Jason311

Hey all, I'm looking for suggestions for where I can find a quality monogramming kit. I'd prefer one that held three to four (or more) letters in a row and stamps strong and evenly. I've looked at a few places and just haven't been able to find what I saw a while back. Thanks in advance, Jason

Camano, Thanks for all the info. I knew it was an involved process, but had seen some makers state that they hand stuffed their items. It seems to me that if you used a heated neatsfoot / bees wax mixture that it would just oil the leather well, instead of actually changing some of the temper and over-all feel. David - I have to use my dryer for its intended purpose - but I'm willing to bet it would survive one go-round, but I don't wanna be the guy to clean it up. I may still have to try the simplest option just to see how that compares with regular oiling. Thanks again! Jason

Hey all, I was curious about how I could hot stuff my own veg tan just to see what the results would be like, but a couple searches have turned up no additional information on how to do that. In fact - if you do a search for hand hot stuff leather on Google, some "interesting" info emerges! lol Anyways - if any of you can provide any info - I'd greatly appreciate it. What kind of oils to use, the process, etc. Thanks, Jason

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll give it a go with it dry first just to see how that goes.

Thanks for the replies - I am using the red label. I have played around with alot of different time frames on waiting to let it set and even then it doesn't stick very well. On the other hand, I have used two types of calf skin that stick nearly immediately. I'll keep patience in mind with this, but I was getting frustrated! Jason

All, I have resolved this issue in my own way, but am curious as to why this is happening. I am using hand dyed veg tan from Wickett and Craig with a drum dyed goat skin. Both pieces of leather are completely dry and I apply the cement (Weldwood) and let set for no more than 5-10 minutes. I apply this relatively heavily - enough so that both flesh sides have darkened from the cement. I put the pieces together - use a roller pin to ensure a good fit. However, two hours later - in one case, even a day later the pieces will easily come apart. I have solved this by simply adding another layer of cement to the one that has dried - about 30 minutes or so. I'm curious as to why this is happening in the first place. Both leathers are highly cementable but certain liners do not stick well - both chrome and veg tan. Is the cement being absorbed by the leather and this is causing there not to be as much surface contact? Any tips would be helpful. Thanks! Jason

Hey guys, I see alot of makers choose to use bridle or harness leather for small pocket items like wallets, pouches, etc. Has this always been a standard practice or is this something new because people don't like working around some of the obstacles that natural veg tan brings? It seems almost an oxymoron to take a leather designed for a equestrian trade and then split it down to 3 oz or thinner just so you don't have to dye and / or condition the leather? Or... am I completely off on that observation? Thanks in advance, Jason

I couldn't find a solution to this problem, so I'll post it here. I have an issue using carnauba creme to buff after dyeing. Regardless of the wait time (2 hours - overnight), when I go to buff the leather with the creme, it leaves green / metallic staining. This only occurs on light to medium color dyes - diluted fiebings medium brown to be exact. Anyone know what's causing this? Thanks in advance, Jason

Like the others - stitching is solid - at that SPI, .6mm thread looks very sturdy. Nice work.

Nevermind. Mr. Einstein finally realized that can pull together because its cut apart on that section of the frame. Done deal. Thanks for the inspiration.

How is the center seam pulled together? What I mean is that it would seem like this would shorten the frame unevenly. I haven't played around with it yet, but don't the edges of the interior still remain wider than the center portions?

Hey All, I want to make a first attempt at a long or mid wallet. I've seen this construction a hundred times over but haven't been able to completely get what's going on with it. Is the interior "frame" one piece of leather that has the "center" cut out to attach the pockets or is there more than one piece? See attached - thanks in advance! Jason

Here's the final product on this one. The cement is still setting. All in all, it turned out well. If I had to do it again, I'd make the straps thicker.

Nice Paul - that case looks great! Just for the record, the case requested is a Bible cover / ipad holder. The guy wanted to use the iPad while studying and have it all fit into one model. I've mocked up a model that doesn't look cumbersome. I'll post a pic once I finish it. This will definitely be a one off project though.

I'm going to give it a go with weldwood. I've had excellent results using it with liners. If that fails - I'll try some tanners bond.