Alphabet stamping on a Firefighter Shield

[Jason046]

Thanks a bunch, I've hand sewn everything until last month we got a mini 441. So was trying to get that look. If you don't mind me asking where do you buy your thread. Hopefully the polyester thread holds up but regardless the cement should hold it together to that point. We have been doing fire leather as a business for about a year but can't say I have seen many shields nicer than what you did up there. Definitely should get back into it

[chriscraft]

Jason I really don't have a ton of experience sewing or even ordering thread. I've purchased thread from Bob Kovar over at Toledo Sewing Co. and I've ordered from The Thread Exchange. Looking through my  1 pound thread spool labels I wouldn't be able to tell where each spool came from as they all look the same. Most have a Made in USA label on them.  

 I do recall ordering this Dark Gray thread color from TTE, it was listed in the clearance section and they only had a hand full of spools left. The color looks darker on the spool than compared to the finished stitched color. 

 

[Jason046]

Nice, yea I have ordered from TTE.  Good stuff, thanks for taking your time and filling me in on that. I try to keep improving and really liked your post

[JVebbs]

Hi, I’m new to leather work and always thought it would be fun to make my own shield. I’ve read tons and searched even more and I found this site. I’ve read through a number of threads on here and looked at many of the members shields. You all are extremely talented and have made some of the most impressive shields I’ve seen so far. I apologize if this is out of line but I’m horrible with sketch art and would like to have some dies made like some of you have suggested and done. I’ve looked for a while for outlines of shields so I can have shape and sizes to send to someone to have it made but I can’t find one. Is there anyone who could share with me where I could call and have some made and is anyone willing to send me a sketch of the ones I’d like to do? Again I apologize I don’t want to be stealing anyone’s ideas but I’m having an issue with finding actual sizes and shapes so I can simply get started. I really like the one Chris has shown here and have seen a few others work I really am wanting to try. Thank you in advance. 

Josh

Edited April 2, 2018 by JVebbs

[JerseyFirefighter]

On 4/2/2018 at 0:49 AM, JVebbs said:

Hi, I’m new to leather work and always thought it would be fun to make my own shield. I’ve read tons and searched even more and I found this site. I’ve read through a number of threads on here and looked at many of the members shields. You all are extremely talented and have made some of the most impressive shields I’ve seen so far. I apologize if this is out of line but I’m horrible with sketch art and would like to have some dies made like some of you have suggested and done. I’ve looked for a while for outlines of shields so I can have shape and sizes to send to someone to have it made but I can’t find one. Is there anyone who could share with me where I could call and have some made and is anyone willing to send me a sketch of the ones I’d like to do? Again I apologize I don’t want to be stealing anyone’s ideas but I’m having an issue with finding actual sizes and shapes so I can simply get started. I really like the one Chris has shown here and have seen a few others work I really am wanting to try. Thank you in advance. 

Josh

If you use the search bar, likely under "firefighter shields", I recall a thread where there was a pattern or two linked to the thread. 

[Bodean]

This is a great thread on the subject, but I have to ask a question. I went back and read, but maybe i overlooked it.

What is the purpose of the piece of metal riveted to the shield?

[JerseyFirefighter]

9 hours ago, Bodean said:

This is a great thread on the subject, but I have to ask a question. I went back and read, but maybe i overlooked it.

What is the purpose of the piece of metal riveted to the shield?

I only surmise is that it is to keep the bend symmetrical along the top half of the shield as the attachment points to the helmet are lower. Otherwise no clue. Most custom shield makers I know do not use it. 

[chriscraft]

Like JerseyFF said, most custom shield makers don't use them. It's definitely not a FF standard to include a curve stiffener or not. 

   It's just one of those "overkill" add-on items that you may or may not ever need. I just wanted it to be hidden within my shield build and not look like it was added as an afterthought. 

  

   

   

[Joseph1836]

How much would you charge for that . I have a friend that wants one, and I don't know how to charge hem 

[chriscraft]

19 hours ago, Joseph1836 said:

How much would you charge for that . I have a friend that wants one, and I don't know how to charge hem 

  This was a side job I did for another company. They charged the customer $1,350 for 9 shields. Ouch!!!

Not only did I provided the design layout and the build specs to be made out of quality HO leather but I also built the first sample shield at no charge. This ended up landing me this small order but it was a gamble on my part. 

  If you're building one shield for a close friend, then pricing gets difficult. Im not sure if charging for your time is possible but you will gain knowledge out of the build experience.  

Billing friends for just materials will at least pay for the hobby. As always, try to use the best materials your friends can afford. This makes life easier on you.