1st attempt at inlay on a sheath

[SDS]

First time attempting to inlay anything.

SDS

 

[Dusty One]

Looks great for first try...

 

[SDS]

Thanks, I have a lot to learn and need to work on getting my stitching straighter but you have to start somewhere right?

SDS

 

[TekSec]

Man, hell of a lot better than my first attempt. Love the design and concho!

 

[TekSec]

To get your stitching staighter, get an adjustable groover http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?number=8069-00 . Get your edges to finish shape, then just set the width on the groover and use the edge guide to run it around the sheath. makes a small groove with the exact (and I mean exact) outline of your sheath. Works for making accent grooves too.

 

[SDS]

I have one of the groovers but I made the front panel slightly oversize to the rear panel and wasn't able to use the groover all the way around. Even when I use it I have problems getting my holes straight through the leather. The best I've been able to do so far is with a sharpened finish nail in the drill press but the holes on the back side don't come out even all the time that way either.

It's getting better so I'll just keep trying until I'm happy with the results.

Thanks,
SDS

 

[TekSec]

I use a 1/16" drill bit to get them staight

 

[scottickes]

I use a 1/16" drill bit to get them staight

So do I. I use the 4 prong hole punch only to mark the front side of the sheath, and then drill the actual holes. I also use the adjustable groover to make my line of holes dead on.

 

[SDS]

I'll have to work on it some more and maybe go back to using a drill bit. I also saw where someone had cut a notch out of one end of a 1X4 or 1X6 so the belt loop rests in there. That way the seam around the edge sits level. I'll be trying that too.

In reference to the knife/sheath shown above, I got a big confidence booster today. I was having lunch with some guys I work with and showing it to them when a guy at the next table asked to see it. I showed it to him and he asked if it was for sale. My buddy says "everything is for sale" to which the guy asks how much. I hadn't really thought about it but spouted off a number I thought was fair and the guy peels off the money. I sold another knife.

SDS

 

[TekSec]

Congrats! Always a good feeling!

 

[Shawn fu]

Great work,SDS,and a first attempt-awsome:thumbup:

I use a 1/16" drill bit to get them staight

So do I. I use the 4 prong hole punch only to mark the front side of the sheath, and then drill the actual holes. I also use the adjustable groover to make my line of holes dead on.

What they said-and also I found that drilling SLOWLY really made a difference.That 1/16" drill bit will flex if you go too fast.Good luck!

 

[SDS]

Having the drill bit flex and veer off has been my problem. I'll try to slow down and see if it goes better,

Thanks,
SDS

 

[scottickes]

Having the drill bit flex and veer off has been my problem. I'll try to slow down and see if it goes better,

Thanks,
SDS

Choke that little drill bit up as far as you can in your chuck. Only leave as much sticking out as you need to get through the leather, with just a little bit extra to make sure you go all the way through. With a short drill sticking out, instead of the whole length, it's less likely to flex.

 

[Landi]

Looks very good.

 

[xaman]

Looks great bro!

And thanks to everyone else for all the good avice, I have the same problem with keeping the back side stitching straight...