Since it is winter and I don't have much time for my own devices during daylight hours, I have been working on some projects. My overall goal is to stay cheap, learn as I go, and make useful items for myself.
My total investment is under $40, plus time.
The lacing is from a bag of scraps from an art/craft store.
My buttons are wood for now, until I get some antler to cut up.
Let me see your projects too, so I can find something else useful.
I got this piece of water buffalo leather from the local Amish tack shop. It wasn't popular with customers because of the distressed look, but I liked the character and weathered look.
(http://i.imgur.com/QjS5vE0.jpg)
That leather became this back quiver, on the smaller side, about 4" opening, 21.5" deep. I just need to break it in and get accustomed to it. I followed this build-along: http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=138271;p=1
Mine isnt as pretty, but oh well.
(http://i.imgur.com/zuM4IZH.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/z1NM9uU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZD8K5Nk.jpg)
Some scrap from arts/craft store went to:
broadhead sheath, more to come,
(http://i.imgur.com/NTBiKI2.jpg)
Arm guard, sorry it looks crooked in the picture,
(http://i.imgur.com/1zLLWdY.jpg)
A stringer, along with some old 550 cord
(http://i.imgur.com/1iLBjKW.jpg)
String pouch for my quiver,
(http://i.imgur.com/zY2PLQs.jpg)
I need some tools now, because making 100 stitch holes with a hook scribe gets old fast, and punching holes with a hammer and punch is loud at 2300 when everyone is sleeping.
a stitching horse and a good awl, two needles and thread.
stitching horse ( or pony- the smaller simpler version) just build from construction grade lumber- 1x 4" hinge and a bolt with a wingnut.
if you need further info- i can post some pics.
your projects look awesome- and very practical- if you like a back quiver- look at making a solo stalker- i just love them. basically a broadhead scabbard that attaches with a piece of lace to your bow riser- so that you can carry a broadhead out and ready to shoot- without having to fish out of your back quiver.
good work mate
wayne
Wayne,
I have been thinking about how I want to go about making a solo stalker. I want it attached at the top and bottom, so I was thinking about getting some arrow piggybackers for the bottom, along with a broadhead sheath at top, unless I can figure out how to make a good one from heavy leather. Any pictures or ideas?
Nice work. Your projects turned out well and look great. :thumbsup:
I got some leather a couple of springs ago and made a quiver and then an armguard and a couple of stringers with the left overs. I had a good time doing it.
This winter / spring I am thinking of refinishing my Hatfield RC. I am starting to feel some raised grain in the riser, and it has taken a few dings out in the field.
Nice looking quiver, and accessories! That was a great winter's project! :thumbsup:
Bernie
Those projects look fine to me and was time well-spent.
I have an amish leather worker not too far from me. I use to have a safarituff and liked it....so I'm thinking a shoulder quiver may be in the works for me!
Great job on the back quiver.
hey Rob.
this is just how i do mine.
i have made both 2 blade and 3 blade solo stalkers.
i like to use a heavier veg tan leather- left over pieces from my saddle building.
so about an 8 oz veg is good.
the leather you were using is chrome tan leather. great leather- but the veg tan you can wet form and then when dry oil it well- it will be thicker , and have more body. chrome tan is probably stronger for its thickness, is very soft and pliable and better for upholstery and garments. not saying one cant use it - just different characteristics- one just needs to decide what is best for the job.
(http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx309/mwnicol/solo%20stalker_zpsdpvenzzs.png) (http://s766.photobucket.com/user/mwnicol/media/solo%20stalker_zpsdpvenzzs.png.html)
so this is what i do, the back piece( against the bow) is bigger , on the mouth end- so that there is a bit of a landing- to put tghe broadhead on- before sliding it into the sheath- this one in the pic, could actually be bigger, then it also has the long tab at the top end that will fold over, and make the eye- for tying to the bow.
i like the flexibility of the solostalker being able to swivel and move somewhat. as i hold the shaft of the arrow and the riser at the same time.
(http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx309/mwnicol/solo%20stalker%202_zpspbzwf9rz.png) (http://s766.photobucket.com/user/mwnicol/media/solo%20stalker%202_zpspbzwf9rz.png.html)
i also have thin "guard strips" inside- to protect the stitching from being cut by the broad head.
when it is all made up- i wet it all well, and wet form it around the blades and the ferrule etc.
now heres a trick: if you leave the form in the wet leather- the leather will dry to the exact size- if you remove the form the leather will shrink a wee bit than the original wet form. now in this case- thats ideal as it will make the head fit tighter- and help it stay put- wet form it the exact size- and it will alwys be loose in the sheath.
some applications you want exact size- but in this instance it will only shrink very slightly- as the overall dimensions of the product are very small- as it shrinks as a percentage!
this is all hand stitched.
use the best quality leather you can get- nice back or butt leather- stay away from shoulders- and definitely stay away from bellies!
if i can help any further- just holla
Rob, i also looked at the little piggy backers- but opted to stay away from them- i like the simplicity of just the solo stalker- and i feel i can get the arrow out of the SS and onto the string quicker and smoother.
thats just me!
everyone is different.
also one less thing to buy- i like to make as much as i can, and buy as little as i can!
good luck, which ever way you go- .
looking at your other projects, it will be awesome :thumbsup:
cheers
wayne
You did a fine job........ :thumbsup:
Rob, I have several that I've made from leather. Might be a photo in my bucket. On my phone now but I'll get it up in the morning.
Actually I found some thick rubber matting, like floor mat or something, which is about .5" think, so I can forego the piggybackers, as I had hoped.
I was also thinking about a narrow strap and loop from leather lacing that will hold my arrow, but release when I pull on it. I just want security when I swap my bow between hands in the woods.
Wayne, thats a good looking stalker. Saddle work sounds like you know a thing or two about leather work, huh. The leather I got is about 8oz from what the Amish guy said. Im not sure yet about veg vs chrome tan, but I have been rubbing in mink oil, and got a chunk of beeswax to rub along the edges of the leather. Is mink oil ok, or is there something better that is easily available?
Everyone else, thanks for looking, Im glad someone else thinks it all looks ok. Feel free to share other projects for me to consider making!
Its always nice to use scraps or junk to make something new and useful. I think its stimulating for the mind as you have to figure out what to do to make something work. It saves money. And you will possibly have a greater appreciation for something you made yourself than something ordered from online or a magazine.
i have never used mink oil- always use neats foot oil- its that natural oil that is rendered from foot and leg bones of cattle- seems to me the right thing to be putting back into cattle leather :knothead: :campfire:
cheers
wayne
Nice work on all fronts!
:thumbsup: nice work
Looks great! I like distressed look in leather also. Makes it look like it's older than what it is.
Wayne, I realy like your three blade stalker. I shoot mainly two blade but recently found a bunch of old bodkins that will make good small game heads. I'll be working on a copy of yours!
Rob, here are the pics of the holder I make. It is three thick of 8oz veg that is laminated with contact cement. I put it in a bench vise to cure it.
The tie on is disposable and is a double of either heavy stitching thread or B50.
Can't believe how difficult photobucket has become! :(
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac170/longcruise/Archery/Quivers/stalker3_zpsimqn8avy.jpg)
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac170/longcruise/Archery/Quivers/stalker2_zpsgbkybgbo.jpg)
(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac170/longcruise/Archery/Quivers/stalker1_zpsace49wvh.jpg)
That one might have been more than three thickness of a lighter stock. Old pictures.
Monterey,
That looks like a good simple idea. I might try that to keep a natural look going on.
Some great work there! I can't tell from the pics but your bow stringer looks like it's just tied to the leather. If so I'd be worried of the leather giving away with hunting weight bows. Most bow stringer like that (which I prefer) has the string go up around and back to make a loop over the bow limb. Sorry if I'm wrong on the pic!
LC,
You are right. I thought about that after I made it and saw the leather stretching some, so sometime I need to run the loop up over and secure it in place. Ill get around to it before too long.
If photo bucket wasn't such a PIA I'd post a pic of a template that that I use. It's basically T shaped and folds over loop of string. However it takes a pretty stout leather as the leather is what keeps the bow limb from poking through the loop and sliding down the limb. I wouldn't doubt there is a build along somewhere or even a You tube on it. I even customize it so one limb tip is smaller than the other so you can easily slip string in limb grooves. Like I said I much prefer this type stringer rather than the wedge that pulls on the limb.
Once again terrific work! I try to make as much of my own stuff as possible or end up customizing pretty much everything I own. This winter I've made (7) 440C hunter knives and sheaths, did a European mount of my bow killed 8pt, processed some turkey wings into fletching and made a electro etch machine for knife marking. I also do my own taxidermy, make my own recurves, strings, etc Winter is when I fire up the wood burner in my garage and make stuff. Summer times there is too much to do outside!
Larry, Rob and all the creators on here- awesome work- love reading about folks building their own gear.
there is sooo much more to this way of life than just making the bows- even though i love the bow building, but all the other small projects are awesome. well done all.
we should start a thread exclusively for making other gear- (besides the bows- as the bench covers that very well).
buildalongs or just pics of other bow related projects.
I finally got a string on my Morrison Dakota.
I went got some B50 from Tom Parsons at Kimsha archery and made a string. It only took me about 6 tries but I got one that seems to work.
Anyone have any tips on hitting your string length the first time? Is there a string LENGTH jig? It shouldnt be too hard to figure one out.
Also, since my string has stretched I put some extra twists in it. Can I twist it too much? Everyones string will be different, so it will start with different amounts of twist. But I found out today that if there isnt enough twist, the whole thing will unravel. Or should I just stick to what is working?
I made this side stalker style quiver and armguard set with an antler handled file knife(blade made by Hickory Bill, I added the handle)for the PA Christmas Exchange...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/IMG_0036_zpsv53uvnpl.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/IMG_0036_zpsv53uvnpl.jpg.html)
...and this brief case/shoulder bag for a coworker...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/DSC00009_zpshtmbxwdb.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/DSC00009_zpshtmbxwdb.jpg.html)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/DSC00011_zpsjbsrchbx.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/DSC00011_zpsjbsrchbx.jpg.html)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/DSC00012_zpszcjcerua.jpg) (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/PatBNC/media/DSC00012_zpszcjcerua.jpg.html)
very nice Pat!- nice stitching- love the combo of double stitching and the buck stitching!!
Nice looking work Gents.
Wayne, saddle stitch for strength, running(buck) stitching for support. I have almost 20 hours in stitching it that one bag and strap...but stitching is like therapy to me.
i hear you my friend, a mildly sedative effect. you are correct, it is like therapy :)
do you use a stitching horse/pony and awl and two needles, or one of the "speedy stitchers" .
your project looks very well planned and executed- really like the knife too!!
I punch the holes with a stitching chisel then use 2 needles, one on each end of the thread to go through same hole from either side, pull tight and go to the next. The stitching chisel make evenly spaced stitching holes. I do use am awl also but only for hard to get to places.
I have a stitching horse a friend built back in the mid 1970's when I started doing leather work.
Pat, I think that shoulder bag would be good to use out in the woods. Looks like theres space for a days supplies/gear plus the small pockets would work nice for other doodads one may use. So about my next leather project...
Pat, I think that shoulder bag would be good to use out in the woods. Looks like theres space for a days supplies/gear plus the small pockets would work nice for other doodads one may use. So about my next leather project...
I'd design it a little different for outdoor use. It's a bit too bulky for that.
Nice work! I have always wanted to try doing some work with leather and this might have started a spark. Thanks guys
Steve
Steve, leatherwork is not difficult or hard to do once you learn a few techniques.