amacman

Will it take most materials(or at least calfskin) down paper thin?

If you're asking if you'll be able the stretch those leg areas flat to incorporate them, without wrinkling up the skin in the center, then probably not. As long as the flesh side of the alligator has been properly processed then you will get a bond as good as cowhide flesh to flesh. If the flesh side of the gator is real loose and fuzzy, then get a sanding block and remove the excess from the flesh side. But, you will need to go ahead and select a rectangular area that doesn't depend on those leg areas laying flat-they won't without making wrinkles.

I work in alligator a lot, however, I'm a watch strap maker, so not all of this may be relevant. Cutting-rotary, the only way to go Watch out for excess, loose flesh on the backside of the hide. This will cause trouble later as it leads to separation of glued pieces. Shave a little bit off with a splitter if you have one, otherwise a sanding block works for larger pieces, and you can use a dremel with sanding drum for small pieces. If you having problems folding it, then you probably have caiman/South American alligator. Its scales have a hard, almost bone like part, it will break and ruin the pieces if you try to fold it. Otherwise gator will fold like cowhide. To thick, or to tight can cause a split, so thin the backside as needed. Regular contact cement works great. Gator shouldn't be relied on for structural strength, layer it with calfskin or another suitable material to the desired finished thickness. Gator will tear between the scales if not backed, especially on highly stressed areas. Hope this helps

I can give you a source if you're able to spend around 30 cents for each ring/buckle and buy at least 100