Yankus

I will be going ahead with it, gonna do a couple of starter projects first..... Got a coaster I've started that's going to have a simple coffee cup carved on it, just waiting for the tools to arrive in the mail. Also......hand beveling is not a good idea....

I checked out the link and that is exactly what I was thinking of. Also thanks for all your replies. Chris

Hiya Folks, Was having a bit of an idea (or seizure depending on your point of view) would it be possible to make a door card out of thick leather. The door cards in my car are perfectly flat and there is no handles or pockets. Just holes for the window winder, door handle and mounting screws. Does the community think that if I use one solid sheet of 5mm leather, tooled, water hardened and stiffened on the back with several coats of resolene would this idea actually work or would the leather eventually just sag off the door?

Thanks for the reply, I have been searching around the site (using search) for about 2 weeks (nightly) as well as watching YouTube videos and anything else I can find (When I try something I do it with gusto). Tandy classes would be awesome however I live in New Zealand and there are no classes in my area. (yes I have looked, leather work isn't very popular down here) I have learned quite alot and believe I can do this project (maybe 1 or 2 go's at it). If I could buy a half bracer it would be easier but nobody sells a plain half bracer that would suit so making it is my option, which is cool I never knew leather work could be so interesting till I found this site. There is alot of info out there but there is also alot of gaps. Alot of the dying stuff I've found just says dye the leather not when or how. Thanks Chris

Hiya there, I've been lurking around the site for a while and joined up last night. ==WARNING: Dumb questions to follow== I have NEVER done anything with leather, however it looks very interesting and something I would like. I'm looking at making a Steampunk accessory which is a leather half bracer with some brass componentry mounted to it. I'm making the assumption that I will have to use a heavy leather to prevent tearing and distortion of the bracer (and I would like to use it for a long time). 1) I'm assuming you tool the leather before you attempt to mold it (only a couple of small stamps, mounting holes etc. 2) I've read you have to soak it in water to be able to work it (casing?), some say warm, some say hot, others say straight from the tap, which is best? 3) Lining - I would like to line it with something comfortable for long term wear, any suggestions? how do i attach it? i've read about sewing and gluing but which is better? and i assume you have to do it after you mold it or the water would ruin the lining. 4) when burnishing edges, do you do it when wet or fully dried? 5) Dying must be done when dried I assume but how, do you soak it, sponge it on, mist it? 6) Any suggestions as to leather weight? brass pieces will weigh around 400g all up and be mounted to the "top" using nuts and special flat head bolts through the leather. Thank you for any help/advise please don't troll the new guy..... Chris