Flat Back Pancake Tutorial- Pic Heavy

[chiefjason]

OK, first this is my way. Not the only way. Feel free to add to, post your way, or ask questions. This is just what I have settled on. After several thread, PM's, and responses I figured I would take some pics since it was on my mind and I had some orders to work on the last couple days.

Cardboard pattern and cutting. The back panel is close to my final shape. The front panel is cut for the top to be set as the top of the holster pocket with the extra being added to the sides and some to the bottom.

You can see the extra width here.

Tracing the pattern of the gun on the underside of the front panel. This helps me start my molding process.

The tracings on front and back. Honestly, I start with the back. Get the gun where I want it for cant and grip, trace. Then lay the front on, get it right, flip, and trace.

Molded.

Force dry on the shoe rack for 40 minutes for one, 50 minutes for 2. Weight the edges to keep them from curling up.

I put the gun on the back panel, lay the front molded panel on, do any arranging or tweaking, then lay out my glue lines on the front and back panel. Keeps me from getting glue where it's not needed like in the pocket.

Glued.

Put together.

Trimmed out. Yes they are a bit different. I don't sweat wanting things absolutely, perfectly, exact. That will probably turn some folks off of this style. For me, it's part of it. I've not gotten any complaints.

[George B]

Great tutorial. Only wish it had been here when I had to learn by trial and error. Pretty much the way I do it with the exception of detailing after assembly by just dampening the front panel.

[glockanator]

Chief what weight leather do you use?

[chiefjason]

Chief what weight leather do you use?

8-9 oz.

[oldhat]

Hey Chief, i agree totally about your comments about things not being perfect, i love that every item i make will turn out unique even if itry to make the same item twice, it is what sets us apart from factory made stuff,great job i love your work man,really inspiring stuff, all the best.

Edited June 30, 2015 by oldhat

[glockanator]

8-9 oz.

Wow you get that much detail out of 8-9oz leather. I have a hard time getting good molding out 6-7oz leather

[chiefjason]

Best thing I've done is start casing the leather. I let my tap water warm up, as warm as I can stand it. Run the leather under it about 3 times on each side. Then put it in a ziplock bag for 15-18 minutes depending in actual thickness. Then I take it out and go to work. If it dries too much I'll re wet it before I start or while working. Force drying helps to really set it up.