First Horn and Bag

[ChaseReplogle]

First let me say thanks to all the great people in this forum. I have learned a ton from you. Im just about done with my first horn and bag. I would love input and any thoughts.

I still need to attach the last horn strap to the plug and it will be complete.

I do have a couple questions:
1. I'm curious to know when most people dye their bags. I dyed and then waxed my bag last, after everything was sown together. I found it really difficult to get the dye down in the seems around the gusset. I would love suggestions?

2. Also, what do you normally use to seal your horns? I have yet to apply anything.

3. Why is it that this hobby is so addictive. I'm already thinking about round two.

Thanks again, I'm oben to any suggestions.
Chase

 

[S.Kenton]

seal the horn around both plugs with beeswax..then heat it up..slightly..so it seeps into the cracks. Other than that..I do nothing. The bag woulda probably been easier to dye before ya stitched it..I have only made one of those.
Your bag looks NICE..as does your horn, My next bag will be very close to yours..
Where did ya get your leather?
I need some..lol

 

[SpottedBull]

Nice looking set!

I always dye my bags after assembly. I use a sponge or a q-tip to get into the seams and areas that are really small or tight.

Keep up the good work.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Nice work!! The worm holes give that horn character.

 

[Black Hand]

Cut, dye then sew.

 

[rabjr]

:thumbsup:

I've dyed both ways. I usually make the bag then dye it to my liking. Tandy sells little white dohickys I use to dye with.

 

[DanC]

Nice work!

1. I'm curious to know when most people dye their bags. I dyed and then waxed my bag last, after everything was sown together. I found it really difficult to get the dye down in the seems around the gusset.

I agree with those that say is easier to dye before you stitch. Easier to match the thread color to the project as well. If you waxed your thread or siniew, or used the fake stuff, it will not take dye well. When I do dye later, I use whatever gets into the seams best on the project at hand- Q-tips, pieces of rag or cotton balls waded tight and held in a clothespin, ... whatever my immagination and availability afford.

Oil based dyes work best for this aplication, at least for me. Not as likely to get a dark band where the seam is soaked trying to get enough dye in. Actually, I like oil based dyes overall. Easier to get an even coat/color, richer, more durable ... just better dye in my experience.

3. Why is it that this hobby is so addictive. I'm already thinking about round two.

No brain, no pain! :rotf:

(I have to say that because I am currently upgrading my whole kit)

Dan

 

[Ken Cormier]

Addictive you haven't seen nothing yet. Wait until you start stoping on the way to church to pick up road kill for the hides. Nothing like a sun cooked roadkill in the back of the truck to keep people from getting to close lol

 

[omarick1948]

When I dye leather bags, I like to wet it with denatured alcohol and then dye while the alcohol is still damp. Gets in those seems easier and dries the leather dye quicker. If it drys a little uneven..fine! Gives the leather an "old timey" effect!

I seal my powder horns base plugs with a water-proof glue and not bee's wax anymore. Seals much better and you never have to keep re-sealing periodically!

Rick

 

[MSW]

I've only made a few, but i dye after i sew and it seems to woks OK- there is some minor variation in the colour, but i think that adds to the effect.

as regards the sealing, i will openly confess to using epoxy and a variety of other non PC/HC items in the construction of many of my rifles and my accoutremonts (sp?) actually, if you run a bead of it around the seam before you put in the pins, the but plug will be forever sealed ... i can only assume that this would be a good thing, since you really don't want moisture getting into your powder. I'm here in Vermont and we heat in the winter with wood, so it does get pretty dry, but i've never had a problem with cracking.

but please don't tell the PCpolice ... remember the McCarthy hearings? "I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the communist party or any other subversive organization advocating the violent or unlawful overthrow of the duly elected government ... "

 

nice. an incredible vintage look on bag and horn.