Third Holster Done... Kiwi As Final Finish?

[MStarmer]

A sharp wood chisel is what they are talking about. I may just try laying them out, punching the top and bottom and using a X-acto chisel blade straight down slowly... I wish someone made an affordable punch. I'd pay $20 or $30 but it looks like most of them are in the $60+ range...

[mlapaglia]

Yes a wood chisel but make sure you put the straight side of the chisel on the outside of the slot. This way the angle distorts the part you are taking out. You could use a drill if you dont like the punch. Do the slot after its glued together like you have been. Its just a matter of practice.

[dickf]

A sharp wood chisel is what they are talking about. I may just try laying them out, punching the top and bottom and using a X-acto chisel blade straight down slowly... I wish someone made an affordable punch. I'd pay $20 or $30 but it looks like most of them are in the $60+ range...

There are a few tools in my arsenal I couldn't live without, the slot punch being one of them. I put off buying one for so long in the beginning because of the cost, but to have one made to your exact specs, punch a clean slot every time, was more than worth the price. Besides, you only buy it once. As an added bonus to making a perfect slot, you only have to bevel the rear side because of the taper. It practically burnishes the leather on the front as it enters.

[renegadelizard]

There are a few tools in my arsenal I couldn't live without, the slot punch being one of them. I put off buying one for so long in the beginning because of the cost, but to have one made to your exact specs, punch a clean slot every time, was more than worth the price. Besides, you only buy it once. As an added bonus to making a perfect slot, you only have to bevel the rear side because of the taper. It practically burnishes the leather on the front as it enters.

+1 on this...i had a machinist friend make me one...his brother makes shotgun wads for the military, and they use the same type of set up, so he just took my dimensions and made what he calls a press die...i use it in a 1 ton arbor press and it work like a charm..clean, even slots every time...spend the money on a good custom die, it will save you more than enough time and frustration to pay for itself.

[MStarmer]

I just cut the slots on my fourth one and they turned out much much better. First I thinned down the hole punch, it's just a cheap 1/4" harbor freight one but it tapered drastically to the point. I think this was a huge part of my problem and also in lieu of the chisel I used a #18 chisel blade Xacto and slowly just worked it straight down between the holes. I'll post a pic later if I get time but it turned out very nice compared to my other attempts!

Thanks for the comments and tips, I spend more time on here than I should reading but I don't think my first holsters would have even been identified as holsters if it wasn't for all the people willing to share and help. I don't think I'll be competing for anyone's business anytime soon, but I do want to make some good leather for myself. I do have two Lobo holsters and I have to say he was more than accommodating to my requests. It will be awhile before I replace his.

[MStarmer]

Here's the 4th one. Stitching a little closer fit around the trigger guard and belt slots way cleaner.

[0369]

Looking really good! I'm glad you decided on the 50/50 resolene vs. the Kiwi. I tried Kiwi on a couple of early holsters and it won't last.

[Samalan]

Very nice!!