Working On My Very First Holster.....

[Denster]

How long does it get dunked in the baking soda wash?

I wonder if it works as good as the vinegaroon? Heck, I'll just make up a barrel of rusty water!

I don't know. I've long since gone to drum dyed leather. Since Will uses it I'm sure it works. Iron oxide will turn leather black for sure. I believe you can buy it in crystaline form from chemical supply houses.

[chiefjason]

How long does it get dunked in the baking soda wash?

I do mine for a minute or two. No real hard and fast time. There will be some bubbles at first, by the time I pull the leather out they have pretty much stopped. I just want it to penetrate a bit and stop the groon from working. Then I rinse it off in the sink. The one thing I do different than the link suggests is that I let the leather dry for 24 hours after the groon, baking soda, water rinse is finished before applying neatsfoot oil. Then I let the oil dry 24 hours before applying my sealant. I use a 50/50 solution of mop & glo mixed with water. I was having problems with my finish when I oiled right after grooning. If I let it dry 24 hours between steps I don't have the problems.

[renegadelizard]

Nice looking rig Bobby...a lot better than my first...the one thing that stands out to me though, and im just nit picking here...is the boning...the stuff you intended to do looks great...the places where your tools slipped though...it kind of detracts from the overall beauty...i think we all do it sometimes, i know i do..but im quick to rub it out as best i can as soon as it happens...after you dunk your holster and before molding, clip your nails real short and wash the crap out of your hands..lie surgical clean...this will let the leather dry out a bit and get your hands ready to work it...clean your tools too...make sure your not gonna put some dye rub off from the last job on the new one...keep cranking away..your looking really good...

[Bobby hdflame]

Nice looking rig Bobby...a lot better than my first...the one thing that stands out to me though, and im just nit picking here...is the boning...the stuff you intended to do looks great...the places where your tools slipped though...it kind of detracts from the overall beauty...i think we all do it sometimes, i know i do..but im quick to rub it out as best i can as soon as it happens...after you dunk your holster and before molding, clip your nails real short and wash the crap out of your hands..lie surgical clean...this will let the leather dry out a bit and get your hands ready to work it...clean your tools too...make sure your not gonna put some dye rub off from the last job on the new one...keep cranking away..your looking really good...

Thanks for the critique. I keep my nails cut short, but I think my main problem is not having the proper tools to mold and bone with. Most of the blemishes you see on the holster were there before I started. I used some cheap leather to practice with so I didn't do ALL of the things you mentioned to my Herman Oak!

I did make a few slips with my tools that I was using. Do you, or anyone else have some tools to recommend or some pictures of homemade tools?

Sounds like I need to wear surgical gloves when I get out the Herman Oak! I've already done a second one and dyed it with my vinegaroon. I'll post a couple of pictures of it tomorrow. Each practice one I do, I learn from it. I'm gonna try a pancake next or maybe a pocket holster for the LCP I just got.

Keep the suggestions coming, I appreciate the help.

[renegadelizard]

1347077837[/url]' post='263587']

Thanks for the critique. I keep my nails cut short, but I think my main problem is not having the proper tools to mold and bone with. Most of the blemishes you see on the holster were there before I started. I used some cheap leather to practice with so I didn't do ALL of the things you mentioned to my Herman Oak!

I did make a few slips with my tools that I was using. Do you, or anyone else have some tools to recommend or some pictures of homemade tools?

Sounds like I need to wear surgical gloves when I get out the Herman Oak! I've already done a second one and dyed it with my vinegaroon. I'll post a couple of pictures of it tomorrow. Each practice one I do, I learn from it. I'm gonna try a pancake next or maybe a pocket holster for the LCP I just got.

Keep the suggestions coming, I appreciate the help.

Well that would explain a lot, the leather you used...here is one of the tools I use quite a bit.. http://springfieldleather.com/24832/Modeler%2COsborne%2C%23471/

This and the bone folder and my fingers are about the only tools I use...pancake holsters are my favorite...especially pancake holsters for the lcp....they are like real holsters only smaller..lol ...I wear one everyday...

Keep us posted on the progress, can't wait to pics of the next one...you can tell when a person has skill, and you got it....your holsters are just gonna keep getting better and better

[Bobby hdflame]

Well that would explain a lot, the leather you used...here is one of the tools I use quite a bit.. http://springfieldle...borne%2C%23471/

This and the bone folder and my fingers are about the only tools I use...pancake holsters are my favorite...especially pancake holsters for the lcp....they are like real holsters only smaller..lol ...I wear one everyday...

Keep us posted on the progress, can't wait to pics of the next one...you can tell when a person has skill, and you got it....your holsters are just gonna keep getting better and better

You know, I was watching a video on YouTube this morning and saw them using a modeling spoon and thought, DUH, I have one and didn't even think about using it! I did use my bone folder but I noticed that on one end it had a couple of nicks, probably from being dropped. I'll pick up another one just to use on boning. I've been using this one for pushing out corners when doing upholstery. Think I need one dedicated to just leather work.

I've also seen some of the leather tool handles used for molding. And also sharpie pens and the round wooden burnishing tools.

I just sprayed some bag kote on the holster and wasn't impressed with it. First time using it and it left some milky places on it. I've been using leather conditioner with atom wax on belts and like the way it can be buffed out when dry. I changed out my air brush and put some of the latter on. I'll see how it looks in a few minutes.

Thanks again for the encouragement and critiques.

[Bobby hdflame]

Bobby - nice job on the holster! You're off to a great start! Did your Cobra's servo motor come with the sensitivity fixed already?

Sorry I missed this question. Yes it did. I have great control on mine. I can basically sew in slow motion! I'm having a little problem with the EPS though. I just unplugged it and used it manually. No problem.

I talked to Steve about the EPS. He's going to send me a new motor to try. Can't ask for more than that. I can keep sewing on it manually while waiting on a new motor and EPS. He said they would completely test it before shipping. Even though mine was tested, it's possible that something got bumped in shipping.

I can't complain about their service and support or the machine. I love it!

[Bobby hdflame]

pancake holsters are my favorite...especially pancake holsters for the lcp....

Do you have any pictures of it?

I'm working on a pocket holster for it first. Just can't decide on which style.

On the Avenger for the 40 cal, I used some bag kote finish on it and was not happy at all. I thought it was more like a wax finish, but it seemed to be an acrylic instead. I had a couple of places where it turned milky and dull when I sprayed it on. After it dried, I decided to go over it with leather balm with atom wax. It made some if it sticky feeling and actually made some of it come off, so now I need to remove all of the finish and start over. Since I used crappy leather and it was mainly just for practice, I'm probably not going to worry about it.

[renegadelizard]

Do you have any pictures of it?

I'm working on a pocket holster for it first. Just can't decide on which style.

On the Avenger for the 40 cal, I used some bag kote finish on it and was not happy at all. I thought it was more like a wax finish, but it seemed to be an acrylic instead. I had a couple of places where it turned milky and dull when I sprayed it on. After it dried, I decided to go over it with leather balm with atom wax. It made some if it sticky feeling and actually made some of it come off, so now I need to remove all of the finish and start over. Since I used crappy leather and it was mainly just for practice, I'm probably not going to worry about it.

This was my first overlay attempt...elephant is a beast to edge..actually, it doesnt edge at all...just sort flaps and twists on the buffing wheel...im working on inlays with it now...much easier to work with like that...

[renegadelizard]

Do you have any pictures of it?

I'm working on a pocket holster for it first. Just can't decide on which style.

On the Avenger for the 40 cal, I used some bag kote finish on it and was not happy at all. I thought it was more like a wax finish, but it seemed to be an acrylic instead. I had a couple of places where it turned milky and dull when I sprayed it on. After it dried, I decided to go over it with leather balm with atom wax. It made some if it sticky feeling and actually made some of it come off, so now I need to remove all of the finish and start over. Since I used crappy leather and it was mainly just for practice, I'm probably not going to worry about it.

if it gets milky, you are putting it on too heavy...try the mop and glow route...it works great...keep a paper towel soaked in the mop and glow mix with you when you do it...if you overspray, simply wipe with the paper towel...dries fairly quick and it smells good too..lol