Homemade Holster: Advice Wanted.

[indoorsoccerfrea]

Hello all,
I decided to try my hand at holster making. Here is the love child.
The stitching isn't too even, as a result of my hasty punching. Anyone have tricks to share? I had a heck of a time cutting out the belt loop slots, any help would be appreciated. Also, how does one go about dying the leather? Comments are welcome!

http://www.4shared.com/photo/3GHFdt2F/DSC02599.html

http://www.4shared.com/photo/WVf9oOTY/DSC02600.html

http://www.4shared.com/photo/fps2C_lM/DSC02601.html

http://www.sendspace.com/delete/pjmmlj/f723e627597c244adf7aca7612d54166

 

[aijk]

Well i'm not a master at anything but i'll give you my best answers. As far as the belt loops, punch your holes at both ends of where you want your loops then use a straight edge and a razor and connect your holes. They make a tool for it but it is like $40 so i'll cut my own. And for dye i was told by a few leather workers for what im doing to use alcohol based dye. It works great for me. And for the stitching you need a groover to make your groove for the stitches to sit in. Then run a stitching spacer wheel in your groove to have nice even spaced stitching. Hope this helps and if you need to know anything else just ask and if i know i will sure help you.

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

That does help, thank you. Is it better to dye before or after you mold it? I've done a little more research, but haven't found a definitive answer. Is it dependent on taste?

 

[aijk]

I was told to mold it first that way when you mold it it can stretch and then get a good solid dye job.

 

[cjcinin]

On the belt slot I agree with punch your holes then cut from one to the other. The punchs don't really work well. I sold mine on eBay. I've also used a 1 1/2 inch chisel to attach the holes but find cutting a little cleaner.
For stitching I used a set of calipers. Set it to your stitch length and just go around your lines. For me it was easier then the stitch wheel.
I only dye before molding if I need the thread to contrast the dye color. If not then I dye after. The dye makes the leather a little more water resistant so it can be harder to mold.
Looks like ya got a good start.
CJ