UKRay

One comment, be careful if you use steel nails as they can discolour/stain wet natural veg tan if they are in prolonged contact - like more than a few minutes. Check out the threads for dying leather black with vinegaroon to see the process. Ray

Good tip, Aaron. Glue on edges is a real pain. I use a German glue (made by Renia) called Klebfest. It is almost impossible to 'unstick'! If anyone in the UK is looking I sell it on my website.

I use vinyl floor covering. It is cheap and incredibly strong. Thick enough to cut round and handles much like leather. You can even use it to make up prototypes. It cuts with any knife too!

T'would seem that edge staining/dyeing machines aren't as popular as I thought! lol.

I'm looking for a way to speed up my edge staining and have seen several machines - some expensive and some cheaper - and would like advice on the best way to spend my money. Have you used one of these machines? If so could you give a quick resume of its strengths and weaknesses please? It would be most helpful. Cheers, Ray

Bakers are not closed - I just had a call from them! Ray

I own a very nice shiny rein rounder that sits on my shelf and looks great. Sadly, it never gets used. I have tried it a couple of time but could do with some clear instructions on what to do with it (please keep your suggestions clean folks and no it isn't for sale!). Can anyone help please? Assume I know nothing - which is probably pretty near the truth. How do I start? What do I do first? Pictures would be sooooooo helpful! Cheers guys, Ray

Thanks for the kind words and picture, Paul. I believe I saw that one in my online travels. It gives me the size pretty well. Now all I need is some ideas on what to do with the one I have on order. This 'making stuff' is harder than I thought... What may be useful is an image of one of the British royals about the time of Henry VIII with glove, bird and pouch on display - I have seen it before but just can't find it now. Anyone got any thoughts? Ray

I've just spent several hours searching the web for pictures of a falconry pouch. Other than a few commercially made items I've drawn a blank. Has anyone got any clues, hints, links, whatever? I'd be very grateful for some help. Ideally I'd like to get some idea how falconry pouches have evolved so historic pics would be very useful. Links to modern pouches, carved/stamped pouches - whatever you can find! lol. Many thanks as always, Ray

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I don't have the facility to dry the thing under cover so have to rely on the weather being kind - and I live in the UK so that is a rare thing this year! I'll give the bar soap and brush a go as soon as I can source some proper soap. The mud is mainly on the walls so hopefully not too big a task. Just 64ft of them lol! If anyone else has any ideas then please add them. It would seem that there is very little information about care and maintenance of canvas on the web - but I'd be happy to be proved wrong! Cheers, Ray

I'd be very grateful for any helpful tips regarding the care of my (new this year) 16ft x 16ft canvas tent which I use at shows. It is currently drying slowly after the Great British Summer... unfortunately it is also covered in a variety of different kinds of mud - sticky clay, sandy mud and almost all the other varieties you can think of. Any suggestions as to how it might be cleaned without causing damage or affecting the tent's waterproof qualities? All ideas gratefully received! Thanks folks, Ray

A great book. Superb reference. I've had mine for more than 30 years and still find it fascinating. Ray

Lovely work, Paul. Glad to see you are still turning out great things. Ray

Try using a fine point Sharpie to colour the inside of the stamped letters. Don't go into the impression - just the raised inside bit. It works for me! Ray

I'd endorse Sno-Seal too. Just keep the tin handy as it will need regular re-application. Ray

There could be a business opportunity here guys - branding leather couches... Well, how else are you going to prove the thing is yours after it has been skinned?

Do make sure your insurance is up to date first!

I suppose it is only a matter of time before leather couch rustling occurs... there you are settled down with a few beers when a gang of hairy leather workers suddenly rush in and snatch the couch from under you, drag it into your back yard and skin it in front of your eyes. Explain that to the nice police officer! LMAO. Ray

Glad you still like it, Luke. I have a similar one! I've recently invested in a small arbor press that gives me a perfect impression every time without the 'bounce' or double impressions I used to get with handled tools. There is nothing worse than spending hours on a project and having it spoilt by a poorly stamped maker's mark. Ray

Just want to let you guys know about www.artisans.co.uk who have made numerous stamps for me over the past few months. I've been delighted with the results - and before you ask, no I'm not getting paid for telling you this! (although a few cheap stamps would be appreciated lol). Nick is a thoroughly decent bloke who tries really hard to produce exactly what is required. Enjoy the website. Ray

Thanks for all the suggestions. Most appreciated. Ray

This winter I'm planning on running a few one and two day leatherworking courses (at beginner and intermediate level) and wondered if anyone had any experience of either running or attending similar events. I guess what I'm looking for is the best way to give a great 'customer experience'. What stuff have you or your students enjoyed? What didn't go so well? How would you run a course or what would you like to see/learn if you attended one? I know this is a huge topic but we have to start somewhere so please contribute any ideas or suggestions. I'm really looking forward to your opinions and responses. Ray