holster boning, paging dfariswheel

[Soybomb]

I'm open to anyone, I just know who usually posts the great leather working info.

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice on boning a holster. This is the thing I seem to be having the most problem with still. I've been having the most luck putting the holster in hot water for about 20-30 seconds, sticking the gun in to stretch it, letting it case for about 25-30 minutes and then starting to work details in before pulling the gun out and letting it dry.

I'm using a smooth relatively round ended tool but I keep seeing some marks from the tooling left in the leather. Do you find you have the best luck with a downward pushing action, a back and forth pull or push, etc? The back and forth with light pressure seems to work well on revolver fluting but when I come down to the inside of the trigger guard area it seems like I usually wind up with tool marks. Any tips are greatly appreciated!

 

[Omnivore]

I've done this exactly once and it turned out beautifully. I soaked the leather for much more than 30 seconds-- I'd a say a few minutes. Had the gun wrapped in plastic to keep it from getting too wet (didn't work-- the gun got wet anyway).

I did all of the wortk with my fingers and thumbs over a few hours while the leather slowly dried. After that, I had the holster very nicely fit to the gun-- you could see some nice details of the gun through the leather. I hand-formed a channel for the front sight to come through. When the holster was firm enough to hold its own shape, I put it in the oven at about 150F for a few more hours to finish drying and to harden it up.

Been using it for over a year now and I love it. It came out with a semi-gloss sort of look from all the hand-burnishing.

 

[PCRCCW]

Well...you answered your own question. If the tool your using is leaving marks......get a new tool! I use a deer horn thats done 8000+ holsters! Its my favorite although I have others as well.

How you do it, push pull twist upside down with whipped cream, really doesnt matter as long as you get the effect that you want. Leather is just like putty....it will keep most shapes you put into it. Just find the tools that work for you, the shape you want and the leather your working with.


NEVER HEAT UP LEATHER...it dries the natural oils left in the leather! The holster will suffer a premature death and crack prematurely if you do this......even a little. The better dyes and clears lock in the oils and actually make them last longer....dont take away from that if you can help it!
Shoot well and god bless

 

[K-Man]

PCRCCW: Wow! 8,000 holsters?!? How long have you been making holsters now - ~5 years? That's jamming I'd say. Wish I could quote those kinds of numbers.

Also, I know of some of the top names in the holster making business who do, in fact, use heat/ovens on their holsters. So I would be more inclined to follow their lead in that respect if I was going that route.

I use a couple of different tools to form the leather, bought from leather supply stores over the last few years. I use mostly a slow push/pull motion with the tool. While the leather is wet you can smooth out any stray marks. Even if the leather has dried, you can rewet it slightly and smooth out those marks.

 

[the_fallguy]

Hi Soybomb.

I also think you might want to try a different tool. What tool are you using, and what type of leather? When using Herman Oak, I briefly dip the holster in warm water and I have to be fairly careful how I use my tools, but I have used some Brazilian leather that had to be dunked for 15 seconds in 170 degree water and I could totally abuse the holster into shape and it didn't take any scratches or tooling marks.

If you need a round boning tool, I would actually suggest getting a brass ball or two from mcmaster carr and find someone that can braze them onto the end of a shaft. Smooth brass works well, takes a good polish, and it doesn't discolor the leather like some metals can. My favorite round tool is actually the end of a dye holder from a very old tap and dye set, believe it or not. I seem to remember a fellow saying his favorite tool was one specific side of a pair of pliers. You might just have to experiment with some different tools to find what works.

I know I'm new to the scene of pro holster makers, but I've been making holsters for 8 or 9 years now, so if I can help I'll do my best. Good luck.