Mollard

I posted this in another section, but got no reply, figured I might have better luck here as I REALLY need some help here. OK, I have been researching leather for awhile now. I have been building things, studying how things are fabricated, all kinds of stuff. I am stuck on leather finishing. Also with maintenance. I have been reading all kinds of different stuff on the subject, but can not seem to find a surefire way to make my leather tough and durable. I need my projects to withstand the elements for years. What maintenance steps are taken after finishing? After all the reading I have done, I still have no idea where to start. When during the fabrication process do I apply a finish? Where do dyes fit into all of this? What are your steps for finishing leather projects? What measures do you take to ensure it stays nice for years to come?

OK, I have been researching leather for awhile now. I have been building things, studying how things are fabricated, all kinds of stuff. I am stuck on leather finishing. Also with maintenance. I have been reading all kinds of different stuff on the subject, but can not seem to find a surefire way to make my leather tough and durable. I need my projects to withstand the elements for years. What maintenance steps are taken after finishing? After all the reading I have done, I still have no idea where to start. When during the fabrication process do I apply a finish? Where do dyes fit into all of this? What are your steps for finishing leather projects? What measures do you take to ensure it stays nice for years to come?

That's a great idea. Never thought of burnishing with that radius. Probably would have fit perfect. I wont through them away, I'll keep them around. Hopefully I will get to do some more work tonight. 69 thread? How is thread gauged and rated. One other thing I was thinking about was hemp. Anyone ever have luck with stitching it? Or what do you think I should use. Thanks Chris

I will have to call Bob some time this week when I get a chance. So many people have good things to say about his product I will have to try one out. Sounds right up my ally. I had a little time to spend down in the workshop last night and decided to try and build a case for my knife. I have been able to really improve the edge on my awl which is helping out tremendously. Thanks for your help on the sharpening ideas. I think the case turned out decent, but really need to review the steps of fabrication. I feel I am ready to start stitching a matching belt and wallet for my first real build. Before I do though, I need to figure out a dye/finish system that is going to work for me. With this case here I just winged it with some stuff that I got from a bud. Maybe someone could suggest a good system that would work for me, and explain a simple process. I have been reading so much about dyes/finishes, but still don't know which direction to take. I need something that will help the leather rough the elements. Everything I plan to build is something that will take a beating and see lots of weather. I have no idea where to begin with this. And thanks a lot for all your responses. It has helped out so much. Chris

OK well I figured I would show some pictures of what I have been up to the last few days. Have been really busy with other stuff, but have managed to squeeze in a bit of time for leather work. I found a sharpening stone and got my awl to a pretty good point. Made a big difference, but I'm going to have to work on my sharpening technique big time. Here is a few pictures for you guys. Thanks for all the help eh. Chris This is the workshop I set up for myself in the basement. A few of my practice pieces. Closer up. Here I was playing with the stitching spacer/over wheel. Trying to get the look/quality that I'm after for these bags. Here is a carving I did. Not really what I want to do, but I sure I'll put just a couple decorations on my bags. It's out of one of the books from Tandy.

Tool bag looks awesome. One of these is on my list to do. Is that thing hand stitched? What process did you end up using for the finish?

Well, I still seem to be having problems. I got another awl from Tandy. The first one I tried had a handle with a fixed blade. The new one has a handle with replaceable blades. After only a few stitches the blade became loose in the handle. I tried tightening it with pliers, and got it to work enough to finish the small project I had started. When I started another practice piece, I only finished 3 stitches an then I snapped the blade completely off. I'm beginning to wonder if it is my techniques that are the problem, not the awl. The first awl I choose had a sharp point and blade on it. It worked really well until the blade pulled out of the handle. The second awl was not as sharp as the first so I tried sharpening it on my own. I feel that I was never really able to get it sharp enough. I think this is my biggest problem. I would really appreciate any sharpening tips from you guys. Also. I my first project was two pieces of 8/9oz stitches together. The second two attempts I used two pieces of 5/6oz. Maybe I chose to heavy of a leather to hone my techniques? Thanks a lot. Chris

Hmm, there is just something that I like about the old fashioned stuff. Personally, I think the mink oil worked great, it is very water proof now. There is just something about the spray can that is turning me off. But next time, I think I'll go with it, because of the colour change. But for my boots I like to rub some type of dubbin in. Just seams more "real" to me.

Yeah skulls and flames isn't really my thing neither. I want to focus on making bags that last a lifetime + I'm sick of the throw away society I live in. Every where I go people want to sell me junk, so I decided to build stuff myself. Now, how can I build myself a quality awl...... Chris

Yeah I think it's probably best to leave it alone for now. The mink oil worked great for water proofing them, but just the colour change is disappointing..... Now I don't know what to put on the other pair. What are you guys using on your boots these days? Thanks Chris

Well, I took the plunge and bough SOME of the stuff on my list. Bought a nice hide to practice with as well. I want to build heavy duty stuff here, so I started with some 5-6 oz stuff. My cheap tandy diamond stitching awl gave out right away. The needle part pulled right out of the handle after about 10 stitches....... Thats why I wanted to buy the quality stuff first, but this was the only one they had, besides the 4 in one which sucks also (and it makes to big of holes.). Can anyone recommend a place for a quality stitching awl, over stitcher and groover? Thanks for the help everyone.

There is this set of boots that I put mink oil on. It really darkened all the different shades of leather into one shade. They are now water proof, but she doesn't like the colour? Did I mess everything up, can something be done? These are the boots: http://www.bouletboots.com/index.php?page=48&MCatID=4&CatID=38&PID=377 Thanks a lot Chris

Hi. I've included some pics of the seat off my motorcycle. I bought this bike intending on making some changes and it's time to change the seat. I want to stain/dye it a darker antique colour. I was wondering if someone could recommend some sort of technique. I'm not sure how the leather was died or treated originally. I was thinking I would have to likely clean it with some sort of saddle soap, the a dye and a finish or oil likely. What would you recommend I use for cleaning and regular maintenance afterwords? Thanks a bunch. Chris

Ok, I'll get on the profile thing. I did happen to make it into tandy the other day. Just ended up getting my more reading material. Want to do a bit more studying before I take the plunge.

Hi. My name is Chris. I have been interested in leathercraft for awhile now and really want to give it a shot. I will be mainly focused on stitching motorcycle saddlebags, tool bags, belts and wallets. I'm not so much interested in tooling, yet. I want to be able to build rugged purpose built bags. Nothing fancy yet, just tough as nails. My interest in this started when I began doing long trips on my bike and could not find exactly what I required in a saddlebag, short of hiring someone to build it. My main source of inspiration is my bag from Saddleback Leather Company. I have one of their backpacks that suits me perfectly, but they do not offer saddlebags, tools bags and such. So I know what I want to build, but have no experience what so ever. I want to head down to the local Tandy and pick up a basic set of tools and a supply of leather. But local means 2 1/2 hours one way. So I want to be sure I get everything I need to begin stitching. I have been studying the books "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" and " Leathercraft Tools" by Stohlman. I feel I have a decent list of tools required, but sure I missed something. So I'm asking for a bit of input before I make the journey to Toronto. I'm not interested in buying a "beginners set". I would rather buy quality tools, only the ones required for the task at hand. Want to start with some decent knives: Al Stohlman Damascus Curved Trim Knife Damascus Straight Trim Knife Damascus Head Knife (any comments about these?) Al Stohlman Punch Set Most of the rest will be Craftool to start: Poly cutting board Edge Beveler + slicker Stitching groover Over stitch wheels Draw gauge - for cutting straps Strap end punch Awl - diamond shape? Harness needles Compass Stylus Stitching pony Maul and smooth face hammer Straight edges + The Art of Making Leather Cases Glues, Dyes, Finish, Thread, Wax, Rouge, LEATHER. I don't know anyone personally that knows the craft. Just trying to put together a decent tool kit to get myself started. Any help is greatly appreciated. Inspiration: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/ Thanks a lot, Chris