Finally, one for Larry

[NAMVET72]

HIP HIP HOORAY

[Neener Neener]

I need a fainting smile!!!!!!!

[Lane]

Time for some updates... quite a bit has been finished since I posted this.

Before I can attach the medallion, I put the COTEP logo on it. This is done with a stamp I had made. You wet the leather and give a a couple of good whacks with a plastic mallet. I was always having problems with the stamp "bouncing" and making a blurry image. So I put on my McGyver hat and modified it so that I can use my snap/rivet press for pressing the images. Works great!

Now, we mark out the stitching lines and locate where the medallion will be attached:

Even though I use a stitching machine that gauges the stitches, I still like to layout all of my stitches before hand. I guess I'm a bit anal...

Now, I rough up the area where I'm going to glue the medallion. The tanned side of the leather is very smooth - the cement adheres better if its scuffed up some:

Using the same leather cement, I glue on the medallion, then it's over to the stitcher. I use a Tipmann Boss. It all manual - pull the lever and one stitch is sewn. It'll go through up to 3/4" of leather. I've tried...

After the medallion is attached, I trim the lining leather on all edges that will be open so that there are no rough edges:

Since this one is lined, we'll run a row of stitches around the edge of the sweat guard - I think it helps make it look "finished":

Here's what it looks like after gluing the front to the back:

[Lane]

Once the glue has dried, I need to make sure that the edges are completely smooth and lined up. No matter how hard I try, it's impossible to get the pieces lined up perfectly. I bit of trimming with the knife and a trip to the drum sander takes care of that:

Now, back to the stitcher:

This little wheel helps keep the stitching lines parallel and straight:

About 20 minutes later, we are done stitching:

Now, using the #3 beveling tool, I trim the edges:

This strop board, helps keep the beveling tools razor sharp:

This is where we are right now - tomorrow I'll cut the belt slots and apply the hot pink leather dye.

Lane

[AutoMag]

Great posts Lane.

Holster making is not as easy as some think is it Lane!!! It looks like a lot of time and hard work go into each and every holster.

[Lane]

Originally Posted by AutoMag

It looks like a lot of time and hard work go into each and every holster.

I figure each holster is in my hands for 8 - 10 hours. I suspect there are ways to speed things up but I haven't figured them out yet.

LS

[AutoMag]

You are doing great just as you are doing it Lane but I am sure that you would like to be able to spend more time with your family!!!