Cast my first lead glandes today. The one hanging from a wire is the only one I've trimmed so far. They have wires in them so I can paint them and/or coat them in rubber more easily. The wires are only temporary of course. They are 130g each, and are 2.2in long by 0.82in in diameter.

Good job! I just threw a bunch in a cut PET bottle,with a bit of black paint in it. Then i took them out with something,put them on newspaper to dry. Worked like a charm.

TIP:If you put the pouring channel on the mold to the side of the gland,at it's thickest diameter,it's easier,and nicer,when you cut off the sprue.

New additions to the arsenal…

http://s441.photobucket.com/user/stopher1120/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/sling2_...

http://s441.photobucket.com/user/stopher1120/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/sling1_...

Well then, while making my last sling I had some new ideas on techniques to try. So here is another experiment: A netted pouch without knots. The only knots present in this sling are a turks head as a release knot (made without inserting an additional string but using one string from the braided cord) and double overhand knots to secure the end. The toggle is a piece of wood with a dense braid over it so that the wood is clamped in place and does not fall out. Again, I have not introduced additional strings but made it with the strings coming from the renention cord. And as a special challenge I have not started by making the toggle but braided the retention cord first and then made the braid around the toggle.

The sling performs well, has a clean release and holds the ammunition really well.

Tools used:
- hemp string
- needle
- scissors
- knife

Techniques used for those who want to do something similar:

- 3 strand braid with one and two strings per strand (pouch)
- 9 strand braid with one and two strings per strand (retention / release cord)
- 6 strand flat braid (connectors in the pouch)
- 10 strand round braid (toggle)
- turks head
- double overhand knot

Tomas wrote on May 4^th, 2014 at 11:55am:



Yes, toggles take longer to make  .

Honestly, no, not really. I made my first toggle about 5 years ago and last used a toggle 5 years ago. And this is my second one  .
I personally think that you can mess more things up while making a toggle e.g. thickness of the toggle or length. However, I have similar "sizing rules" for finger loops. I heard people say, that a shot gets more powerful with a toggle but can not really comment on that. In the few short sessions I made with this sling I have not really noticed a difference. I guess a toggle would be an advantage if you would shoot with gloves. Aswell, it's faster to take into your hands as you don't have to aim with your finger through the loop.

Leather pouch hemp sling

I have strayed far from the artsy stuff this last week:  I wanted to try out a super easy idea.  Two bits of cordage tied together with overlap (some 12 cm/5") and a bit of duct tape.  The gap between the pouch parts is 5 cm/2".  I used some mixed paracord bits I happened to have laying around.  I made one 70 cm/27-28" and one 90 cm/35-36" to try out  the idea.  I used bandy and golf ball and had no issues with the simple pouch.  Repair will be super easy