Wet forming holster?

[unioncreek]

I'm very much an amatuer when it comes to leather work.  I've read some post on wet forming using a vacuum pump and vacuum seal bags.  Are the vacuum seal bags something special, I'm not familar with them.  Also, when you vacuum form the leather do you use the actual pistol or a blue gun?

Is there a write up anywhere about wet forming leather for holsters?

Bob

[PastorBob]

https://www.adamsleatherworks.com/post/vacuum-press

[Dwight]

9 hours ago, unioncreek said:

I'm very much an amatuer when it comes to leather work.  I've read some post on wet forming using a vacuum pump and vacuum seal bags.  Are the vacuum seal bags something special, I'm not familar with them.  Also, when you vacuum form the leather do you use the actual pistol or a blue gun?

Is there a write up anywhere about wet forming leather for holsters?

Bob

As stated earlier I use a vacuum pump designed to evacuate an air conditioning system prior to re-charging it.  It will pull close to a 30 inch vacuum . . . which will suck wet leather down against the model blue gun or real gun . . . and not think twice about doing it.

I use a special plastic bag I made myself from clear vinyl bought at Joann Fabric store . . . edges sealed with Weldwood contact cement.

A vacuum pump and vacuum seal bags that is nothing more than a food protection device cannot pull that kind of vacuum . . .  and if it could . . . I would think it would suck a hole in the bag . . . but I do not know that for certain . . . it may not.  But I've seen meat protected that way . . . and it is a great system for that.

I just don't think it has the muscle needed for forming holsters.

And . . .  it depends on what is going on . . . sometimes I use a blue gun model . . . if I have it . . . sometimes the actual gun . . . sometimes a wooden model I have made in my wood shop.  They all work about as well . . . one or the other . . .whichever I use.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited January 3, 2022 by Dwight

[MikeRock]

Thank you Dwight.  Do you have a photo of  your rig in action?

God bless,

Mike Rock

Pastor Bob, that Adams site is funky.  The various pages only stay up a few seconds then go blank.  I was able to look at one very out of focus photo for a few seconds.  I'm running Firefox.

Edited January 3, 2022 by MikeRock

[JLSleather]

Over on y-tube (pronounced WHY TUBE) just type in "wet form leather holster" or "vacuum form leather holster".  You'll find some there.  Clearly, I need to set aside some time to show this clearly -- so that there's a video showing this but involving some TESTOSTERONE ... you know, like a GUY could do it.

I have a bag... see if I can find a pump similar to the one always gits talked about ...

Meanwhile, many people tell me they use a regular "food saver" system (and I believe 'em - no reason that wouldn't work).  Only need a bag about 12" across for the vast majority of holsters (sure enough, soon as I say "all", somebody will show up with a 10" barrel on a cannon  )

1) you don't need a vacuum bag - a bajillion holsters are made without that
2) IF you use a vacuum, you can use a "dummy" gun OR your actual (unloaded) pistol - make no difference.  Be sure to cover any exposed sharp points that might puncture the bag

 

Edited January 3, 2022 by JLSleather

[unioncreek]

Thanks for the info guys.  I have a couple of vacuum pumps and have made kydex holsters in the past.  I've recently retired and need a hobby I can do in our house in the evenings.

 

I'll check out YouTube and the link above.

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Hardrada]

6 hours ago, JLSleather said:

1) you don't need a vacuum bag - a bajillion holsters are made without that

Right. All I used were quick grip, non-marring clamps.

Till last week or so I didn't even know such things as vacuum pumps (well, other than the ones for freezing food) existed. I first came across them whilst watching woodworking videos wherein they were being used for gluing large pieces. Never did I think they could be used for leather work.

[JLSleather]

2 hours ago, unioncreek said:

have made kydex holsters in the past

no different - just the kydex gets heated and the leather gets wet .. otherwise same animal

 

[Dwight]

14 hours ago, MikeRock said:

Thank you Dwight.  Do you have a photo of  your rig in action?

God bless,

Mike Rock

Pastor Bob, that Adams site is funky.  The various pages only stay up a few seconds then go blank.  I was able to look at one very out of focus photo for a few seconds.  I'm running Firefox.

Mike . . .  check the video I posted on the vacuum bag.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Bert03241]

are you going into holster production for a business? I just wet my holster and form by hand, no need for a vacuum, unless you plane on doing a lot in a day.