Good Day Folks,
I want to introduce myself and maybe start with a simple question that your expertise can help drive what type of materials I use. First off my name is Alan. I retired from the US Navy in 2009 and came back home to Austin Texas. I always knew I would start my own small business with industrial sewing machines but never what direction I would take. I still work my normal 40+ hour a week job and will keep it as I slowly work into this. It is my first business and I am intimidated by so many facets but the time is right to push through the fears and get busy being my own fulltime boss 'someday'. After experimenting with so many projects I wanted to (or other people asked me to) make, for the initial launch I have settled into making custom and semi-custom rifle cases. I am a one man show and it's a field that cost little in fabric/foam/liner but that I can do at home in my off time and hope business grows. Also I am slow because I need to get better sewing and patterning to be honest. I sewed allot with Consew 206's much of my early career but it's been awhile. I am rusty.
Now I realize this is not upholstery, and I most certainly don't want to get into the gun/anti-gun debate, I just wish to manufacture American made textile products and it's a product line I can do fairly well (and will improve). I hope there is no fallout from me not being in the upholstery business and told to leave here. I have lurked for a long time as a guest and finally signed up. We use such similar materials that I wanted to try here and hope that it's okay. I currently have a Bernina 217N-08 and it works fine for what I do, but dream of a Juki 1541 down the line. It will be the next sewing machine.
I use Cordura 1000D material for the outside, 69 nylon thread, ½" sew foam and for the inside I am using auto velour material. My question relates to the auto velour. I chose that material due to its strengths (easy to work with, the "rub value", looks fantastic, won't scratch the product it protects, easily cleaned, etc.) but I would like your thoughts,. What I have made so far came out real nice but I want something that has long term reliability.
I would appreciate your opinion whether I am chasing the right material for the inside.
Alan
Welcome aboard Alan,
Interesting undertaking. I'd love to see some pictures of your work. I'm sure others here would also. As for your material of choice it sounds like a good choice. Quality automobile fabrics are very durable. And it sounds like the velore will be nice to the metal it touches. I would be concerned with any chemical reaction that might occur with the metals it touches. Not that I have any experience in this but it comes to mind.I would research the materials fiber content and see if there is any reactions to certain metals. I would also research some other case manufacturers to see what they use.
Sounds like you on a good track. Keep it up and you will do well. I think the bernina is a great machine for this. You wouldn't want a heavy duty unless your going to get into heavy duty fabrics or leathers.
Welcome. You will find some awesome people on this forum and many who are masters at their trade.
The Cordura is a wise choice but Paul brings up some good points on the velour. I would do some checking into this to make sure the velour will not promote rust. I cannot comment oin the 69 thread as I have never used it. Everything I have used is 90 and 138.
Best of luck with your new endeavor.
Chris
welcome to the board Alan. I've done alot of these as well. My business started out as custom leather crafting and custom cases etc... (part time) I like your choice of materials. Number 69 nylon thread is the trade standard here in Canada, I've never had a problem with it in this application.
The velour works fine. The only thing I'd be concerned about is a leather / unlined case. That is where I have seen reactions.
If you'd like to talk patterns and techniques etc... Drop me aline and I'll post some pics etc...
Thank you everyone for your comments. It does make me think and pursue further research so I really appreciate your inputs. Paul, I will upload a few photos of some of what I have done. There will be obvious mistakes you all will pick out but these were learning experiments as I tried different tactics. I am pretty critical (of myself) what I did wrong and these are not "sellable" by my standards, but I have thick skin and don't mind constructive criticism. I certainly have been making technique improvements and will continue. Something interesting, the cheap cases that sell for $10-$40 have what I swear is cambric fabric as the liner! I even bought some cambric for my very first experiment and it's the same. Others I find use a flannel liner. There is more of course. I will not compete with junk, but wish to be unique.
Chris thanks for the good points. Velour is new to me and I have found some issues but had not thought of these points. Guess I was more concerned with open cell vs. closed cell foam but that is another point altogether. Fortunately I have worked with 69 thread quite a bit. In the Navy we called it "E" thread. It was our main stay thread for sewing/modifying/repairing survival equipment. There we used bonded nylon which I have, but I also now have some polyester 69 thread for more UV resistance. In my cases, nylon seems it would work fine but both are sized and sew the same. It was recommended by my local machine repair guy that 69 is about the max size I can use with my Bernina.
Darren, I sure will. PM work best? I am soaking up all information I can. I have not played with leather much mainly because my machine is just too light (non walking foot) so I am working with what I have. But the current material match well. I will take all the pointers you are willing to share. Thank you!
Thanks everyone, the experience with all types of sewing on this board are incredible.
Alan
Former Navy ??? Oh Boy. I have a sailor to harass. :)
I just spent several days with two of my buddies - former Naval aviators. They are the worst of the lot. One was an F-4 driver and the other an A-4 / P-3 jock. Both got on my butt and harassed me for several days. They love taking advantage of a lone Marine. :)
It has always been fun being a Marine, till your alone with jet jocks, bubbleheads or skimmers and your out numbered. :)
I am not familiar with the Bernina so if your machine guy says stick with 69 then you probably better.
Funny you mention sewing in the Navy. One of my buddies ( USMC ) is a stitcher these days and got his start doing seat covers for harrier jets while in the Corps. Your the only other former military vet I know of that started sewing in the service.
The only thing the USMC ever gave me to play with was an M-16, some grenades and a compass to find my way back to base with. :)
Chris
QuoteFormer Navy Huh? Oh Boy. I have a sailor to harass. Smiley
We call all twelve of ours "Boat people" LOL. We do have more pigeons and snake rapers to tease though.
QuoteThe only thing the USMC ever gave me to play with was an M-16, some grenades and a compass to find my way back to base with.
"Liz" lent me a 105 mm for a few years. What was really cool was the shoot where I was at the sharp end with 18 - 155mm's and 6 or 8 105's to play with.We shortened a hill by 30 feet.
Chris, Semper Fi! And feel free to harass me all you want :). And for my Bernina, it has a very narrow bobbin so 69 thread as the heaviest works best for it. I'll try to upload a few photos of my learning curve to see how they come out. The first was only my second case I made, did it over 1 1/2 years ago. Mistakes are obvious and I have corrected my methods but here it is.
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Lots of cons - I don't like the shape, it was too tall, too many wrinkles, bottom webbing was 1/2" off from end to end, etc. I tried to run a marathon whereas I should have walked a 5K. For larger picture I hope http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/010.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/010.jpg)
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An idea I haven't seen anywhere else, foamed magazine holders. They were effective but each came out inconsistent of the others and were difficult to attach. I can improve on this. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/011.jpg
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/011.jpg)
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Not perfect (notice the sewing edges around the zipper) but the idea is one I work with. There is no "inside" of the material visible. I double over and foam lined this (1/4" sew foam) so only the outer smooth side is visible. Better abrasion protection for whatever is placed inside and hopefully adds some "class". It does use more material albeit not by much. All pockets are done this way, no rough side of the material can be seen inside any of them. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/015.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/015.jpg)
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Oh the horror of my mistake here. Beautiful Envoke Velvet cloth from Miami Corp that I completely screwed up putting on. It was my first try with adhesive and I did everything wrong. Should have practiced first, got help, not rushed! So, I tried sewing to keep it smoother (see the long lines sewn in) and it's functional, but not a good job. I have learned and have pictures of another case where I fixed that. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/welcometoalsworld/Rifle%20Cases/018-1.jpg
I make things differently now, but overall for only my second case it turned out fair. Great lessons learned, but these photos might be better suited for the "How Not to do things" thread on this forum. I will post some more of improvements on a different case.
Alan
Nice looking work for just starting out! Keep it up and refine as you go and they'll be flying off the shelf.
I like the magazine clips, but if you sewed 3 pouches then appliqued them to the front of the case, I can see where they'd be a nightmare to attach. I'd be tempted to make a large pouch (big enough for the 3 clips), dart the corners where necessary, then sew the large pouch to the face of the case. After sewing the perimeter, run a stitch line through all layers between the clips, effectively making 3 out of the one. You'll lose the curved styling, but for a lower-cost "production" model, it may work. Actually, with practice, you could probably add the curve. After the pouch is sewn on, add the 3 cover flaps with velcro or whatever fastener you're using.
As for foam, if you anticipate these going hunting, I'd use closed cell simply because it's more impact resistant and doesn't absorb water. One really kool idea might be a rain pouch that covers the whole enchilada. My daughter has a very expensive camera bag that has a small, sewn-in pouch near the handle. In foul weather, just open the pouch and pull out a super-thin waterproof cover (also attached to the bag). The way it's sewn and attached makes it a 20 second to install cover that will never get lost.
You might get lots of design ideas from etsy by looking at camera bags. For instance, you might add a detachable shoulder strap so you can sling it on your back while hiking.
June
Oh, and fabrics with a nap like velvet and velour are difficult to sew on ANY machine without having the fabric creep.
hi all look good to me also a lot of sewing there I had a requjest for 5 photographers light bags once a lot less work then yours what is you hours per bag vs costs?
I don't look at a lot of bags closely and was wondering about your xipper and if there shouldn't be more hidden , im just compairing to a cushion zipper that would have flaps covering it
Hi everyone. An exciting day as it was my first to spray with Dap Weldwood Landau HHR adhesive working on my latest project. Things turned out almost too good as it highlighted something I had not experienced before. I use material backing whenever I sew Velcro on for longevity & strength, one of those unseen quality things I try to incorporate. Usually it's not seen, but after spraying/pressing, it showed my crookedness of that backing material. Funny, but it's the happiest mistake I have ever made seeing how well it showed with the HHR. I will have to remake the piece but will learn from it for future endeavors..
June, I am going to try your ideas on the case I am making. He wants them (magazine pockets) inside a zippered pouch like shown above so they will have no cover, but I need to just make them straight and find out how they turn out. I think it will work fine for this project, and will experiment in the future. Concerning open cell vs. closed cell foam, yeah I debate that daily in my head. I know you are 100% correct about moisture retention and what I currently use will soak it up. I can get open cell locally, but finding closed cell is more difficult and quite a bit more expensive. I do not have a definitive answer where I will go but still shopping for closed cell. As soon as you said a cover the first thing that popped in my mind was Silnylon, silicone impregnated rip stop nylon. I could easily make a small, lightweight waterproof cover and incorporate a pocket to retain it. That may be my initial starting idea if I stay with open cell foam for now. Still shopping for that option. As for a strap, yes I have put shoulder straps on two of my cases (opposite side of the pockets) and will put one on the project currently in-work. He specified how he wanted it so it will be a little different than previous ones, but not difficult.
Mike, yes yes yes I want a flap covering the zipper but I'll be honest, I just don't know how? I want to warranty the zipper for a long time (it's the last thing I install, I can easily repair/replace if needed and the only real failure spot I can foresee unless I make a mistake). But it is too exposed and welcomes me to do rework if I don't incorporate something to protect it like a flap. Rework only cost me time and money (not to mention customer dissatisfaction) so it's something I must learn and incorporate. A metal zipper may be able to withstand more abuse, but if I leave it out there exposed to get abuse then I have made a quality product with a flaw. A very valid point that I need to find an answer to. Concerning hours per bag vs. cost, right now I am tremendously slow and inefficient. I do know how to improve both but have moved slowly as I pattern and re-teach myself the basics. My business is not up and running yet (launching in June) so I have a ways to go. Just these past two weeks I was able to get all my business requirements done (11 digit tax and sales use number, EIN number, Doing Business As) received but I must get better and get my system down. What I am showing has all been for practice, friends and family. Honestly I am real ignorant concerning how to pay myself so I know I have tons to learn. But I have to start somewhere and so far it's a very exciting time, and a long time coming. I have a ways to go for sure.
Thank you all for your inputs, I certainly appreciate them!
Alan
Tomorrow evening after my normal job I will post some photos of a more recent case. There were process improvements and the inside came out really nice. Errors of course but much less and better consistency. I think you will see an improvement. Getting there slowly but on the way...
Alan
Alan:
I have to agree with June. When I make my ladder buddies ( textilene bags that strap onto ladders ) I make the pouches oversized. I stitch one side and then stitch across the bottom after sewing darts into the corners. Once it is sewed around its perimeter I then separate the puche into smaller pouches by sewing a double stitch line up and down. Saves a bunch of time in cutting and stitching.
I think your cases look great. Heck I would buy one if I needed one. I think your on top of your game and will have them perfected in a short time.
In regards to your mag pockets, take some scrap material and try doing what June and I suggested. You will get the hang of it in no time and find out how easy it is to do.
Great job.....especially for a skimmer. :) Best of luck with your projects.
Chris
what are you using for a zipper id use a #10 coil with metal slider. with zislon zippers I have had to get some with the plastic slide I hate them . metal slides only for me .
reciently I made this cover for the control on a trolling motor . I made a flap to cover it with Velcro to hold it down in the wind ect .
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Good evening all. I wish to say I tremendously appreciate the support and assistance you all are providing me with. I was hoping to be accepted on this board (not being in the upholstery business) because after reading this forum for a long time before signing up, the wealth of knowledge from those who run their own business or work in smaller businesses know what works and what does not. I really value what you say as you are the professionals that I hope to someday join your ranks.
On with the update. Yes I will follow what June and Mike said on the pockets. Wonderful ideas. I am slow to fabricate in the evenings after my normal job but am working on a case now. Once finished I will post photos, maybe in the correct section ha ha.
Mike, currently I have been using #8 coil zippers, but also have some #9 and #10 coil zipper length. The #9 is only in black but I can get unlimited yardage (now wholesale yay!) from my local upholstery supply store. They call it Jeep zippers. I assume it's used for Jeep tops? I only use metal sliders so I am onboard with you, no plastic sliders. I think you have settled another debate in my mind, #8 or #10 coil? From now on I will only order #10 coil. I have seen #10 as a selling point for others making the same products and why not, tougher with minimal cost difference. Internal debate settled although I might use up some of what I still have. And yeah I'm gonna teach myself to make the flap to protect it. I know it's not hard, just got to work on it.
Okay, going to try and upload some photos as promised. Maybe the thumbnails will work today for me.
Alan
Alright, a few photos of a case I made for myself about three months ago. What's new? I have begun using binding around the edges and attaching my zipper to it. I make the binding myself with the help of some Sailrite binding making tools and machine attachments. Works pretty good although I have a slight issue with the joined binding feeding through when sewing, kind of tough (thickness). It finally dawned on me "why don't I use 500D Cordura for the binding while making the rest of the case out of 1000D"? I think I will order some 500D just for that purpose. I can get many cases made of binding out of a single yard of material. Man I sure wish they made Cordura pre-made binding like Sunbrella offers, that stuff is fun to sew with! I have tried Gosgrain webbing and it's easy but just feels cheesy to me.
This case was made from 1/4" sew foam and of course has mistakes, but I was very happy how the inside turned out. No wrinkles! I have improved this on another case with 1/2" foam but never took photos. Shame on me. Anyway, here is what I consider a basic case...
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The foam separated along the front edge from the binding zipper area. I have already fixed that for all future cases. Also the handle webbing is sewn too close together. I did try to balance the weapon but it's happened twice so I'm just going to have to spread it wider. A few more inches of webbing is all it will cost me per side. Needs to happen.
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Total shot of inside.
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The inside came out real nice, I was happy with it except my zipper webbing excess. Zipper teeth were too close to the edge of material which gave me excess inside. I will improve this.
Happy with this material except... it's new. White carpet looks great when it's new until its walked on after a rainstorm and the mud shows. I think I should make the inside material darker to accommodate hiding gun powder, oils, dirt, etc. Surfing now for a uniform darker color that looks nice and will mesh with multiple outer colors.
Okay, that's all my photos for now. I still have work to do but getting better. My last case (no photos) was the best I made but again the inside colors where light. And 1/4" foam was a mistake, not enough protection. Also the camo was because I got a great deal and couldn't pass it up. I plan on more popular colors as I begin and expand.
Alan
From a technical standpoint I think your cases are awesome. Your stitch lines look good, nice and straight. Your use of the webbing is good as well.
I think you have a winner on your hands. Remember, these are custom / handmade case so should be sold as such. Don't short change yourself on price.
I am curious, what are you asking for them ?
Chris
I agre with mojo don't sell yourself short in custom work. when I had a business in NH I had a small sportshop also and sold flyrod that had cases similar to your you could branch out and double your market providing expensive flyrod cases with holders also for fly cases and tools such as clippers and medical sucheurs
Chris, thank you for your words of encouragement. To answer your question, for now I just don't know? It is my first business venture but price is what will make or break it. My thinking is for a basic case as above, a fairly set price that is affordable but not compete with chain stores or overseas made stuff. This is Made in America and I really put lots of efforts into bringing the quality back to that statement, not some flag waving cliché. I MUST make profit and sell quality to make the effort worthwhile, while not going overboard. I understand that the government will take so much (taxes, Social Security, etc.) so all that factors into my end cost. But I cannot sell myself short as you are so right in stating. Pockets and such will be options and cost more appropriately. Up to now, everything I have been purchasing has been retail price in small quantity. I did a quick cost analysis awhile back and it turned out that for the cost of one case, materials were 1/3rd, shipping was 2/3rds. That flagged me hard but a good reality check. I am doing everything out of pocket but MUST reduce that shipping expense. Bulk buying should help to keep some stock on hand but to me, (at this point) bulk buying may be 5 yards of material. Yes, I am small ha ha! That's okay, it will keep getting better and I will grow. I am a realist, doing this wont make me a millionaire and it will be some long work days, but I think everyone on this site knows this much more than me. At least I don't have false or unrealistic dreams.
But, there are not allot of people doing this type of work, and what I have found out there on the internet is everyone has very different designs. That helps me because what I have in my head (but yet to fabricate) is like nothing I have seen before. Some of what I find are (in my opinion) way over priced, but I have no desire to undercut nor copy anyone's ideas. I want to be original and hope people will pay their hard earned dollars for it. I think they will. I have some really cool options, (including removable...) but I am pretty good at putting the horse before the cart so sometimes it's slow down, get back to basics and making things consistent.
One more thing. I do have a feel and experience with making production runs, and that is exactly what I need to do with myself and these cases. So far I have not, doing one at a time. It is a mistake. These can be made in runs and get some timing down. No loss in quality, just doing business smarter and much more efficient. I know I can be much more efficient even with my limited space. Simple things like patterns help :).
I am all ears concerning business and cost advice. I am 100% ignorant concerning this but at least I realize it.
I got a haircut recently from a new barber shop. As I talked with the owner, he gave me some advice that was taught to him. It was "if you don't have at least 4 people a week walking out saying you are too expensive, then you are undercutting yourself. People will pay for quality". It at least made me feel better.
Aren't you glad I am so short winded? :-[
Alan
Mike I read your message and it dawned on me, I live in the Live Music Capitol of the World, Austin Texas. Custom soft guitar cases? I better get busy cloning myself, things just might be getting busy!
Alan
Quote from: Alsworld on April 05, 2013, 05:15:22 pm
I currently have a Bernina 217N-08 and it works fine for what I do, but dream of a Juki 1541 down the line. It will be the next sewing machine.
This looks like a pretty good price on a slightly used one. 200 miles from you:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/3733724857.html
Alan; those are all top shelf already. Yes, there were a couple of minor "bobbles" on the first,but I would be hard pressed to find a customer to pay for even a "custom" case that took as long to make as the camo with that much attention to detail.
Ramblings;
If you stretch the lining and "tack it" to the table before gluing the foam on ; it is less likely to pucker when you fold the case and it is now on the inside curve.
I've made/bought a few cases with a contrasting centrefold Sunbrella binding.Personally I like the look. I don't have an example here ---but; if you sew the zipper inside the lining,bind it,turn and top stitch you can "cover" the zipper the same as sofa cushion.
Evening all,
been busy the last few days patterning, fabricating and experimenting. Gotta put forth the efforts instead of just talk and think about them :). Thanks for the link sofadoc! Sure wish the funds were in place, slighty used for that price would surely be worth the trip. Just don't have the cash right now. I sewed on a Juki 1541, a larger Highlead and a Juki bar tacker for about 10 months in 2010 and wish I could own them all. But the 1541 I will own someday, just prefer not to go into debt getting started. Of course my mind could change next week...
Darren, simple ideas from you are a huge help for me. Experience of everyone here really helps me quicken my learning curve. It's things like that that help me so much, thank you!
The past few days I have ordered more external and internal fabric. My normal job is slowing for a few weeks and they are reducing hours which gives me time to fabricate when it all arrives. I am working on one case now and it is by far my most complicated. I need this to challenge myself. Fortunately, it is for my nephew, a US Army Captain and I have no time constraints. As said previously, I wish to start my business officially in June if I can make that deadline. It's my own set deadline but I used June as a date for all my tax forms and such establishing my own business. So much to do and figure out but when all else fails, get back to the basics and fabricate.
I have finished a custom pocket for this case where I formed Kydex to a pistol and will rivet in a custom holster in an outer center pocket as he wanted. When I do this I will post photos because it will show some of the hidden quality features that will never be seen once completed. I need this case to be flawless as I will photos to my website when it's up and running, another project not even started. Won't be real soon but coming. Today I made some magazine holsters like June and Mike suggested. It was just experimental but the upper portions and sizing came out great. With the sewing it looked phenomenal but I need to work the bottom and sides more. Baby steps for you all maybe but for me the initial results were extremely motivating. I was real pleased and will continue to pursue this more. When I finalize one that I am happy with I will post pictures and then maybe you can see what I have in my head on what I am chasing after. Once patterned it will look complicated (and it is) but will be somewhat simple to fabricate if I stick to my order of sewing. We'll see, I must get there first and it's coming along.
Anyway just wanted to update those who may have an interest in watching a newbie create something new during the exciting part of starting a business (before it becomes a job ha ha!). Keeping my day job for now, but sure hope my next boss is me! Time will tell...
Alan
Kool. And as you progress, don't forget the ladies. I don't think anyone out there makes a rifle case for the ladies. For inspiration, look at your wife's (and her friends) purses and shoes for styling and design elements. Lots of ideas there that could make it attractive. I don't own a gun or shoot for a hobby, but I have friends who do. It's an under-served market. Kinda like tools. I have small hands and it kills me when I can't handle a tool simply because there's too much distance between the safety and trigger.
June
Out of curiosity, what does a gun case sell for today? Well, a range might help to understand the potential of this business. Of course potential has volume wrapped all around it. Is this an item picked up often by gun people?
We do furniture and something like decorator pillows are a loser for us, no matter how custom we make them. To see a going business in pillows it would take a volume producer (factory so to speak) to be able to set up equipment and buy materials at the lowest prices. Cheaper labor is essential also and is not available, therefore labor would have to be offset by some very expensive hardware and software.
A hobby, it sounds interesting and satisfying, your work is to be commended.
Doyle
June,
yes you are absolutely correct on targeting all genders, not just one. My wife reminds me of this daily ha ha. Your ideas for getting design ideas are great and I have lots around the house to study. I guess I will have to study colors as well. The typical stereotype color men think of is pink, but I know that is just what I called it, a stereotype. Although for some women it is applicable but certainly not all. When I get there, research can assist me.
Doyle,
I went this route for a number of reasons. Mostly because this is my "Intro to Business in the Real World" and I need things to be slow, low volume as I kick things off. Like you said, custom is only for the few and not the masses, and with the economy hurting, not everyone can shell big bucks when their belt is tight. I need this lower volume as it gives me many learning aspects including the following;
Marketing, advertisement, contacts, vendors, customer relations, paying taxes without getting into any trouble with Uncle Sam, website creation, etc. I can push myself to create, design and fabricate my own ideas and get a reality check on what is desired, what price people will pay, does Made In USA sell? Does it matter? But at least I can rely on myself during this period and grow. And not to mention the startup cost is extremely low as I have the tools and space. I work full time so this will be a part time business. And like you mentioned, if I keep it at "hobby" status the IRS will come back on me, they frown on that with me purchasing wholesale and tax free. So it is a push to make sure I am selling a quantity even if small to make or head towards a profit margin.
As for cost, the volume stores sell mostly foreign made cases from $10-50, with fancier ones a little higher. Retail stores with a higher end target have massed produced selling for up to $120. Most custom cases I see range from $150-$650. I have bought some cheaper cases and they are made along US border towns by migrant workers who come across the border daily (legally) to make them so the company can add the label "Made in USA". It happens right here in Texas every day and they can even call it Berry Amendment Compliant. I am not going to compete with that cost nor sorry quality. But, they do sell and in much larger quantity than I ever will in my shop. I will exceed in quality and hope that some people will shell out their hard earned dollars for just that. And in this industry, I feel very confident they will (albeit in smaller numbers for sure).
One thing I do know is for me trying to jump into the "tactical" market, aimed at military style high powered rifles and such is indeed flooded with foreign made stuff and they have that market flooded with products, the prices are cheap and have some pretty good stuff. I cannot compete unless I have something whizz-bang new. Although I won't turn away that business, and am making one now, I will go more towards hunters, shooters and such. The headlines in the news sadden me as much as everyone else and so I want to focus in another direction. It is a huge industry so even starting small and low volume I will have customers.
As for mass produced factory? I have no plans for this business going that route ever, but am thinking of future business (non-firearm related) that can. I am hoping this first step will help me with all I mentioned above to ultimately launch something where I just might be able to earn some real money. Who knows, it just might happen? Anyway this is my reasoning behind the direction I am going. And yes working with my own ideas, hands and creativity is indeed satisfying.
Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it being direct and keeping it real. You see what works and what does not so I listen and pay attention to everyone's input.
Alan
Well I am back with an update. It starts with AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!! A little frustration after a rough weekend of wasting time and material. But a learning curve as well. I'll call this a venting session but at least you all can see where I am going and where my mistakes are through my pictures. Yes, I am getting there but the last 2 1/2 days have all been on one pocket I have yet to get down. Yes, I am not good patterning but know I can do this. I am close but so far success eludes me. I will get it but at least wanted to share with photos of what I am attempting.
I have taken everyone's advise except Mikes, (I'm still using #8 coil zippers vice #10, it's what I have for now in the correct color). In the future Mike the big zipper will be #10 but may keep #8 for pockets. Undecided so far on that.
June and Chris,
I have two versions of magazine holders now, one for the inside of a pocket I call sleeves (open bottom) and a version 1 for the outside. The sleeves are working out fine, the outer pocket is just a sample that came out okay. Pictures to follow.
My failure this week and weekend is how to properly end my zipper (lets not talk sizing of my outer cover, my ever ending headache). I know, zipper ends, sounds simple right? For me in this particular case I have failed, and failed, and failed again. Duh! So today I put everything aside and worked outdoors. I know I can get this but you all have given me such good advice, I thought I could at least show you where I am going and yes, even my failures. I am a newbie and realize that so it gives me comfort (but my wallet screams other curse words) :). Thank goodness I am not doing this for a living....yet?
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2Fth_021.jpg&hash=d442be99edabb08f7e8f7c3dc2f8df42) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/021.jpg.html)
This is a two magazine sleeve sample. I can sew them together tightly if only two but not three. Bummer, I like this look. Please disregard open edges on the sides, a sample only. It is lined with 1/4" sew foam.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2Fth_023.jpg&hash=127950ec25915e068e0127a047845b55) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/023.jpg.html)
My Version 1 of an outer 3 magazine holder. Of course it would require Velcro or snaps to hold down a cover flap. I can do either.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2Fth_015-1.jpg&hash=661a9dfc89aee8a573d24a3794b7a4d8) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/015-1.jpg.html)
What I am trying to create (outer picture).
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2F016.jpg&hash=f45bcaeafba68d8c67836e1fa1c85aff) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/016.jpg.html)
yes the bottom left corner is bad, corrected on another cover (That still failed).
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2F004-1.jpg&hash=1374f14e2cee80d8f28e4a5441fd7c29) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/004-1.jpg.html)
Inside before much is sewn.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2F019.jpg&hash=bb838366e2b0346c0989d63193da66e9) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/019.jpg.html)
This is what is all about, 3 internal sleeves.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy72%2Fwelcometoalsworld%2FRifle%2520Cases%2F018.jpg&hash=92cba7e3f8cc83b7040667080ac0ba65) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/welcometoalsworld/media/Rifle%20Cases/018.jpg.html)
We are getting there but this weekend was supposed to move faster and less expensive. At least I hope you all can see that I have some talent (that is questionable ha ha) but am making some headway. And yes, this is the hardest design I have done yet, a simple rifle case is peanuts compared to this. I will get there...
Alan
I think your pockets look great. Sorry I cannot help you with zippers. I rarely do them and not great at them when I do install them. I have struggled with them and find them to be a pain in the ass. The gang on here are very good at them and do them all the time, I suck at them. It is very hard to get good at something when your doing it once or twice a year......lol..:)
This business is all about learning. It is trial and error and ruining material and pulling your hair out. But time at the cutting table and at the machine is what makes you better. Every single one of us have been there........frustrated from screwing things up. But in time we get proficient and that is done by making mistakes.
I think your work is great. Keep it up.
Chris