MarshallDodge
Member
I am totally impressed. The cowboy that receives that is going to really enjoy it.
Every time I start one, I tell myself I'm going to log my time just to have a better idea of what I put into one. I often start it but never finish. Making a pattern can eat up a couple hours, depending on how involved it is. This one was based on Ghormley's pattern for the percussion Colt's, reshaped for the 6½" Single Six. Had to transfer it to file folder material and then make the Single Six pattern, so that was probably at least two hours but the pattern is reusable and changing barrel lengths isn't very difficult. Usually takes about an hour to lay out the pattern, cut it out, bevel the edges, do the line work and a single border stamp. This one took longer because I had to make sure my border stamping, concho and spots were all going to work together on the smaller pattern. I pre-punch all the holes for spots, conchos and stitching before the finish work begins. Didn't have to stitch a belt loop for this one but there's more leather to finish. Finish work has to be done in stages, allowing drying time. Perhaps an hour to apply three coats of dye, with drying time in between plus another hour for the final finish. I also spend a lot of time finishing and smoothing the inside. Maybe another hour for the spots and stitching. All in all, I probably have 10hrs in the holster. If I made another, it would be a couple hours quicker....how many hours does a piece of art like that take?