. My family all thought it was pretty funny, but I failed to see the humor in it. I've still got that glove as a reminder to not do something like that again.

[badLoveLeather]

At least you took the gun out......

[leatherjunkie]

At least you took the gun out......

i was just waiting for the obvious question. thanks for not disopointing me.

i dont know where it is at this time but i have read that you use the oven to dry leather when making a canteen/ water carrying container out of leather.

gotta use the oven because you are getting the bees wax to soak into the leather so that it can be waterproof.

i read this on a muzzleloading forum.

think this may be the same process as armor makers use to harden the leather. not sure though.