Newbie Here And Need Some Advice

[Bibliophile]

Okay I'm completely new to the leather scene, and frankly books are what have brought me here. Bookbinding is something that I've always wanted to do and the thoughts of a high quality leather bound tome are the kinds of stuff dreams were made of growing up. I know I'm not gonna get there right off the bat but I'm wanting to start in the right direction. Every book I've read on the subject (including books dating to the late1800's and early 1900's) seem to all address one massive issue. Poor quality leather. Especially leather decay and deterioration due to acid content especially sulfuric acid levels.

Thats the intro sorry for the lack of a well thought out question I'm finding it hard to ask this quite the right way. First off I'm thinking of raising my own goats here in the next few months and want to use as much of the animals as possible, and I felt tanning the hides was a perfect way to help with that. However I've ran into a couple walls when finding a way to make a long lasting bookbinding styled leather. I don't mind using other tanning processes for other items as I don't usually care about looks as much as utility but in the case of my books I want my handbound library to be able to be of archival quality eventually.

So I guess a more concise way to ask my question is: How can one tan a leather that has next to no acid content.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I've read so far that using sumac Is apparently a popular choice but Bookbinding sources are not usually competent in matters involving leather except as to what is pleasing to the eye.

Edited July 3, 2011 by Bibliophile

[TwinOaks]

Hi there, Bib.... Welcome to Leatherworker.net!!!

I don't know the specific answer to your question, as I buy my leather from suppliers. However, I can tell you that there are several ways to tan leather...some of which may not be possible or practical for a DIY set up. Probably the easiest thing to use (though not necessarily historically accurate) is chrome tanned leather, aka chrome-tan. It is preserved with chromium salts instead of bark tannins. It doesn't take water like veg-tan, and won't tool in a traditional sense. You can heat form it, though. That seems to be as good place to start in your research as anything else. If you look at the top of the main screen, you'll see ads from some of our advertisers (they rotate through a slide show on each refresh or new screen). I recommend calling some of the suppliers listed and speaking to some folks in the tanning industry as they can give you a very detailed answer.

[Bibliophile]

Not really looking to buy leather to be honest and the extra work and feasibility isn't really an issue. For instance even if I had to grow Sumac or collect dog or bird droppings (Which is actually still common practice in some countries for designer style lambskin leather) I'm really at this point just in the research stage though and thanks for the tip on the chrome I'll look more into it to see if theres any word on acid levels.

[Wishful]

There are several other internet sites that are dedicated to tanning. Here is one to try http://www.braintan.com/

Edited July 4, 2011 by Wishful

[Bibliophile]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. Im looking forward to working with leather and Hopefully I might be able to actually contribute to the site once I get a little more experience.

[Nod4Eight]

Funny that you mentioned those two particular ingredients - goat hides and sumac. I have plenty of both and have been thinking of trying it. Have you found a process detailing how to tan with sumac? From what I have found it makes a nice leather but I have not found a process to follow yet.

[Bibliophile]

actually Im sorry but I havent all I know is it was more commonly referred to Morocco leather if that helps

If i find anything Ill post a link.