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celticleather

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Posts posted by celticleather

  1. Do you know if the Le Prevo is the Original Strap cutter of the Craft tool version?

    The photo and description doesn't identify the product other than use the words 'Strap Cutter'

    I don't think they sell Craft tool stuff . . . drop them an email to check. enquiries@leprevo.co.uk

  2. J T Batchelor (http://jtbatchelor.co.uk/) in Islington have a vast range of cast brass buckles, all made by a foundry in Walsall, and at a much cheaper price than Le Prevo or Abbey. If you are close to London, a visit to their shop/warehouse would be an eye-opener!

    I have attached their buckle catalogue, and also their tools catalogue, and although I know that a lot of their tools are sourced from J Dixon in Walsall, I cannot say that all of their tools are British-made. Speak to Ted or Rocky, who will soon put you on the right track!

    I should add that the last two figures in the buckle numbers (eg 25, 30, 32 etc) are the strap widths in millimetres.

    buckles.pdf

    Tools.pdf

  3. How do you hold these things while working ? I take it this is like a long stick with curved clam shape jaws ?

    Traditionally, saddler's clams are used in a sitting position. For a right-handed person, the clam would be rested on the left thigh, with the right leg over the lower end of the clam (see picture 1). Some folk like to add the strap and stirrup (see picture 2), which allows a greater pressure to be applied to the jaws of the clam by pressing down with the left foot.

    I prefer to work standing up, so I fasten the clam to my bench with a quick-release strap. As mentioned above, it is important to line the jaws of the clamp with soft leather, to avoid marking the piece that is being sewn.

    post-7199-0-32667200-1367455224_thumb.jp

    post-7199-0-72525000-1367455241_thumb.jp

  4. I would guess the ideal leather for what you need would be from J T Batchelor in Islington, London. It's called Natural Oily Tan Shoulder, 2-2.5mm. I use it all the time . . . it's first-class, and at £3.80 per square foot (last time I ordered) usually a good deal cheaper than the Le Prevo 026.

    They have a website at http://jtbatchelor.co.uk/ but it's not very informative. Best to call them on 020 7254 2962 and speak to Ted or Rocky . . . both very helpful.

  5. That was a pretty cool little slideshow. But, at times I thought it looked a lot like cleaning a septic tank. I'll stick to working it back into something beautiful and let them do the dirty work.

    The early part of the process smells pretty much like cleaning a septic tank, but after the 12-month tanning process, the smell of the leather is wonderful . . . quite unique!

    Interestingly, Tanner Bates (see link in post above) buys his leather from the same tannery. I just found another little video of the tannery in Devon http://s1132.photobucket.com/albums/m564/celticleather/?action=view&current=Tannery.mp4

  6. I think you were on the right track in your first post! I've fitted these using a well-fitting rivet cap . . . just tight enough to need a push to fit on the stud. Place the belt-end face down on a piece of wood, and give the rivet head a sharp tap with a metal hammer. The stud will spread inside the rivet head, just enough to hold it in place. Believe me . . . it works!

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