LatigoAmigo

The grid is built into my self-healing cutting mat (33" x 58"), and I built my workbench to match. Would not be without it.

Given that there are many different types of leather and reasons for gluing them together, there are also many ways to approach it. Thanks for the tip for gluing small pieces of veg-tan leather.

I have been very happy with the "Italian Twist Press No. 2," a bench press that I picked up from Campbell-Randall for $105. You can find it here: https://campbell-randall.com/product/italian-twist-press-no-2.

I have never had a problem with this recipe, it has served me well. Instead of beef tallow, it calls for lard. Easy Braiding Soap Recipe.pdf

I am amazed at your work. These look great. Since linked images tend to "unlink" over time, I've created a photo collage with your images so they can stay embedded here for all to see. They really are inspiring.

I am finishing my first shoulder bag and faced the same issue. What I did was go onto Amazon and purchase a 10 yard roll of Country Brook Design 3/8 Inch Black Heavy Nylon Webbing to place between the straps along with a leather insert. It provides strength and increases stiffness.

CLBK45 is what I have, and it is black all the way through, but I can't attest to their heavier weight latigo. Best of luck finding what you need.

I recently purchased some black latigo from the Hide House (in Napa, CA) that might fit your description, as it is black on the inside. You can find it and more on pages 29 and 30 of their catalog, or you can find it on their website at https://hidehouse.com/products/. Just type "latigo" into the search window. Hide House Catalog 2018.pdf

It's good to see that you have not just been sitting around. What a grand assortment of work. Very nice!

Here is the link to the Campbell-Randall site that lists their BF110 Hot Iron Station for Burnishing, Crease Lines, & Thread Trimming for $225: https://campbell-randall.com/shop/edge-finishing. You might call them during business hours to get more information, 1-800-327-9420. Friendly service. When I bought one from them it was available without the transformer, and at that time they also offered an assortment of tips. Based on the information shown in this listing, those options may have changed.

Maybe you could post a photo of your saddle so we can see what it looks like.

They are "self-healing," but that does not mean indestructible. It will wear out over time, but when that happens you just flip it over.

But now we all know where some of the holes in our hides come from.

I was able to open your file with "Paint", a program that comes installed with Windows, then hit "save as" a .jpeg.

If you have a gmail account you can use that sign in.

Maverick Leather shows some 1.5 to 2 oz. kangaroo on their website: http://maverickleathercompany.com/product-category/kangaroo/

I am fortunate enough to live near the Hide House, so I've had the opportunity to purchase directly from them. It is an amazing place. They buy from all over the world, and offer an extensive selection of leather. You can see from their catalog that they offer Wickett & Craig and Herman Oak leathers among others. Every time I've been there I see them bundling and shipping out leather (and they ship out a lot of leather), but I have not had any experience with their mail order process. What I like best about the Hide House is the people... they offer personalized service, and they really know the business. Hide House Catalog 2018.pdf

Thought I would show you what a Chinese laser (in this case a 100-watt) could do. It has taken me a while to get the swing of it, i.e., beam alignment, focal adjustment, and more. So, after many YouTube videos, a class at a local maker-space and a test of my patience, I am very happy with the results, and am willing to share anything that I've learned in the process.

This is quite an interesting and entertaining topic. Here is, to either confuse or clarify, a link to the Hide House catalog, which lists their many types of leather and a brief explanation of each. I would dare say that these guys probably know the business of leather and leather types as well as anyone. Hide House Catalog.pdf

It sure looks like the end of just about any birthday/Christmas package I've ever wrapped, before I've folded or trimmed the tip of the triangle.

Good question. To minimize smoke residue, I adjusted the settings as I cut the leather. I started with a pass using 50% power / speed 40 mm/s, then step it up to 75% and slow down the speed to 20 mm/s for the next three passes. Finally I turn the power up to 95% and slow down the speed to 10 mm/s in order to really finish the edges and make sure the cut is clean. The power settings, speed and number of passes is dependent on the leather that I'm cutting, and, surprisingly, that varies quite a bit, and not necessarily on the thickness.

It is a used "homemade" laser cutter that I found on Craigslist. It was made with parts from LightObject in Sacramento, CA, so it is no particular brand. A ventilation system is a necessity.

Just finished this for a benefit as an auction item. Edges, lacing holes and engraving were done on a 100 watt CO2 laser cutter.

FYI: Here is Bob Park's product flyer. Parkway Products Flyer.pdf

Like HaloJones, I too am a hobbyist and "my knife work is poor as is my drawing / tracing" so I have to depend on software, in this case Adobe Illustrator. I purchased a 100 watt CO2 laser a sometime back, and it has taken me a while to get it to perform the way I want. This wine tote is my latest project. Not as perfect as I'd like, but like I said, there is bit of a learning curve with a laser cutter.