Hey all,

I've been making tabs for a couple years, but lately have been shooting some commercially available tabs.  I'd like to try and make some new ones to better fit what I like, but I'd like to get some advice and info on the materials that are used so I can get some of it.

First is the leather.  Some of that tabs use these thick leather "plate" like pieces for the palm that the damascus is sewn to.  It's looks like it's 1/8" thick and it is really stiff.  I don't know much about different leathers, but what kind of leather is that?  I'd like to get some to use.

Last is "O" rings.  Some of these tabs use "O" rings in place of a cord or elastic strap to hold it in place.  Unfortunately these "O" rings that you go and get at Lowes aren't the same ones.  Those "O" rings will break very easily.  The ones used in tabs are very tough and resilient.  They don't break easily at all.  Does anyone know what kind of "O" rings these are as I'd like to get a few to try.

Also, if you have a tab that is different than the myriad of tabs that are out there, how about posting it?  I always look for different ideas when it comes to making tabs.

Thanks for the help.

Nalajr

Material wise make it out of cordovan leather "horse hide" it lasts forever !  

I've got cordovan.  I am talking about the palm part, the thick leather piece that rides in the hand.  That's what I don't know, what kind of leather that is.

Thanks
Nalajr

my favorite "style" for 50 years.
 

Maybe some kind of saddle leather or you could try heavy (10-12) Latigo leather. Texas, home to Tandy Leather should be one close by?
"O" rings are not created equal as you found out. You may have to find a place that sells them as their business. I used (A Real Seal) in San Marcos, Ca.

I just double up whatever leather im using for the tip. search homemade tabs there some good pics

Go to janitorial or hydraulic businesses for o rings

Leather from Tandy works

This is what I make & shoot...very simple.

 

When I used to shoot split finger...

 

Nala try an auto parts store like Napa for the o-rings,and see if they are better quality. I know Big Jim sells squares of cordovan leather for making tabs,and I hear that is some of the best for tabs.

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the cordovan? I've been searching forums, googleing, and checking **** regularly, with no luck.

Oops I guess big Jim sells it. I didn't see that.

get hold of a leather supplier and ask for "sole bends" they are used for the outer soles on dress shoes- and it is normal leather that has been compressed and sized- a process where they kinda condense the leather- and with a impregnated adhesive compound- it keeps it in that state.

cordovan is sure good- but i got hold of a chrome tanned goat hide- man it is amazing- really thin, and  have shot thousands of shots thru it- and it looks like it is barely an hour old. the horse hide is also chrome tanned- that leads to a thinner leather which does not indent like veg tanned leather- i would not use a veg tanned hide for the tab part of the tab- it gets a groove real quick, and hooks onto the string
cheers
wayne

o rings come in durometer ratings (read hardness)  most common being 70 these are fairly soft and pliable. 90 duro is harder and stiffer used primarily for sealing stationary parts. they are made of various materials neoprene, viton etc. If you have a Caterpillar tractor dealer or truck dealer that services Cat engines ask to see their oring kits. You will find what your looking for in a high quality oring. Cat has a fetish for using o rings in their products.
58

Transition from split into 3 under. I never needed the double layer of leather over my fingertips. I like to feel the string. You can salvage leather from other items to make a usable tab. Third one from the left was the tongue off of one of my Danner boots.

I went to Tandy leather today and they let me pick through their scrap bin and I found a couple pieces that are pretty thick and would work great.
I also plan to use some other stuff as the palm plate too.

I haven't found any suitable O rings though.  Somewhere out there I'll find them though.

I already shoot 3 under.  Much better than split, I think.

I got the cordovan about 3 years ago from a fellow member.  He and I were PMing about tabs and such and he said he had some kind of specialty leather place near him and said he'd go and get me a piece of it.  I took him up on it and he sent it to me.  It's great stuff, but it's not really thick or really stiff.  It works though.


Thanks
Nalajr