bizbeblu Report post Posted May 10, 2013 Hi, just wandered in out of the sun. Literally. I've returned to working leather after a break of several years. A collection of old craft tools, a few specialized ones, a work bench. Currently I'm limited by my skill not my tools. I was scratching my head about a problem and the sudden thought, "Oh, bet there's a leather forum on the net somewhere!" Like I said, just came in out of the sun. I live in a very depressed town (mine closed) and sell a lot of work to Hispanic people. The winter folks don't seem too interested in local work. I've found that older people really like the traditional floral patterns: acanthia, poppy, rose, etc. Younger folks (say below about 35?) want patterned, abstract work as in basket weave and such things. No problem, I like both. I've done a couple of simple wallets using commercial "guts" (just don't have the time and patience to sew up all that pig skin). When doing a complete stamped back, the leather deforms quite a bit. I can still get the thing laced up and looking good, but it's quite a bit of extra work. I don't remember having this problem in the past though I was working heavier leather. I think my casing technique is still good, so does anyone have a "special" or secret way to help the blank hold its shape. Help would be much appreciated. Robert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PutnamLeather Report post Posted May 10, 2013 Hey, you made it just in time for coffee. A good quality masking tape on the back of your leather befor casing will keep it from deforming. Also you could rubber cement it onto a thin piece of cardboard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bizbeblu Report post Posted May 10, 2013 Hey, you made it just in time for coffee. A good quality masking tape on the back of your leather befor casing will keep it from deforming. Also you could rubber cement it onto a thin piece of cardboard. Thanks. Even when I lived in Seattle, I never got too much coffee. Making tape is an idea I hadn't considered. I thought of rubber cementing it to my granite block, but I have to move the work piece so much - particularly when I'm cutting - so that seemed impractical. Has anyone tried something like a thin sheet of metal (maybe not a good idea with leather) or perhaps laminate as a backing while working? Thinking thru it I can't see a problem but if someone has already done it, will save me a possible disaster Robert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David8386 Report post Posted May 10, 2013 I done some rubber cemented to plexiglass. Usually on belts and such I use packing tape. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jhinaz Report post Posted May 11, 2013 I use masking/strapping tape but I know some people that use contact paper (shelf liner). Also, rubber cement and X-ray film works well (if you can find X-ray film anymore, most small medical offices have gone to CDs). - John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tina Report post Posted May 11, 2013 I use the 2" blue masking tape from 3M (Lowes and more has it) and I have 2 layers in criss-cross on the back. The blue tape is stronger and way easier to remove when the work is done than the yellow masking tape. Remove it when the leather is dry otherwice you might strech the leather in a total wrong way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bizbeblu Report post Posted May 11, 2013 Wow! Thanks all for the suggestions. I have plenty of 3M's blue tape around. (I still work as a builder on the rare occasion that anyone can afford a home these days The Lexan is a good idea also. Will experiment. Thanks again to all, Robert Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
