Leather Bum

Does anyone have any ideas how one would go about repairing this tear? The furry stuff coming out is the wool lining, I believe. I can take more pictures if necessary. Thanks, everyone. L'Bum

I've wanted to make shoes before, too. Here are some links to sites I've seen and come across in the past. Does anyone know of any other links to information on shoemaking? Bespoke Shoemaking Healthy Handmade Shoes Simple Shoemaking Co. Shoedo Trail Town Custom Leather Training Videos L'Bum

I may be completely wrong, and I've never had any experience with this at all. . . But I thought I had heard somewhere that the rubber cement thinning by itself had something to do with the teflon pot. Has anyone else heard of anything like this? L'Bum

Well see, mine turns the leather pretty black with a couple applications. It's just that when I bend the leather after it dries, the bend area turns a lighter gray. I don't know, maybe it was not strong enough back then -- I'll have to test it some more now. I want it to be black and stay black even when bent. L'Bum

What finishes do you all use on the leather once it has been blackened this way? Are there any issues with the regular finishes (acrylic or otherwise) not adhering to the leather properly afterwords? I think what I'd like to achieve is the same or close to the same look as when I dye a piece black and then finish with some Satin Shene, Tan Kote, etc. I did some experimenting a little while back and found the leather seems to turn a lighter gray when it is bent, as opposed to remaining dark black as it does when using dye. Does anyone have an idea why this happens? I can oil the leather to darken it, but I absolutely do not want to over-oil while attempting this. Basically, I'd like a good-quality, satin black -- not overly-shiny but not flat either. I don't want to have to worry about the finish looking poorly in fold areas or coming off later due to some effect of the vinegaroon process. Others' comments on finishing vinegarooned leather would be appreciated. Thanks everyone. L'Bum

You might try the BuckleGuy hardware, though as far as I know it's made in Asia. . . L'Bum

Here's a good topic: Vinegaroon L'Bum

Ok, I didn't know the serrated edge leaves marks. . . I have the TLF Pro Super Shears and noticed the leather sometimes slides along the blades when cutting. I'm not sure if that's due to the non-serrated edge or a dull edge. They seem pretty sharp, I think. Thanks for the note, Russ. L'Bum

Does anyone have experience with the CS Osborne Belt Shears to know how they compare to others such as the TLF shears? L'Bum

Here's a folded reindeer pattern shared on the FLASaH Yahoo! list. I'm not sure it's the type of pattern you're looking for. . . I haven't made any. L'Bum

Thanks, Corter. Very cool; keep it up. L'Bum

Corter, your wallets always look clean, neat, and well-done. There's something about them that just looks right. I have a couple questions, if you don't mind my asking. How thick are the wallets (the one with green trim in particular) when closed? And what weight leather did you use for the card pocket assembly? Very interesting. So that means the card pockets essentially have no bottoms, is that right? Thanks for sharing. L'Bum

Ok, cool. Thanks, Ian and Luke. I have a look at those two. L'Bum

Does anyone have a source for good-quality eyelets? I'm looking for the type used on wallets to secure with a chain (like "biker" wallets), so I'm wanting something smaller than 1/4" inside diameter. . . The most common grommets I've come across are 1/4" ID, so with the outside flange, it seems too big. But I don't know. What size eyelet or grommet do you use for this application? If anyone has a source for these, and tools for setting them properly, that would be cool. L'Bum

So Yak-killing isn't enough for you, huh? Clay, you probably should watch out. . . There are some dangerous individuals here. . . L'Bum

I've wondered about the use of a screw in attaching those snaps. Can anyone explain the process and maybe post pictures of what it looks like? L'Bum

You might try the Buckle Guy. AFAIK, their buckles are made in Asia, though. L'Bum

More exquisite work from Peter Main. What's there to say? His stuff is beyond excellent. . . I'm not sure what the $, oil, snake, and rooster signify, though. That's just it, Bree. Unless I'm mistaken, those are actual carvings on the inside of the belt -- possibly brush-dyed, too! Way too cool. L'Bum

That is a good question. I have often wondered what others have found in regards to suppliers of high-quality hardware. I end up searching for stuff myself, though some products have been mentioned here. Unfortunately, most places I would like to purchase from only sell to companies or have minimum orders too high for me, etc. Anyway, here's a few sites I have heard of and come across (although I have not purchased from most): Rome Fasteners DOT Fasteners (have bought Durable Snaps, not too high minimum order) Standard Rivet Company Philip Machine Northwest Brass Works Belt Buckle Bill Fasnap Corp. C&C Ribco Stimpson Index Fasteners (fastener distributor) Hoover Press-N-Snap (snap and grommet hand setter) Eisen Small Box Hardware Perfect Fit Outdoor Textiles (grommets) Siska, Inc. These are just some sites I have bookmarked because they appear to be possible sources for some hardware. Like I said, other than DOT Fasteners Direct, I have not purchased from any of these. The minimum orders and such make it more difficult to buy from. I would be interested in hearing of others' experience, and I would especially like to know of other possible suppliers anyone else might know of. L'Bum

Yeah, I've seen that site! I used some modified patterns from there to make these four balls quite a while back (for some reason the green one didn't turn out too even). Here are a couple of other sites that have related information: Making Bean Bags for Juggling Make Your Own Juggling Balls No, I don't know how to juggle four balls.

Check the Mariner caps at DOT Fasteners Direct. I think they're just plastic caps that will work with the regular metal snaps. . . Is that like what you're looking for? L'Bum

I'm not Jack, but take a look here: Hoover Press-N-Snap. It says the tool is made in the USA, too. McMaster-Carr has one like it. Check here too: Perfect Fit. I do not have the tool; I've just come across it by searching for higher-quality snap fasteners. L'Bum

You might try Rome Fastener. Perhaps they have them. . . L'Bum

Ok, so what are the reasons why brass is superior to zinc for hardware, etc.? L'Bum

The Philip Machine Co. apparently makes brass roller buckles of several varieties: roller buckles. The buckles are made in the US, too. I have not purchased from them. L'Bum