Another try at my Askin's Avenger version

[Shorts]

...in Bison Brown

[Peterk]

I like it!

If you don't mind, how did you make the loop on the body of the holster, since it doesn't look like you've sewn another piece to form the loop?

[Shorts]

I like it!

If you don't mind, how did you make the loop on the body of the holster, since it doesn't look like you've sewn another piece to form the loop?

This is actually the holster I referenced in the "one side double, one side single" thread below. I had been tossing the idea around and decided to give it a try. I have made a previous model with tunnel sewn on the back and front strap wrapped on the mouth. I wasn't pleased with the way the back of the holster shaped when it was done. Some of that is due to the my design and the angles.

There are a few things I'd adjust on this holster, but overall, I'm pleased with it and a step closer to the final style.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Shorts

[Rhome]

Very, very nice work Shorts ! I like the way you placed the rear belt loop also. You have a nice design there, keep up the good work. I also like the color.

Best,

Rhome

[Shorts]

Thanks Rhome This one is going to roll out for testing so I can determine its final build for good. It helps to have supportive friends.

This one has it's share of not perfect edges and a few wonky spots from being the tail end of a side, but the design is there. If that holds up to the concerns I have, it should be a go.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Shorts

[BruceGibson]

Amazing work--that just looks good!

I think when Texas gets you back, you're gonna be as busy as you want to be.

[ArtS]

Really nice job!

Art

[Shorts]

Aww thanks yall!

[Echo4V]

Beautiful...that's all I can say.

David

[Tac]

Wow... That's fantastic. I am seriously impressed with the design and the detail wet molding. How in the world to you get your detail wet molding done so sharp and "crisp" in appearence? Mine always turns out like a 3 year old rubbed the holster with a stick.....

-Tac

[TexasJack]

If you can stand all the attention, let me add to the chorus: Very impressive!

[Randyc]

Shorts

Great molding, stitching and color. I think you have a winner there.

Randy

[Shorts]

Thanks again everyone

Wow... That's fantastic. I am seriously impressed with the design and the detail wet molding. How in the world to you get your detail wet molding done so sharp and "crisp" in appearence? Mine always turns out like a 3 year old rubbed the holster with a stick.....

-Tac

I assure you Tac, a 3yrold has been on my workbench too!

My wet mold dip is warmed in the microwave so the leather becomes very pliable. As soon as the blue gun is seated, I take it immediately to press in my sponge pads then a tough up by hand. Once the leather around the gun looks like a sexy lady wearing an evening gown, I do a precursory bone with an acrylic tool (I formed and smoothed it specifically for hand boning my holsters, it looks like a smooth butter knife). I run my stitch wheel to pretty up the stitches. I set the holster to dry. A few hours later after the moisture has evap'd I trace the bone lines again to 'set' them. The holster is left overnight and in the morning, I do a final trace on the lines, which will also slightly burnish them. That's basically it for the molding/boning aside from pressing my stamp then moving to the dye, edge and finish stages.

I might be wasting my time by running lines three times but, I don't mind, I like it and it works for me

[WaG35]

I was actually thinking about letting my 3 year old try one and see if it tuned out better, the I remembered he has the attention span of well a 3 year old. You said you press with sponge pads, just curious what that is. Is it the Gum rubber or something else. I have been thinking about building a press lately so I would appreciate the info.

[MikePatterson]

very nice holster. if i may ask how do you do the sponge mold you talked about. i use a vaccum machine i made and still bone the last 15 min. of drying. i have heard of the sponge press but not sure how it works. any info would be helpful.

thanks mike

mpatter2(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Edited December 11, 2008 by TwinOaks
email addy long version to foil bots.

[Shorts]

WaG35, MikePatterson, for the sponge I use this 'gum sponge' I picked up from the hardware store across the street.

There is a gum rubber with a durometer 40 rating that is most often used as a press (found at McMaster Carr). I have never seen/tried this yet so I cannot say if the sponge I use currently is the same. More than likely, it isn't, but it does the job for me.

Essentially for the press, you just make a holster sandwich. The rubber pads are the buns, the gun in the wet leather is the meat. In the forum here there is a great thread with pictures of a tabletop press and setup. Letme look real quick...

Edited December 11, 2008 by Shorts

[alkabong]

Nice!

[Srigs]

Very good looking rig and very well made.

Keep up the good work.

[Greybeard]

Very Nice!