The ubiquitous SHOE GOO !

[ToddB 68]

Hi everyone !

I'm just getting started in leather work and trying to economize on my first project by using materials & supplies on hand.

My first project will be a utility sheath, made from 13 oz. (.210" thk.) veg. tanned cow hide, hand stitched 5 spi, using poly thread.

Just wondering if I could substitute clear original formula SHOE GOO in place of Tandy's' Tanner's Bond Craftsman Contact Cement #2525-00.

Has anyone had experience using the GOO on leather projects ? A photo is attached.

Thanks,

Todd

[TexasJack]

13 oz? Heavy stuff. If you haven't bought the leather yet, you might want to think a bit lighter.I suppose you can substitute just about any glue, if that's what you want. I would suggest that the best choice is rubber cement. It's cheap and if for some reason you screw up, you can pull it apart, clean it up, and start over.

[pancho47]

if the shoe goo is the same that i used years ago it will harden like a rock when it drys

[ToddB 68]

Thanks for the replies TexasJack and pancho47 !

Jack......I already have a side of veg. tanned. Knowing I was planning to get into leatherwork, my brother bought it for me when he was at the Friendship Flea Market, Friendship, Indiana last year and dropped it off at my house on a subsequent visit. I used a micrometer to measure every 12" or so around the perimeter and got between .140" and .210". Possibly the edge had swelled to .210" thick in certain areas. I attached a photo of the top paragraph on the back of the GOO package. The claims look pretty good to me. Maybe I'll get a few more responses from the members to help me decide whether to use this product or not. Thanks again for your remarks.

pancho47 ......Please read my above paragraph to Jack for additional information, also the product claims shown in the attached photo. Maybe the manufacturer has changed the formula since you used it. Thanks again for your input.

Todd

[Daggrim]

Weldwood Contact Cement, found at any hardware store is excellent. It works as well as Barge Cement did, before they changed the formula.

Doug

[ToddB 68]

Weldwood Contact Cement, found at any hardware store is excellent. It works as well as Barge Cement did, before they changed the formula.

Doug

Hi Doug ! Thanks for the tip. If I am interpreting correctly, the Barge Cement formula was changed and in your opinion doesn't work as well as Weldwood Contact Cement. Correct ?

Todd

Edited January 26, 2010 by ToddB68

[GoldenKnight]

... So this response is really late, but still on the subject

I have used Goo a few times for heavy outdoor gear utility stuff. It does remain flexible & holds well. I too stitched where glued.

If this is all you have on hand and need to get on with a project, use it with caution.

* One big drawback is the smell. It will take a good week or more for the smell to dissipate.

* Also, don't get too generous as it will ooze around if not monitored and could be a problem in some situations with smaller items.

* You will also need to immobilize & clamp the item in place for at least 5-hours for a good hold before stitching. Use waxed thread or it is possible you will have excess glue on your needle(s) & thread.

Bottom line: the current formula of Goo (shoe) bonds strong & flexible, but it's not ideal for most things and rubber cement or better yet contact cement is preferred and easier to use. Contact cement will do everything Goo will for leather & contact is more user friendly, less messy, easier to control when applying & setting, and doesn't hold that strong odor as long.

Edited May 7, 2012 by GoldenKnight