finishing edges help please

[pete]

What do most of you do to finish say a coaster, mousepad, etc, even a belt where the leather is perhaps 5/6 or more and the back is split calf or deer? If I bevel the edge and try to burnish it, it shreds the deerskin.

I cement the back and then trim it so that the edges are perfect but I don't want to ruin the backing. Should I burnish the edge and THEN glue on the backing and take a round knife and try to trim the back- hopefully not cutting the burnished edge?

thanks

pete

and yes- I am leaving the edges raw- not sewing and obviously not lacing.

Edited October 27, 2008 by pete

[calanneh]

Should I burnish the edge and THEN glue on the backing and take a round knife and try to trim the back- hopefully not cutting the burnished edge?

Pete,

This was the first thing that came to mind as I was reading your post. Finish the edges and then glue the lining on.

William